Is it obligatory to repay a debt before departing for jihad in the cause of Allah?

If jihad is not obligatory upon an individual, then it is impermissible for him to go out for jihad if he is in debt, except with the permission of the creditors. This is because martyrdom expiates every sin except debt and the rights of people. Scholars have stipulated that debt overrides non-obligatory jihad, regardless of whether the debt is immediate or deferred, and whether the creditor is a Muslim or a disbeliever. This is unless the debtor leaves behind something to repay it, or provides a guarantor, or secures it with a pledge. As for obligatory jihad, the permission of the creditor is not required. The debtor should, as much as possible, avoid places of death, such as dueling or standing in the front ranks, in order to preserve the debt. As for usurious loans, only the principal amount must be repaid, without the interest.