Does possessing a debt break an oath not to possess wealth?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one swears not to possess wealth and has a debt owed to him, the oath is broken. This aligns with the view of Al-Shafi'i and Abu Al-Khattab. The evidence supporting this is that the Hawl (one year mark) for Zakat applies to it, Zakat can be paid on it, and it is valid to discharge it through renunciation, assignment, or compensation, similar to a deposited item.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa holds that the oath is not broken because the debt cannot be immediately utilized (enjoyed).