Is it obligatory to hasten the payment of one's debt?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
It is obligatory to hasten the payment of one's debt. This is evidenced by the report that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off for him." Al-Tirmidhi declared this Hadith to be Hasan (good).
Supporting text
If immediate settlement of the debt is impossible, it is recommended (*mustahabb*) for his heir or another person to take responsibility for paying it on his behalf, as Abu Qatada did when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was brought a funeral and refrained from praying the funeral prayer until Abu Qatada said, 'Pray over him, O Messenger of Allah, and his debt is upon me,' whereupon the Prophet prayed over him. This is narrated by Al-Bukhari.