Question:
I had lent ₹45,000 to one of my relatives. Six years have passed, and he still has not returned the money. The cost of living at that time and the cost of living now have increased nearly threefold. Because of this, even if he returns the same amount now, economically I feel that I am receiving only one-third of its original value. Therefore, can I tell him, “If you do not repay this now, I will take your good deeds in the Hereafter as compensation”? He also asks whether he has the right to be angry with him.
Answer:
Regarding this issue, in matters of loans there are rights given in Islam to the lender. What rights are those? The lender has the right to demand repayment. If the borrower keeps delaying repayment despite being able to pay, the lender may become angry. He may even scold or speak harshly to the borrower. This is because the borrower has taken money and has not repaid it.
The Prophetﷺ gave guidance about this. Sometimes people would come to him asking for charity when there was nothing available in the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal). In such situations, the Prophetﷺ would borrow something on behalf of the state. For example, he once borrowed a camel from a villager with the promise that it would be returned later when funds became available.
Time passed, and the camel was not returned immediately. The man became upset and came to the Prophetﷺ and spoke harshly to him. The exact words are not mentioned in the narration, but it is stated that he used severe and rude language. The Companions became angry and wanted to attack him for speaking disrespectfully to the Prophetﷺ.
However, the Prophetﷺ stopped them and said that the person who has a rightful claim has the right to speak strongly. He explained that the man had given something on loan and had not yet received it back, so he had the right to complain.
Then the Prophetﷺ instructed the Companions to repay him. The Companions said that they did not have a camel of the same age as the one borrowed but had a better and older camel. The Prophetﷺ told them to give the better camel. He said that the best among people are those who repay debts in the best manner. Repaying in a better manner does not count as interest if it is given voluntarily as appreciation.
From this, we understand that when someone lends money, there may be two reasons why the borrower delays repayment. One reason is intentional delay despite having the means. Another reason may be genuine inability. A person may promise to repay but later face difficulties or unexpected financial problems. If the borrower is delaying intentionally, the lender has the right to demand repayment and even scold him. This permission is mentioned in hadiths found in Sahih al-Bukhari (2306, 2390, 2401, 2606).
However, Islam also gives a higher and more virtuous path. If a lender gives time to a borrower who is genuinely struggling, he receives great rewards. The Prophetﷺ said that if someone gives a loan and allows time for repayment, he receives charity reward equal to the loan amount for every day the borrower delays repayment.
For example, if someone lends ₹10,000 and the borrower delays one day, he receives the reward of giving ₹10,000 in charity for that day. If the borrower delays multiple days, the lender continues receiving charity reward daily until repayment.
Another narration states that the lender may even receive double the reward. The Companions once asked why sometimes the Prophetﷺ mentioned one reward and at other times double reward.
Prophetﷺ explained that if the borrower is still within the agreed repayment period, the lender receives reward equal to the loan amount. But if the repayment period has ended and the lender still gives additional time, the reward becomes double.
Therefore, if you have lent ₹45,000 and the borrower is struggling, instead of insisting on repayment or planning to claim good deeds in the Hereafter, it is better to give him more time. By doing so, you will receive reward equivalent to giving ₹45,000 in charity every day. Over six years, the reward becomes enormous.
There is another hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (2078). A businessman used to lend money to people. Whenever he saw someone struggling to repay, he would instruct his workers not to pressure that person. He would say that perhaps Allahﷻwould forgive his sins because he showed leniency. Because of this attitude, Allahﷻforgave his sins.
Another incident is mentioned in Sahih Muslim. A man borrowed money from a Companion named Ubadah ibn Samit. When the Companion came to collect the loan, the borrower hid inside his house and told his family to say he was not home. However, his young son accidentally revealed that he was inside. When the Companion called him out, the borrower admitted that he hid because he did not want to lie but was unable to repay the loan. He swore that he was in severe hardship. After confirming this with his oath on Allah’s name, the Companion forgave the entire debt and said that he did so because he heard the Prophetﷺ said that whoever gives relief or forgives debt for someone in hardship will be granted shade by Allahﷻon the Day of Judgment.
Generally, lenders are in a better financial position than borrowers. Therefore, a lender can turn such loans into opportunities for immense reward in the Hereafter. Instead of demanding repayment harshly, one can either forgive the loan or grant extended time. As long as the borrower delays, the lender continues receiving reward.
If you change your intention and say, “O Allah, I have given him time and expect reward from You,” then for the past six years it would be as if you have been giving ₹45,000 in charity every day. The reward would be unimaginable.
You are allowed to say that you will claim your rights in the Hereafter, but if you choose patience and grant time, the reward will be far greater. If you calculate the reward of ₹45,000 daily for six years, it amounts to enormous and immeasurable reward. Therefore, choosing patience, granting time, or forgiving the debt is considered the better and more virtuous option