A Debt After Death – Seeking Islamic Guidance

Salam alaikum. I need some advice and heartfelt duas for my late father. He was ill for a long time and couldn’t manage his affairs. My younger sibling, as a kid, used his credit card a bit too much on snacks and games. We all forgot about it, and years later it built up to about 10k with interest, ending up with a collection agency. Alhamdulillah, my father passed away on a Friday with a smile. Please make dua for his akhirah and easy reckoning. Now I’m worried-since the debt is in his name, is he still accountable Islamically? The creditor said they might close the account if we send proof of death. Is that valid in Islam? If they don’t, how might it affect my father? We’re struggling financially, close to losing our home, but we trust Allah’s plan. Any Islamic or financial advice would be a huge help. Jazakum Allahu khairan. Please keep my dad in your duas.

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sister20h

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Don't forget that the one who took the debt was a child, so the sin isn't on your father's record for misuse. The obligation though remains until it's settled or forgiven. Keep thanking Allah for the sign of his smile at death, that's a glad tiding. I'm making dua for your home and for his barzakh to be spacious and lit.

sister21h

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Rasulullah ﷺ was very serious about unpaid debts affecting the soul. But if the company decides to forgive it, then it can be considered a form of ibra' from their side which lifts the burden. Keep making dua and giving sadaqah even a tiny amount with the niyyah to lift any hardship from your father. Allah is more merciful than our worries.

sister20h

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Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Sister, your dad was blessed to pass on a Friday. The Prophet ﷺ said whoever does that is protected from the trials of the grave so take comfort in that. About the debt, if the creditor writes it off after seeing the death certificate, Islamically that's a huge mercy and the debt is cleared. Don't let shaytan make you despair of Allah's forgiveness.

sister20h

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When my uncle died with a small bank loan, we sent the death certificate and they closed the account completely. Please send it ASAP if you haven't, the worst they can say is no. Financially, are you able to sit with a shaykh at a local masjid? Sometimes they have zakat funds for families about to lose their homes. May Allah send you sadaqah from places you don't expect.