Page 35 - The Mercy of Believers

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TO WHOM DO BELIEVERS SHOW COMPASSION AND MERCY?

only knew. (Surat al-Baqara: 280)

Believers adopt an entirely compassionate and sensi-
ble attitude to one who is in difficulty over paying his
debts. A believer, above all, is a person of wisdom and
high conscience. Thus, he can very well understand what
a person in debt goes through and accordingly assumes
the most conscientious and compassionate attitude possi-
ble.
No doubt, debt is an important liability to take on, in-
volving as it does a promise given to another party.
Indeed, in numerous verses, Allah commands people to
keep their promises. However, according to the above
verse, when a debt is at issue, decision about its settle-
ment, rests entirely with the creditor. The creditor can
postpone repayment until the debtor is in better financial
conditions. However, Allah stresses that it is better for a
believer to waive the debt and consider it as alms.
The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and
grant him peace, had this to say on the behaviour of the
creditor:
"Who gives respite to a debtor or grants him remission, Allah
will give him shade under His shade". (Muslim)
Nevertheless, there is one important point to consider
here: The believer may exercise this right only when he
believes in the honesty of the other party. This is not a
procedure to follow for a debtor with a fraudulent men-
tality. Otherwise, people bereft of a sincere fear of Allah
may attempt to defraud people of good faith who have
good intentions.
At this point, a believer simply relies on his con-