“My father's debt is on me”

Shaykh Bali says: before saying those words, one question must be answered — Did the deceased leave anything behind?

How the question comes up

At the funeral prayer, the son stands and says: if my father had any debt, I will pay it off. Sometimes a brother stands and says the same thing.

The words sound beautiful, and everyone present is reassured.

But the Shaykh says with sadness: In many places, the son or brother does not keep that word.

So the question arose: is it obligatory on the heirs to pay the debt of the deceased?

The Shaykh's answer

The Shaykh's first question: Did the deceased leave any property behind?

If he did, then until the debt is paid, it is not lawful for them to spend any of that property on themselves — land, house, business or money.

And if someone truly takes on the responsibility, the debt moves from the shoulders of the deceased onto the shoulders of that living person; the deceased is then free of the burden.

The evidence — the words of Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him)

صَلِّ عَلَيْهِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَعَلَيَّ دَيْنُهُ

O Messenger of Allah, lead his funeral prayer — his debt is on me. (Abu Qatadah, may Allah be pleased with him; Sahih Bukhari)Copy

When a deceased man was brought, the Prophet ﷺ asked: does he have any debt? They all said, yes. He said: you pray over your companion yourselves. Only after Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) took on the responsibility did he step forward and lead the funeral prayer.

What to do

1. If you say at the funeral that you will take responsibility, keep your word — the debt is now on your shoulders.
2. If there is property, pay the debt first, then divide the rest among the heirs.
3. Do not spend any of the land, house or business on yourselves before the debt is paid.
4. If you are not able to take on the responsibility, do not make show-off statements — it is better not to say anything.

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Source: Based on the talk of Shaykh Wahid Abdus Salam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center