Hadith: Funeral Of The Person Who Was In Debt

Sahih Al Bukhari – Book of Transferance Of A Debt From One Person To Another (Al-Hawaala)

Volumn 003, Book 037, Hadith Number 492.
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Narated By Salama bin Al-Akwa

Razi Allah Anhu

: A dead person was brought to the Prophet

Peace Be Upon Him

so that he might lead the funeral prayer for him. He asked, "Is he in debt?" When the people PBUH replied in the negative, he led the funeral prayer. Another dead person was brought and he asked, "Is he in debt?" They said, "Yes." He PBUH (refused to lead the prayer and) said, "Lead the prayer of your friend." Abu Qatada RA said, "O Allah's Apostle! I undertake to pay his debt." Allah's Apostle then led his funeral prayer.

Lessons:
1- Preferably loans should be avoided as much as possible.
2- In case someone is under debt, he should pay it as soon as possible because no one knows the time of death.
3- If a person dies, his immediate family members should announce if the person was supposed to return some thing or money. if yes, it should be immediately returned else the dead person will be questioned about the rights of others he didnt clear in his/her life .