Question:
I took loans with interest and did business. I fell into the sin of interest and now I am trying to reform and live properly. I have cleared all the interest-based loans by borrowing from relatives. I have settled the interest loans. But now I have a lot of interest-free debts. I am surrounded by pressure and humiliation. When many people scold me, it feels like they are cursing me. Should I take this as a curse or as a test? Isn’t the curse of the affected person accepted? My intention is to repay the debt properly. Because of their curses, am I unable to repay? Or is this my test?”
Answer:
At one time he dealt with interest. He took many loans with interest. Later he realized it was a sin. So he went to relatives, borrowed from them, and cleared all the interest loans. The interest-based debts are settled. But now he owes interest-free money to relatives. Even now he is unable to repay them.
When he cannot repay, what happens? They come asking for their money. They scold him. “Have you no shame?” they ask. “How many times have you promised and failed? When will you repay?” Like that they question him. When they demand repayment, he has to face harsh words from relatives. So, he is asking: Should I take this as a curse? Will it affect me? Are they cursing me? That is his doubt.
Now understand this. A curse becomes effective when someone commits injustice or does something against the religion and because of that someone is harmed.
Debt is not like stealing. You asked and received it. You requested the loan; they willingly gave it. In that sense, you did not violate the religion. At the same time, suppose you were given time to repay. During that time, is it possible that you may be unable to repay? Yes, it is possible. That is why Allahﷻ says: If someone is in difficulty, give him time.
Repaying a debt is not fully in our control. Even if you borrowed in order to escape from interest, you could repay only if Allahﷻprovides. If Allahﷻdoes not provide, and because of that you are unable to repay, you have not committed injustice against them. You still owe them their right — that is true. Do they have the right to speak harshly? When the one who gave a loan spoke harshly, what did the Messenger of Allahﷻdo? He tolerated it. He said, “He has given me a loan. I have taken it. He has the right to speak.” So, you can remain silent under that right. That is one matter.
But it does not automatically become a curse. Why? Because you did not deceive them. When does it become serious? If you have money with you, but deliberately delay repayment, making excuses and dragging it intentionally — then their supplication and curse will carry weight. Because this is injustice. But if you are not committing injustice — truly you do not have money — and you sincerely intend to repay but you have nothing to give, and they curse you, will Allahﷻbe unaware of reality? Is Allahﷻbound to fulfil whatever they say? Will He not see the true situation?
Allahﷻwill see: “He did not commit injustice. He is unable to repay.” Then Allahﷻwill not take their curse into account. Allah’s job is not to act merely because someone asked. Allahﷻdoes what is correct and just. So, if you are truly unable to repay, and they curse you, nothing will happen from that curse. Because Allahﷻknows both things: He knows you have no money. He knows you intend to repay.
Therefore, Allahﷻwill not question you as one who committed injustice. However, generally, I always give this advice regarding debt. You have already borrowed — I am not speaking only to you. For any reason, do not take loans.
Whether, with interest or without interest, live within what you have. When you borrow, it means you do not have enough. If you do not have ₹10,000 in hand, that shows your earning and saving capacity. If in all these years you could not save ₹10,000, how will you repay a larger borrowed amount? If you need ₹10,000 and could not save it in ten years, that shows your capacity. How will you borrow and repay?
Debt is very serious. Even the Messenger of Allahﷻ , sought protection from debt in every prayer. Why would he seek protection if it were a small matter? Because debt leads to lying. It leads to breaking promises. “I will repay tomorrow… tomorrow…” — many problems come from debt. So, avoid debt. For any reason, live within what you have.
If you cannot afford something, leave it. Only in medical emergencies can it become unavoidable. That is something that can suddenly happen to anyone. That kind of unexpected expense may force borrowing. That is understandable.
But for other things — drink simple food instead of luxury. If you do not have money for a new dress on a festival, wear the old one. What is wrong with that?Do not take loans to expand a small house, or to eat high-quality food, or to demolish and rebuild a house unnecessarily. If you have money, build. If not, live in what you have. Even a hut according to your means is enough.
If we think wisely, only one reason can truly justify debt — medical necessity. Even then, repayment is in Allah’s hands. There may be a reason behind it.Otherwise, if you borrow for other matters, you will only live in constant worry.
From what I have seen, many who borrow cannot repay. Around 50% are like that. Those who borrow often do not repay — sometimes they knowingly borrow even when they know they cannot repay. So, reflect on why you are borrowing. Take this as advice.