Requesting the cancellation of a debt while having the ability to pay it
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
Honorable Shaykh, some people have debts owed to them by me. If I ask them to forgive me for these debts, is there a sin on me? I am aware that I am able to pay them, but only after a period of time.
Answer:
As long as you are able to pay, it is not recommended that you ask them, because they are forgiving you. This is a matter concerning people, and dealing with people’s matters without need is disliked. Furthermore, there is a favor involved in it toward you. So as long as you are able to settle the debt, do not ask them. They may cancel it while being reluctant to do so, either out of politeness or... So you should pay what you owe and not request the cancellation of anything as long as you are able to settle it. Yes.
Honorable Shaykh, some people have debts owed to them by me. If I ask them to forgive me for these debts, is there a sin on me? I am aware that I am able to pay them, but only after a period of time.
Answer:
As long as you are able to pay, it is not recommended that you ask them, because they are forgiving you. This is a matter concerning people, and dealing with people’s matters without need is disliked. Furthermore, there is a favor involved in it toward you. So as long as you are able to settle the debt, do not ask them. They may cancel it while being reluctant to do so, either out of politeness or... So you should pay what you owe and not request the cancellation of anything as long as you are able to settle it. Yes.
Source
شرح بلوغ المرام من أدلة الأحكام [ صالح الفوزان ]، بداية من باب الصلح — islamhouse.com (1:22:31)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.