Between relatives, neighbors or traders, we often lend without writing anything, out of trust or modesty. Then come forgetfulness, misunderstanding, sometimes a rift. The Quran addressed this case in its longest verse.
Write it down, even among close ones
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ
« O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. » (meaning of the verse, Al-Baqara 2:282)
The verse also calls for witnesses, and specifies that the debtor dictates, so that he himself acknowledges what he owes. Writing is not a lack of trust: it is a protection for both parties, and for their heirs.
In practice : a dated and signed sheet, or a written message, with the amount, the repayment date and the name of a witness.
| To write | Example |
|---|---|
| Who lends, who borrows | Awa Koné lends to Moussa Traoré |
| The amount, in words and in figures | two hundred thousand (200,000) FCFA |
| The repayment date | December 30, 2026 |
| The installments, if any | 50,000 FCFA per month |
| One or two witnesses | name and signature |
If writing is not possible, the Quran provides for a pledge:
وَإِن كُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ وَلَمْ تَجِدُوا كَاتِبًا فَرِهَانٌ مَّقْبُوضَةٌ
"And if you are on a journey and do not find a scribe, then a pledge taken is sufficient." (meaning of the verse, Al-Baqara 2:283)
Repay on time
"Delaying payment by someone who is able to pay is injustice" (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2287). Postponing without reason harms the one who helped you.
And intention matters: "Whoever takes people's money intending to repay it, Allah will repay on his behalf; and whoever takes it intending to squander it, Allah will destroy him" (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2387).
Grant an extension
وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ
"If the debtor is in hardship, grant him time until he is in ease." (meaning of the verse, Al-Baqara 2:280)
The verse adds that forgiving the debt as charity is even better. The lender cannot demand any extra payment for this delay: that would be riba.
Clear contracts
Trade is permitted "by mutual consent" (An-Nisa 4:29), and the Prophet ﷺ forbade uncertain sale, the gharar (Sahih Muslim, no. 1513): selling what one does not yet own, what has unknown quantity or quality, or what cannot be delivered.
Before concluding, check three things:
- the well or the service is precise;
- the price and the payment date are set;
- each consents freely, without pressure.
For an important contract (land, partner, credit), get accompanied, and ask your imam for advice on the delicate clauses.