Funeral Prayer for Debtors: Islamic Perspective on Debt and Burial Rights
Question: Is it sinful to perform the funeral prayer for a person in debt?
Answer: Performing the funeral prayer for a deceased Muslim in debt is not sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) initially refrained from praying over debtors to encourage others to take responsibility for paying their debts. Later, he declared that he would pay such debts on behalf of the deceased.
The funeral prayer is a communal obligation (fard kifayah), and it holds immense reward. There is no sin in praying for a debtor as long as the person is a Muslim.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail