What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding heirs who procrastinate for years in settling the debts of their deceased, and prevent one of the heirs from receiving their share under the pretext of these debts, despite the existence of evidence proving these debts, all driven by the desire to seize the inheritance money? And what action should be taken against them?

The heirs must take the initiative to pay off the deceased's debt without delay, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The soul of a son of Adam remains suspended by his debt until it is paid off on his behalf." This means that his matter is on hold until it is settled, and that the deceased's salvation from the predicament of debt and the رفع of punishment from him occurs by paying off his debt. The heirs are not permitted to delay paying the debt or dividing the inheritance as long as the debt is confirmed, and the creditors and the remaining heirs have the right to complain to the responsible authorities.