Friday Sermon: The Spiritual Danger of Debt – Insights by Moulana Abdul Rab Khateeb Nadwi
Key lessons from a recent Jumma khutbah on Islam's guidance for borrowing and lending money to protect your faith and relationships
In Islam, Allah has given us rules for every part of life, including how we handle money. Sometimes, we need to borrow money from others, or someone may ask to borrow from us. This is called Udhaar or Qarz. It is a help in times of need, but it must be done carefully to avoid problems.
1. Only Borrow for Real Needs
It’s okay to ask for money for a real, urgent need. But we should avoid borrowing for unnecessary things like showing off, expensive parties, or luxury items. Using borrowed money for things we don’t truly need can lead to stress and trouble.
2. Promise to Yourself to Pay it Back
When you receive money from someone, you must have a strong promise in your heart to return it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that if a person intends to repay the money, Allah will help them. But if someone takes money without planning to return it, they are doing wrong.
3. It is a Very Big Responsibility
This money you owe to others is a serious matter. It is such a big duty that even a person who dies as a hero for Islam will have all their mistakes forgiven except the money they owed to others. This shows how important it is to return what we have borrowed.
4. Write it Down and Get Witnesses
This is a very important rule from the Quran. When money is given, it should be written down. This isn’t about not trusting your friend or family. It is about keeping things clear and preventing future arguments.
- Write it down: Note the amount and the date it should be returned.
- Have two witnesses: Ask two fair people who are not close family to see the agreement and sign it.
This paper is not for showing distrust. It is for protection. If the one who borrowed the money forgets or, God forbid, passes away, the written paper helps everyone remember the truth.
5. A Special Prayer for Protection
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to ask Allah for safety from debt. In our daily prayers, we say: “O Allah, I seek protection with you from sin and from the burden of owed money.” We should understand this prayer and ask Allah to save us from this heavy burden.
Simple Conclusion
Money matters can easily damage friendships and family ties. The simple rule is: avoid borrowing if you can. If you must, do it for a true need, firmly intend to pay it back, and always write it down with witnesses.
This keeps our dealings honest, our hearts peaceful, and our relationships safe from harm.
By following these rules from Allah, we can live with trust and happiness.
