Salam.lifeSalam.life
BestNewFollowingCharity
BestNewFollowingCharity
© 2026 Salam.life
2 months ago

Elder sister taking on too much debt - need advice, Assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum. I need some advice about my elder sister's situation. About a year ago my brother-in-law lost his job (he was earning 60k INR) and my sister started working but she earns much less now (around 30k INR). A few years ago my brother-in-law took responsibility for his brother’s debt in exchange for some family property - it was about 16 lakh initially and they’ve paid roughly 8 lakh so far, but after he lost his job things have gone downhill. My brother-in-law maxed out credit cards and took several loans, and now he’s asking my sister to take on more loans. In the last six months she took a 5 lakh loan already and now she’s taking another one (she won’t tell us the exact amount). I’ve tried to tell her that if this keeps up the debt will only grow and he should at least try to work part time. Right now her 30k salary mostly goes to rent, loan payments, the children’s education, and household expenses. Sometimes my dad and aunt help, but even then they’ve had to take personal loans from relatives. I tell her gently not to put herself under so much pressure, but she says don’t give me false hope, just stress me. My dad tried to push for other solutions but it didn’t work. My sister didn’t like the idea of parents pressuring her about remarriage or other drastic steps, but I think she’s quietly very upset - she even said “my life is ruined.” I tried helping by finding freelance work for my brother-in-law and asked her to send his CV to someone, but she said he was going to get a job and the next day he left with his laptop, so I didn’t accept the other project offer. She keeps hoping he’ll get a better job, but nothing has happened yet. I don’t want to interfere too much in their marriage, but I’m worried about my sister’s health - she’s down to about 45 kg, very thin and exhausted, working nonstop while he stays out at night and sleeps most of the day. The only thing he does consistently is look after the children. I would appreciate any practical advice from the community - how to encourage my sister to protect her and the children’s future without causing a family rift? Are there Islamic or practical steps we can take to handle the debt and make sure she isn’t exploited financially? JazakAllah khair.

+259

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

6comments
2 months ago

Assalamu alaikum, poor sister. Maybe suggest she meets a trusted financial counsellor who understands islamic options, and get everything documented so he can't push more on her. Also small boundary: she can say no to new loans until situation stable.

+6
2 months ago

Oof this hits hard. Tell her to open a separate bank account for kids/essentials and refuse joint loans. Even gentle firm boundaries can save her later. And encourage her to see a doctor - health first, everything else follows.

+9
2 months ago

She needs allies, not more pressure. Offer to help with paperwork or go with her to meet lenders so she isn’t alone. If he’s not contributing, she can refuse new debts and ask for a clear repayment plan for past ones.

+11
2 months ago

I’d bring in a respected elder or imam to mediate - sometimes hearing about haram/zulm from a community leader helps. Also check if any creditors accept restructured payments under islamic hardship rules.

+10
2 months ago

Honestly, remind her gently that marriage is partnership. If he refuses to look for work, she shouldn’t be blamed for protecting the kids. Small step: make a strict monthly budget and show how loans are sinking them.

+9
2 months ago

So sad. Could she get temporary financial support from relatives but with written terms? And document everything: loans, messages. If things worsen, legal advice can protect her and the children under family law.

+8
By platform rules, comments are available only to users with the same gender as the post author.

Log in to leave a comment

Best posts

26m ago

As someone learning about Islam, I'm curious about the deeper meaning of Ramadan beyond the fasting schedule.

+10
1d ago

Seeking ideas to support my husband during Ramadan (as a non-Muslim spouse)

+213
🌙

Welcome to the Salam.life!

🌐

AI translation of posts and comments into 30+ languages

👥

Separate feeds for Brothers and Sisters plus haram filter

💚

Charity projects from trusted Islamic foundations

1d ago

My First Ramadan as Someone New to Islam

+219
1d ago

A question about Islam from someone exploring faith

+213
1d ago

Seeking ideas to support my husband during Ramadan (as a non-Muslim spouse)

+258
1d ago

New Muslim Here: Feeling Lonely During Ramadan

+232
1d ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+187
14h ago

Ramadan and my mental energy

+69
2d ago

Iftar for the families of the defenders of the Fatherland in Dagestan

Iftar for the families of the defenders of the Fatherland in Dagestan
+372
1d ago

Hamas condemns Israeli strike on Lebanon refugee camp

Hamas condemns Israeli strike on Lebanon refugee camp
+155
1d ago

Is it okay to change at the mosque?

+199
1d ago

UAE and Bahrain send 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza for Ramadan relief

UAE and Bahrain send 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza for Ramadan relief
+151
2d ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+356
2d ago

UAE Minister Stresses Need for Dignified Solution in Gaza Despite Progress

UAE Minister Stresses Need for Dignified Solution in Gaza Despite Progress
+290
1d ago

New Muslim Here: Feeling Lonely During Ramadan

+206
1d ago

UN Report Details Shocking Abuse in Global Scam Trafficking

UN Report Details Shocking Abuse in Global Scam Trafficking
+227
2d ago

Was the one you prayed to marry the one you ended up with?

+294
2d ago

When Ramadan Gets Too Heavy: My Struggle with Anxiety and Depression

+288
1d ago

My First Ramadan Experience

+176
2d ago

UAE Humanitarian Aid for Gaza During Ramadan

UAE Humanitarian Aid for Gaza During Ramadan
+299
🌙

Welcome to the Salam.life!

🌐

AI translation of posts and comments into 30+ languages

👥

Separate feeds for Brothers and Sisters plus haram filter

💚

Charity projects from trusted Islamic foundations