Settling the Rights of People
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Fatwa No. ( 8135 )
Q: I heard on television an Islamic seminar led by some scholars regarding the rights of people. One of them said: It is necessary to disclose the injustice, and the other said: A secret compensation. They differed on this, and I began to examine my conscience as I was preparing for Hajj in the year 1404 AH. In my youth, I had some things belonging to one person. I went to his house and mentioned that I had some things belonging to him, and I gave him some money. I swore by the sanctity of my mother that I had done so, and I disclosed the injustice to him. He returned the money to me, forgave me, and declared the money forbidden. Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good, what should I do with the money? Since I heard some
hadiths in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Those with outstanding debts will be delayed in receiving forgiveness on the Day of 'Arafah." Is this correct? Knowing that I told the person whose rights were violated: If the amount is small, I am ready to add more.
A: First: Leaving and settling the rights of people is obligatory, and it is not restricted to performing Hajj or the like, but it is immediate. Second: If the reality is as you mentioned, that you swore this money was forbidden like the sanctity of your mother, and he did not take it from what you gave him, then you must pay the expiation for an oath, which is feeding ten poor people, or clothing them, or freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find the means to do so, then fast for three days. Third: It is better for you to give in charity the injustice that its owner refused to accept from you, with the intention that the reward be for him. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I heard on television an Islamic seminar led by some scholars regarding the rights of people. One of them said: It is necessary to disclose the injustice, and the other said: A secret compensation. They differed on this, and I began to examine my conscience as I was preparing for Hajj in the year 1404 AH. In my youth, I had some things belonging to one person. I went to his house and mentioned that I had some things belonging to him, and I gave him some money. I swore by the sanctity of my mother that I had done so, and I disclosed the injustice to him. He returned the money to me, forgave me, and declared the money forbidden. Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good, what should I do with the money? Since I heard some
hadiths in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Those with outstanding debts will be delayed in receiving forgiveness on the Day of 'Arafah." Is this correct? Knowing that I told the person whose rights were violated: If the amount is small, I am ready to add more.
A: First: Leaving and settling the rights of people is obligatory, and it is not restricted to performing Hajj or the like, but it is immediate. Second: If the reality is as you mentioned, that you swore this money was forbidden like the sanctity of your mother, and he did not take it from what you gave him, then you must pay the expiation for an oath, which is feeding ten poor people, or clothing them, or freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find the means to do so, then fast for three days. Third: It is better for you to give in charity the injustice that its owner refused to accept from you, with the intention that the reward be for him. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.