Muslims Forum For Peace

Overcoming debts is a deeply spiritual and practical matter in Islam. Islam not only discourages excessive debt, but also provides powerful guidance for those burdened by it. Here's a detailed explanation of how to overcome debts from an Islamic perspective:

Islamic Perspective on Debt

(a) Debt is a serious matter in Islam

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The soul of the believer is held hostage by his debt in his grave until it is paid off.” — (Tirmidhi, 1078)

Even martyrdom does not wipe away the sin of unpaid debts unless forgiven by the lender.

Steps to Overcome Debt Islamically

1. Sincerely Repent and Make Intention to Repay

“Whoever takes people’s wealth intending to pay it back, Allah will help him repay it…” — (Bukhari)

(a) Make niyyah (intention) to repay, not escape.
(b) Avoid sins like riba (interest), lies, or wasting money.

2. Make Du’a (Supplication) Regularly

The Prophet ﷺ taught specific duas to relieve debt, including:
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلاَلِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
"O Allah! Suffice me with what You have made lawful so that I may avoid what You have made unlawful, and make me independent of all others besides You." — (Tirmidhi)

Also recite:

اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from debt and being overpowered by people.”

3. Simplify Your Life and Spend Wisely

(a) Avoid unnecessary spending
(b) Live below your means
(c) Stop buying on credit or loans
(d) Stay away from luxury and debt-fueled status

4. Start Earning Through Halal Means

(a) Look for halal income through skills, freelancing, or small businesses
(b) Avoid riba-based jobs or income

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of what a man eats is what he earns from his own hand.” — (Abu Dawud)

5. Sell Excess Items and Assets

(a) Liquidate unused property, electronics, jewelry
(b) Use the proceeds to pay down debt
(c) Avoid accumulating liabilities (e.g., vehicles, gadgets, rent-based luxuries)

6. Write Down Debts & Make a Plan

(a) List all your debts and due dates
(b) Prioritize based on urgency or interest
(c) Pay off high-pressure loans first
(d) Don’t delay even if paying little at a time

7. Seek Help from Family or Community (if needed)

(a) Islam encourages the community to support debt-ridden Muslims
(b) Zakat can be given to the debtor if he is genuinely in hardship
(c) Some forums or masjids offer debt relief funds

Qur’an 9:60: Zakat is also for those in debt...

8. Avoid Interest-Based Loans at All Costs

Qur’an 2:278-279:
“Give up what remains of riba, if you are truly believers. If you do not, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger...”

Even if you're in debt, taking another haram loan (interest) worsens the burden both in dunya and akhirah.

Bonus Tips:

(a) Do Sadaqah, even if small — it opens rizq
(b) Wake up for Tahajjud, and ask Allah for a debt-free, barakah-filled life
(c) Be patient and consistent — even small steps matter
(d) Cut off habits that caused debt (overspending, carelessness)

Muslims Forum Can Help

If you are struggling and need personal advice, business help, or halal income guidance — we at Muslims Forum are here to assist you with:

(a) Halal freelancing ideas
(b) Home-based work
(c) Business setup without capital
(d) Budgeting help
(e) Support Campaigns to collect debt amount from donors

Contact us here: Message Us

May Allah relieve your burden, bless your income, and guide us all to what is halal, pure, and full of barakah. Ameen.