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Fatwa CenterSettling others’ debts is not obligatory
Question
I have a dispute with my older brother. The cause of it is that we traveled to a foreign country to earn some money and help our family, but my brother did not pay heed to the limits of Sharee‘ah, and thus he got money from people and did not pay them back. I settled many debts for him whenever I heard someone demanding money from him so that Allaah would not doom us for his sin. We then vowed not to take the money of other people without a right. Then the demand for money grew from many claimants, and this made me talk seriously with my brother, and then we separated. He started telling people that I am a fool and accused me of committing indecencies. Our conflict escalated and we stopped talking to each other, and he does not greet me back with Salaam either during the month of Ramadhaan or during ‘Eed. He is 26 years of age and is two years older than me. What is the ruling on this? What is my duty? May Allaah reward you.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
We supplicate to Allaah The Almighty to reward you for what you have done with your brother. You should have patience for the sake of Allaah The Almighty at the bad way he treats you. You should always consider the verses (which mean): {Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].} [Quran 41:34-35]
We also remind you of the Hadeeth of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, when a man came to him complaining that his relatives mistreated him. He said: “I have relatives with whom I try to keep in touch, but they cut me off. I treat them well, but they abuse me. I am patient and kind towards them, but they insult me.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “If you are as you say, then it is as if you are putting hot dust in their mouths. Allaah will continue to support you as long as you continue to do that.” [Muslim, Ahmad and Abu Daawood]
Also, please note that you are not required to settle his debts, for he is the one to bear the sin for not clearing them, because Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.} [Quran 35:18]
Allaah Knows best.
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