What is the ruling on not inquiring about the deceased before praying over them, specifically whether they prayed or owed any debts?

The basic principle is to pray over every Muslim who professes "La ilaha illa Allah" (There is no god but Allah), unless it is known that they committed an act that nullifies their Islam. One should not inquire about the deceased's state in case of doubt, such as regarding the abandonment of prayer. If there is doubt, it is stipulated in the supplication that one should say: "O Allah, if he was a believer, then forgive him." Similarly, regarding the issue of debt, there is no need to ask, because praying over a debtor is permissible and obligatory. The Prophet (peace be upon him) initially refrained from praying over a debtor who did not leave sufficient assets to repay their debt, as an encouragement to fulfill obligations and a deterrent against procrastination. However, this ruling was later abrogated.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to ask: "Has he left anything to pay off his debt?" If he had left sufficient assets to repay the debt, he would pray over him. Otherwise, he would say: "Pray over your companion." When the conquests occurred, he said: "I am more deserving of the believers than their own selves. So, if any believer dies and leaves a debt, it is my responsibility to pay it off." Scholars have confirmed the abrogation of the initial ruling. Sheikh Ibn Baz stated the permissibility of praying over the deceased who has a debt, and that the heirs or executor should hasten to pay off their debt.