One evening, the Imam of a mosque announced after the prayer:
“Brothers, a man among us has passed away. Please join in offering his funeral prayer.”
When the funeral prayer was completed, the Imam turned to the congregation and said:
“This man was our brother, but he had an unpaid debt.”
A silence spread among the people. Finally, someone from the crowd asked:
“How much debt?”
The Imam replied: “He owed three lakh rupees to a close friend.”
Hearing this, another man immediately stood up and declared:
“I will take responsibility for one lakh rupees.”
A second person quickly added:
“And I will also give one lakh rupees.”
Now, only one lakh rupees remained. The Imam once again asked if anyone was willing to help. But no one responded.
After a moment, a man stepped forward and said humbly:
“I do not have cash with me, but I can pay the final one lakh within a few weeks, Insha’Allah.”
The Imam looked at him with gratitude, and with a heavy heart, the debt was finally settled. The funeral proceeded, and the deceased was buried with dignity.
The Hidden Reality
Days later, the man who had promised to pay the last one lakh fell ill and was admitted to the hospital. He was a simple man with very little savings, yet he was deeply worried about fulfilling his promise.
One night, while lying in his hospital bed, he saw a dream. The same man whose funeral had been prayed appeared before him, smiling brightly. He said:
“Brother, because of you my burden was lifted. Your promise to pay my remaining debt has freed me in the next world. May Allah reward you.”
When the man awoke, tears filled his eyes. Though weak and unwell, he gathered his strength and immediately arranged to repay the one lakh as he had promised.
The Moral
Dear reader, this story carries a strong reminder:
Debt is a heavy chain. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often warned his companions that even martyrdom does not forgive a person’s debt unless it is repaid.
This world may overlook unpaid loans, but in the hereafter, nothing is overlooked. Each rupee, each promise will be asked about.
So, if you have taken a loan, do not delay its repayment. And if you see your brother in need, help him to relieve his burden. Sometimes, your small act of generosity can become the reason for someone’s peace in the grave — and a means of great reward for you in the hereafter.
✨ Lesson: Always repay debts on time, for Allah is Just and will not let any debt go unpaid in the hereafter.
