It was narrated that Huthayfah, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "I heard the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, saying, "Once a man died and was asked, 'What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?' He replied, 'I was a business-man and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor." So he was forgiven (his sins.)" Abu Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, "I heard the same (Hadeeth) from the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him."  (1).

Amongst the lessons drawn from the above-mentioned Hadeeth:

1- Virtue of giving time to the rich to repay his debt and  deducting part of the debt of the poor. Also, the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, supplicated for the one who adopts leniency and kindness with others. It was narrated on the authority of Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessing be upon him, said: "May Allaah's mercy be on him who is lenient in his buying, selling, and in demanding back his money." (2).

Whoever wants to get such supplication of the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, then let him adhere firmly to such descriptions and behave in that way.

2- Urging Muslims to tolerate, have good treatment, adopt the good manners and noble morals and avoiding argumentation in selling and buying and making things difficult for people by asking them to pay back their debts. Ibn Habeeb, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "It is recommended to be lenient in selling and buying. This does not mean not to ask for paying back debts but avoiding argumentation and the like." (3).

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(1)         Reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari No. (2391) and Saheeh Muslim No. (1560).

(2)         Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (2076) with a modification.

(3)         Umatul Qaari by Al-‘Ayni (11/189).

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