Hadith on Settling Debts for the Deceased
📖Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2173
Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was presented with a funeral for him to pray over it. The Prophet said, “Does he have debt?” They said no, so the Prophet prayed over him. Then he was presented with another funeral and the Prophet said, “Does he have debt?” They said yes. The Prophet said, “Pray over your companion.” Abu Qatadah said, “I take responsibility for his debt, O Messenger of Allah,” so the Prophet prayed over him.
This hadith teaches a profound principle: acting on behalf of another person in matters they could not complete themselves. Abu Qatadah took responsibility for the deceased’s debt, allowing the Prophet ﷺ to pray over the funeral. It is important to understand that this is not about taking credit for someone else’s actions or claiming personal goodness, but about fulfilling obligations the deceased could not complete, either due to forgetfulness, mistake, or lack of means. Islam recognizes that humans are fallible and may leave matters unresolved; believers can assist on their behalf when possible, but it does not affect the moral or spiritual responsibility of the deceased beyond what is allowed by Allah.
Clarification on Sin and Responsibility:
This practice does not contradict the principle that no one dies for another’s sin. The deceased remains accountable for their deeds in the sight of Allah. Assisting on their behalf, like paying debts or performing necessary acts, is purely a practical measure to ease worldly obligations and allow rituals (like funeral prayers) to be valid. It is helping fulfill duties, not transferring spiritual liability.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 59:10
And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and do not place in our hearts any hatred toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.’”
This verse shows that believers are encouraged to pray for the forgiveness of others, including their fellow believers. It demonstrates that seeking Allah’s mercy on behalf of someone else is an act of care and support, aligning with the hadith where Abu Qatadah takes responsibility for the deceased’s debt. Praying for others’ forgiveness is a way to help them spiritually, even after they have passed.
📖Quran 2:286
Allah does not burden any soul beyond what it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has earned, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. ‘Our Lord, do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, and do not lay upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and do not burden us with what we have no ability to bear. And pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.’”
This verse reinforces that humans have limitations. Believers can pray for ease and forgiveness for themselves and others, acknowledging human imperfection. The act of helping the deceased with their debt is a practical manifestation of this principle: it removes a burden they could not handle themselves, while prayer seeks Allah’s mercy on their behalf.
📖Quran 66:8
O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow… and forgive your brothers.”
Here, Allah encourages believers to seek forgiveness not only for themselves but also for their brothers. This verse directly supports the concept of interceding through prayer and good deeds on behalf of others, showing that assisting and praying for others is rewarded and encouraged in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ guided believers to act on behalf of others in ways that are feasible, compassionate, and supportive. Islam combines practical help (like paying debts) with spiritual aid (praying for forgiveness), emphasizing mercy, cooperation, and care for fellow believers.