Hadith Text & Reference

The Messenger of Allah said: "The believer's soul is suspended by his debt until it is settled for him."

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1079 | Book: The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals) | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Meaning & Significance

This hadith employs a powerful metaphor indicating that a believer's spiritual progression in the afterlife is hindered by outstanding debts. The term "suspended" (mu'allaqah) signifies that the soul remains in a state of detention, unable to attain complete liberation and proximity to Allah until all financial obligations are fulfilled.

This emphasizes the grave nature of financial rights in Islam, considering them so weighty that they can impede the journey of the soul after death, even for a righteous believer.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam at-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (good). Scholars explain that this suspension applies even if the deceased was punctual in prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship. The debt represents the rights of other people (huquq al-'ibad), which Allah takes with utmost seriousness.

The scholars deduce from this that settling debts takes precedence over voluntary acts of charity and even some obligatory acts for the living relatives. If the deceased's estate is insufficient, it becomes a collective responsibility (fard kifayah) upon the Muslim community to settle the debt and free the believer's soul.

This hadith serves as a stern warning for Muslims to avoid debt when possible, to document debts properly, and to repay them promptly, fearing the consequences that may extend beyond worldly life.

Practical Implications

1. Muslims are encouraged to be cautious about incurring debt and to repay it as soon as possible.

2. Relatives and heirs should prioritize debt repayment from the deceased's estate before distribution of inheritance.

3. Writing down debts and informing witnesses is recommended to ensure obligations are known and can be settled after death.

4. The community shares responsibility in helping settle the debts of deceased Muslims who lack sufficient funds.