Is it permissible to reward someone who lent money without stipulating it?

The questioner : Yes. Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace.

The questioner : All right, Shaykh, I took a loan from a person. He lent me a sum and I have been putting him off for a long time, meaning I was in financial difficulty. Now, thank Allah, He has made things easy for me and I am trying to return the money to him. I want to reward him. If I give him a reward, would that be considered riba (usury or interest), or is it free from riba?

The Shaykh : If this is after the repayment, there is nothing wrong with it.

The questioner : If it is after the repayment, there is no harm. But if it is with the repayment, it would be considered riba.

The Shaykh : Of course, even with the repayment, there is nothing wrong with it, if Allah wills.

The questioner : There is nothing wrong with it. May Allah reward you with good, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : As long as he did not drink.

The questioner : May Allah keep you safe. All right, peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : Peace.