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The question

Is the husband obligated to pay his deceased uncle's debt, knowing that his uncle told him: "Pay me back if you can or if you have enough, otherwise don't," and that the husband's work is intermittent; and to whom should the debt be paid: to each heir or to the deceased's wife to distribute among the heirs?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The debtor must repay the debt when able, and their obligation is not absolved except through fulfillment, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Procrastination by a rich person is injustice," and "Whatever is taken by the hand must be returned until it is paid back." The creditor's statement, "Pay me back the money if you can, or if you have enough," does not cancel the debt; rather, it is a condition based on ability. As for the one in hardship, they must be granted respite, for Allah Almighty says: "And if there is one in hardship, then [let there be] a postponement until a time of ease." So, if the debtor becomes capable, they must fulfill the debt. If the creditor dies, the debtor must return the money to their heirs whenever they become capable, or seek their absolution, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever leaves behind wealth, it is for his heirs."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy