💰 Family finances · #37
Siblings or in-laws borrowed money but have not repaid it. How can this be handled without breaking family ties?
Ask for it kindly and plainly; if they are truly struggling, give them time or forgive it as charity, but do not let it poison your relationship or your household finances.
Allah commands that debts be written down even when small (al-Baqarah 2:282) and that time be given to those in difficulty; and if you remit it as charity, that is better (2:280). Delay by someone who is able to pay is injustice (Sahih al-Bukhari 2400). Practical steps: remind them privately with a reasonable repayment schedule; distinguish a relative in real hardship from one taking advantage; do not lend the family's maintenance money or money you have borrowed yourself. In future, lend only what you are prepared to forgive, write a short agreement, and talk to your spouse first if shared money is involved. See recording family loans.
Allah commands that debts be written down even when small (al-Baqarah 2:282) and that time be given to those in difficulty; and if you remit it as charity, that is better (2:280). Delay by someone who is able to pay is injustice (Sahih al-Bukhari 2400). Practical steps: remind them privately with a reasonable repayment schedule; distinguish a relative in real hardship from one taking advantage; do not lend the family's maintenance money or money you have borrowed yourself. In future, lend only what you are prepared to forgive, write a short agreement, and talk to your spouse first if shared money is involved. See recording family loans.
Sources
Surah al-Baqarah 2:282Surah al-Baqarah 2:280Sahih al-Bukhari 2400