Islamic Relief Through Extension of Debt Repayment Period
Talking about debt, sometimes you immediately feel tense, right?
Especially when talking about late payments. The impression is immediately negative. As if the person who is in arrears must be negligent… or even considered to have no intention of paying.
In fact, it is not always like that. Because there are people who are really having a hard time. They want to pay, but they don’t have the funds yet. Business is quiet, household needs continue to run. Their intentions are good, but the circumstances are not on their side.
Unfortunately, many of us are quick to judge. Before we ask how someone is doing, they already send us a bill. Before we know the ins and outs of the problem, we are already suspicious of all sorts of things.
This is where Islam teaches something different. That sharia is not just about calculations. But it also teaches manners, compassion, and empathy. Including in matters of debt.
Interestingly, the Prophet ﷺ once said that postponing the obligation to pay debts to people in difficulty could be charity .
From Sulaiman bin Buraidah from his father,
من أنظر معسرًا فله بكل يوم صدقة قبل أن يحل الدين فإذا حل الدين فأنظره كان له بكل يوم مثلاه صدقة
“Whoever gives a grace period to someone in difficulty, then every day before the deadline for repayment, he will be considered to have given charity. If his debt cannot be paid off yet, then he still gives a grace period after the due date, then every day he will be considered to have given charity twice the value of his debt.” (HR. Ahmad)
This kind of compassion is part of Islamic relief principles that focus on uplifting others in difficult times not by giving cash, but by restoring dignity and giving space..
This is what often goes unnoticed: That delaying debt collection, under certain conditions, can be considered charity . Secretly rewarded. Unseen by others, but recorded by Allah ﷻ .
Debt is not a disgrace, but a trust
So delaying collection is not a mere financial move; it can be an act of Islamic relief when done with sincere empathy and a spirit of worship.
In fact… in Islam, debt is not something that is forbidden. The Prophet ﷺ himself was once in debt. Not a few of the companions were also in debt.
This means that debt is part of a legitimate and humane transaction. What is important is that the intention is right, the method is halal, and there is a determination to pay it off.
The problem is if someone is able to pay but instead deliberately delays it , or even runs away. Well, that’s what is called injustice.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said :
مَطْلُ الغَنِيِّ or م
“Delaying debt payments for people who can afford it is cruelty.” (HR. Bukhari & Muslim )
But, if they are truly unable to do so because their business is down, or their income is stagnant, then they are not considered sinners. On the contrary, Islam actually commands us to understand their condition .
Allah ﷻ says :
وَإِنْ كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَى مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَنْ تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُون َ“And if (the person who owes the debt) is in trouble, then give him respite until he is free. And giving away (some or all of the debt) is better for you, if you only knew.” (QS. Al Baqarah : 280)
So, it’s not the debt that’s the problem. But how we treat that trust.
And for those who are in debt, do not feel inferior. The important thing is to stay honest, keep trying, and ask for help from Allah ﷻ . Because if the trust is maintained, God willing, a way out will definitely be open.
Debt is not a disgrace, but a responsibility.
As long as we do not deny and continue to strive, Islam actually glorifies that attitude.
Also read: How to Avoid Panic in Investment Losses
Delaying Billing, Invisible Charity
Sometimes we think that charity is just about giving money and that’s true in many cases. But Islamic relief, in its essence, teaches us that charity also means giving someone time, space, and hope.
In fact, Islam teaches a much more subtle form of charity. One that is not always visible… but has great value in the sight of Allah ﷻ .
One of them: delaying debt collection from people who are having difficulties .
Imagine this, there is a friend or relative who owes us. The due date is near, but we know very well that he is having a hard time: his child is sick, work is slow, there is no income yet.
Well, at that point we have two options:
First, keep charging on schedule.
Second, we postpone it. We give it a breather. We give it space.
This is not just an ethical choice it’s an embodiment of Islamic relief ethics: helping without humiliating, supporting without superiority.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said :
مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا أَوْ وَضَعَ لَهُ، أَظَلَّهُ اللَّهُ فِي ظِلِّه ِ
“Whoever gives time to a person in difficulty, or frees him, Allah will shelter him in His shade (on the Day of Resurrection).” (HR. Muslim )
Masha Allah…
This is not an ordinary charity. But charity that Allah will reward with special protection on a very difficult day, namely the Day of Judgment.
Sometimes we forget: that what seems like a “loss” in this world, could be a big profit in the afterlife.
And this type of charity… often goes unnoticed by people. But Allah ﷻ is All-Seeing. He knows, we restrain ourselves, are patient, and broad-minded. Even when we are in need.
So, when you choose not to rush to collect from someone who is really struggling… That is not weakness. That is charity. In moments like this, our action becomes more than a financial decision it becomes a quiet form of Islamic relief.
Also read: Spirit of Togetherness in Islamic Crowdfunding
Giving Space Opens a Sense of Security
Everyone who is under pressure, actually doesn’t just need money. Sometimes what they need more is space to breathe .
When someone is in debt, then constantly chased by bills, called, given tight deadlines, or even humiliated, then what will happen?
Not only will his wallet be tight, but also his heart will be tight .
In fact, it could be that he is trying his best. But the results have not come yet.
Well, this is the beauty of Islamic teachings. We are invited to give space , not just time.
Not only does it delay billing, it also provides reassurance:
“Calm down, I know you are trying. Focus first on improving the situation. If Allah ﷻ makes it easy, we will finish it slowly.”
A simple sentence, but the impact is extraordinary.
By giving such space, we are building a sense of security . And this sense of security can be the key for someone to rise again.
“Sometimes, what makes people fail is not their debt…
But the feeling of pressure and loss of trust from the people around them.”
Also read: Tawakkul in Investment Return
Patiently Charging, Reflection of Heart Maturity
Of course, it is permissible to claim rights. It is even part of maintaining trust. But the method… can vary.
Some people demand firmly but politely. Others demand in a loud and embarrassing tone.
If we choose to be patient, it does not mean we are weak. In fact, it is a sign of maturity .
We are restraining our desires, and submitting this matter to Allah ﷻ while maintaining good manners.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said :
مَنْ يُسِّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ، يُسِّرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَة ِ
“Whoever makes things easy for people in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the hereafter.” (HR. Muslim )
Masha Allah…
We never know when it will be our turn to be in a difficult position. So whoever makes things easy today, tomorrow, God willing, will be given ease too.
Also read: The Meaning of Tasamuh (Tolerance) Between Investors and Business Partners
Conclusion
Postponing debt payment obligations does not mean losing.
If the person we lend money to is in a difficult situation and we choose to be patient, then that is a pious deed of great value.
It is not a loss. But it can be an invisible charity . And this kind of charity will be our protector on the most difficult day, the Day of Judgment.
So, if today you are holding back from demanding payment harshly…
Or choosing to wait because you know your sibling is in a slump…
That patience you’re holding today which no one may notice could be the most meaningful form of Islamic relief in the eyes of Allah ﷻ.
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Reference
Al-Qur’an Al Karim. Accessed from: https://tafsirweb.com/
Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj al-Qushayri. Muslim Ṣaḥīḥ . Accessed from https://hadits.id/hadits/muslim/
al-Bukhārī, Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl, and Muslim bin al-Ḥajjāj. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim ,. Accessed from: https://hadits.id/hadits/muslim/
