Is it permissible to pay off the debts of a deceased brother from his share of the inheritance without the knowledge of his wife and children, given that they are aware of some of these debts but deny others, and have not shown any intention to pay them off?

The deceased's debt must be paid from their estate before it is divided, even if the debt is owed to their siblings, unless the siblings pardon the debt. Do not pay off debts without the knowledge of the heirs, because debts require proof with two witnesses or a document, and because you are entrusted. The heirs must hasten to clear the deceased's obligation, as their soul remains suspended by their debt until it is paid off. They incur sin by delaying the payment if the deceased left behind assets sufficient for repayment, and they are not permitted any part of the inheritance until the debt is settled.