Is debt forbidden or disliked?

Question:
Is debt disliked except for a need, or is it forbidden?

Answer:
No, it is not forbidden. If one borrows for a legitimate Shari'ah purpose, there is nothing wrong with it.
Q: Is it disliked except for a need?
The Shaykh: Borrowing is only for a need; it is not for frivolity.
Q: Some borrowers have overextended themselves?
The Shaykh: The principle is that borrowing is for a need; because it is not charity, it is money in exchange that must be repaid, like a loan.
Q: Borrowing for marriage?
The Shaykh: There is nothing wrong with it. It is fitting for him to be faithful, and Allah will help him to pay it off.
Q: Is there a hadith regarding this?
The Shaykh: Allah is with the debtor until he pays off his debt.
Q: Does having a debt prevent one from giving charity?
The Shaykh: It is obligatory for him to start with the debt, except... for something light, or light charity; there is nothing wrong with that. But charity that harms the debt, no, he starts with the debt. The obligatory is prioritized over the voluntary.