Page 470 - Learning from the Qur'an

TO WRITE DOWN THE MONEY
TAKEN ON AS A DEBT
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a specified period,
write it down. A writer should write it down between you justly.
No writer should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, so he
should write. The one incurring the debt should dictate and should
have fear of Allah his Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the
person incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or unable to
dictate, then his guardian should dictate for him justly. Two men
among you should act as witnesses. But if there are not two men,
then a man and two women with whom you are satisfied as
witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the other can remind her.
Witnesses should not refuse when they are called upon. Do not
think it too trivial to write down, whether small or large, with the
date that it falls due. Doing that is more just in Allah's sight and
more helpful when bearing witness and more likely to eliminate
any doubt—unless it is an immediate transaction hand to hand,
taken and given without delay. There is nothing wrong in your
not writing that down. Call witnesses when you trade. Neither
writer nor witness should be put under pressure. If you do that,
it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of Allah and Allah will give
you knowledge. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Qur'an, 2:282)

TO DEFER OR MAKE A FREE GIFT
OF THE DEBT IF THE DEBTOR IS IN
DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
If someone is in difficult circumstances, there should be a deferral
until things are easier. But making a free gift of it would be better
for you if you only knew. (Qur'an, 2:280)
TO REGARD EVERYTHING SO
AS TO DRAW A LESSON FROM IT
An instruction and a reminder for every penitent human being.
(Qur'an, 50:8)

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