What should a merchant do who has lost his trade, money, debts, and partnerships due to the events in Syria, and now owns nothing, in order to be absolved of responsibility, especially since the creditors refuse to speak with him?

As for the debts owed by the merchant: The creditors must grant him respite until he becomes solvent, and it is not permissible to demand the debt while he is in hardship.

As for partnership funds: If they are lost without any negligence on his part, there is no guarantee upon him. However, if they are lost due to his negligence, then he is liable to guarantee them to their owners, and they become a debt upon him when he is able to repay them. It is not permissible to demand them from him as long as he is in hardship, and he should record these confirmed debts against him.

If a man intends to repay his debts when he incurs them, then Allah Almighty will repay these debts on his behalf, either in this world or in the Hereafter.