Is it obligatory for the heirs to pay off the riba (usury or interest) debt to the bank?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, the father passed away and he had a debt to a riba bank. Is it better for us to pay off the principal amount as a debt owed by him, excluding the riba interest, or should we not pay anything at all?

Answer:
The bank does not obey you; you cancel the riba interest. If they cancel it, that is good, and you take the principal. You gave them the principal, and that is what is obligatory for the deceased. As for the riba, it is forbidden. If the bank accepts taking the principal and waiving the rest, I have heard that banks waive the debts of the deceased, is that not so? They waive the debts of the deceased; this provides a way out.