CASE FILES · 12 – SETTLEMENT
Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “Reconciliation among Muslims is permissible.”
The narrator, Ahmad ibn Abdulwahid, added: "Except for a reconciliation which makes what is forbidden lawful and what is lawful forbidden."
The narrator, Sulayman ibn Dawud, narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “Muslims are upon their conditions.”
**Explanation:** It is permissible to effect reconciliation between believers who have disagreement. If a condition has been stipulated for something, then it is incumbent upon the believers to adhere to those conditions placed among them. However, if a reconciliation between two believers requires that what is forbidden be made lawful and what is lawful be deemed forbidden, then this reconciliation is not permissible.
Ka'b bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
During the era of prosperity, he demanded payment of a debt from the son of Abi Hadr in the mosque. Their voices rose to a point where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) could hear them in his home. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) wished to come out to them and opened the curtain before his door, addressing Ka'b bin Malik, "O Ka'b bin Malik!" Ka'b said, “I am at your service, O Messenger of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him), gesturing with his hand towards Ka’b, commanded, "Forgive half of your debt." Ka'b said, "I have forgiven it, O Messenger of Allah." Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) ordered Ibn Abi Hadr, “Arise and pay the remaining debt.” [326]
COMMENTARY:
This honorable hadith serves as evidence that creditors are permitted to forgive a portion of their debts.