Hadith #3970

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Debt is bondage, repayment is freedom.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "debt" in Arabic is (دَيْن) "dayn", which refers to a financial obligation or liability. It signifies a state of being indebted to someone, whether it is a person or an institution. Debt can be a burden that weighs heavily on an individual, restricting their freedom and causing anxiety and stress. It can limit one's choices and hinder their ability to live a fulfilling life.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:280)

And whoever is in hardship, let him (or her) defer it until a time of ease. But if you give [from your right as] charity, then it is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse highlights the importance of delaying the repayment of debt during times of financial difficulty. It encourages compassion and understanding towards those who are in debt, emphasizing the need for empathy and support. By deferring the repayment, the burden on the debtor is alleviated, allowing them to regain their freedom and stability.

Furthermore, the word "bondage" in the Hadith refers to the state of being enslaved or restricted. Debt can indeed enslave a person, both financially and emotionally. It can lead to a cycle of dependency and servitude, where one is constantly striving to repay their debts, often at the expense of their well-being and personal growth.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against falling into the trap of excessive debt, saying, (3:130)

O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the prohibition of engaging in usury (riba), which is a form of exploitative lending that leads to excessive debt. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against this practice, as it can lead to financial bondage and societal injustice. By abstaining from usury and being mindful of our financial obligations, we can protect ourselves from the shackles of debt.

The second part of the Hadith states, "Repayment is freedom." This highlights the importance of fulfilling our financial obligations and repaying our debts. When we honor our commitments and settle our debts, we experience a sense of liberation and relief. Repayment allows us to regain control over our finances and restores our freedom to make choices without the burden of debt weighing us down.

In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (17:34)

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the significance of fulfilling our commitments, including financial obligations. By repaying our debts, we demonstrate integrity and responsibility, and we fulfill our duty towards others. This act of repayment not only benefits the creditor but also brings about a sense of personal satisfaction and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us about the profound relationship between debt and freedom. Debt can be a form of bondage that restricts our choices and burdens us with anxiety. However, through fulfilling our financial obligations and repaying our debts, we can experience true freedom and liberation. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and being mindful of our financial responsibilities, we can navigate the complexities of debt and strive for a life of financial stability and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in managing our debts and grant us the wisdom to make sound financial decisions.