What are the penalties for not paying a debt, and what is the supplication that helps in paying off debts, knowing that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did not pray over one who died while indebted?
Debt is "an obligation in one's liability," and it is greatly emphasized in Islam due to its detrimental effects on both the individual and society. Scholars have stipulated three conditions for its permissibility: the intention to repay, the ability to repay, and that it be for a permissible matter. For one who is afflicted with debt to help their family, there is a reward, and Allah will aid them in repaying it through diligence, effort, and supplication. Among the authentic supplications for debt repayment are: "O Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Magnificent Throne… settle our debts for us and enrich us from poverty," and "O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful provision against Your unlawful, and enrich me with Your bounty beyond anyone else's," and "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow… and I seek refuge in You from the overwhelming of debt and the oppression of men."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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