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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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