What is the ruling regarding the deferred dowry (Sadaq) if it is an existing debt upon the husband's death?

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The deferred dowry constitutes a debt. If the husband dies owing this debt alongside other debts, his estate must be distributed among all creditors, including the wife claiming the dowry, according to proportional shares (al-hisas). This ruling is affirmed by Ahmad concerning a sick man who married during his illness, subsequently died, and left other debts. The marriage contract performed by the sick person is valid, and the dowry is treated as a regular debt, thus equalizing it with all other outstanding obligations.