Today, yet again I was almost trapped. Previously I didn’t use to care too much about the loans I gave to people, because the amount was forgettable for me, even though not for my family members (I felt that even if those pious people don’t return it to me due to their financial troubles, Allah (swt) would forgive my sins because of it). But this time the amount was big, still my concern was not the amount but the doubt that, the person to whom I am giving it, is he really deserving of it or not. Well, his past dealings were near perfect with me, and apparently also with people around him. Very nice, polite, matured aged person, well mannered, dedicated to his faith..etc. whatever was evident apparently went in his favor. I always prayed to Allah (swt) to make most of my money a source of benefit to my relatives and the poor, faithful deserving ones before a large amount of it is wasted through thefts, accidents, diseases…etc.. This man was very calm, helpful, caring, smiling, lover of Quran and sunnah and I couldn’t think of anything negative about him.
The three conditions mentioned in Surah Baqara about loans were difficult for me to digest:
- Loans should be evidenced in writing and a maturity period fixed for the return of the loan. (In case you seriously want it back, no matter small or large that amount is).
- The loan agreement should be witnessed by two persons. (also signed after the first and second person statements are written).
- If a scribe is not available to put the loan agreement into writing, as for instance in a journey, a collateral should be taken for the return of the loan.
Because I didn’t want to embarrass the person I trusted (hence was deceived a number of times in the past by ‘good’ people) I couldn’t gain the courage to tell that man that we need to follow the steps mentioned in the Quran (as he might feel that I don’t trust him). But the scholars told me that I am not smarter/polite/caring/sincere than the Creator (nauzubillah), HIS rules are not for HIS benefit, but for our own and also for those with whom we deal with. Soft hearted people feel shy and don’t apply those rules in courtesy and later regret (also later don’t give it to deserving people because of one bad experience with a bad person, due to their own fault).
Anyways, this man didn’t seem too interested in the loan, even though he looked a lot worried. As I took him along with me to a scholar, so that the Quranic concept should be explained to him by an expert. What I didn’t understand about the Quranic concept was that if that man runs away, what would I do with the witnesses, I can’t fight with them or threat them. I don’t like going to courts…etc. But my misunderstanding was cleared the moment the Maulana recited the Quranic verse. For the first time I saw this (cool & calm) man’s face turning red, and he started to sweat. For the first time he started to behave strangely, getting irritated by the meaning of that verse (never seen him irritated before) and started to continuously talk non-sense. The Maulana smiled at me and through his eyes conveyed to me that this is the miracle of Quran. My decision afterwards is obvious. Alhamdulillah, Quran & Hadith are for our own benefit. Allah (swt) doesn’t need our obedience.
p.s. Share your experiences if you like, for the learning of less educated people like me. JazakAllah khair.