🌍 Children, inheritance & global · #184

Someone claims the deceased owed him money, but there is no written proof. Must we pay it?

Heirs are not obliged to pay a debt that cannot be proved, but the claim should be assessed honestly, not dismissed outright. Ask the claimant politely for the details: the date, the amount, the purpose and who knew about it. Check the deceased's bank records and messages for clues. If there are just witnesses or convincing evidence, the debt must be paid from the estate before it is divided. If doubt remains, leave it to the relevant court to decide. This is the wisdom of Allah's words: “When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:282). Record your own debts today, so your heirs do not face the same confusion. See debts and heirs.

Sources

Surah al-Baqarah 2:282

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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