Consequences of Debt and Ghulul
When the Prophet (ﷺ) was describing the Virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, he said:
"There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah)." He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it" (Al-Bukhari).
This Hadith highlights the extraordinary virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, emphasizing that righteous deeds performed during this period are exceptionally beloved to Allah. The comparison to Jihad, a highly esteemed act of worship in Islam, underscores the unparalleled significance of these days. This period allows Muslims to engage in various forms of worship, including fasting, prayer, charity, and the remembrance of Allah, to earn immense rewards.
The Esteem of Martyrdom in Islam
Martyrdom, or dying in the cause of Allah, is considered one of the highest forms of sacrifice and devotion in Islam. It is highly esteemed, and martyrs are promised great rewards in the Hereafter. The Hadith underlines that no noble act can surpass the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah except the martyr who sacrifices everything and returns with nothing.
Obstacles to Entering Paradise: Debt and Ghulul
Despite the high regard for martyrdom, the Hadiths indicate that certain actions can prevent a martyr from entering Paradise. Two significant obstacles are debt and ghulul (misappropriation of public funds or property).
Debt as a Barrier to Paradise
Muhammad bin Jahsh narrated: "We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah when he raised his head toward the sky and put his palm on his forehead, then he said: 'Subhan Allah, what a stern warning has been revealed! We fell silent and were scared. The following day I asked him: 'O Messenger of Allah, what is this stern warning that has been revealed? He said: 'By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if a man were to be killed in the cause of Allah then brought back to life, then killed, but he owed a debt, he would not enter paradise until his debt was paid off" (Sunan an-Nasa'i).
This Hadith emphasizes the gravity of debt in Islam. It indicates that even a martyr, with all his noble sacrifice, cannot enter Paradise if he has unpaid debts. This stern warning underscores the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and avoiding unnecessary debts.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also demonstrated the seriousness of debt by not offering funeral prayers for those who died with unpaid debts. Additionally, he sought refuge in Allah from debt in his supplications, indicating its potential to lead to sinful behavior and broken promises. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: "The soul of a Muslim is held in suspense by his debt until it is paid off" (Jami` at-Tirmidhi).
The Sin of Ghulul
Ghulul refers to the misappropriation or embezzlement of public funds or property. The Prophet (ﷺ) strongly condemned this act, as evidenced by the following Hadith:
The Prophet (ﷺ) got up amongst us and mentioned Al Ghulul, emphasized its magnitude and declared that it was a great sin saying, "Don't commit Ghulul for I should not like to see anyone amongst you on the Day of Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating, or carrying over his neck a horse that will be neighing. Such a man will be saying: 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Intercede with Allah for me,' and I will reply, 'I can't help you, for I have conveyed Allah's Message to you.' Nor should I like to see a man carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a man will say, 'O Allah's Apostle! Intercede with Allah for me,' and I will say, 'I can't help you for I have conveyed Allah's Message to you,' or one carrying over his neck gold and silver and saying, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Intercede with Allah for me,' and I will say, 'I can't help you for I have conveyed Allah's Message to you,' or one carrying clothes that will be fluttering, and the man will say, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Intercede with Allah for me.' And I will say, 'I can't help you, for I have conveyed Allah's Message to you" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
This Hadith paints a vivid picture of the consequences of ghulul on the Day of Resurrection, illustrating that those guilty of this sin will carry the burdens of their misdeeds, unable to seek the Prophet's intercession. The Quran also condemns ghulul, stating: “It is not for a Prophet to defraud; and whoever defrauds shall bring with him the fruits of his fraud on the Day of Resurrection, when every human being shall be paid in full what he has earned, and shall not be wronged” (Quran 3:161).
Anyone who diverts public or communal funds for personal gain commits ghulul and faces severe repercussions in the Hereafter. This serves as a stern reminder to uphold honesty and integrity, particularly in matters involving public trust.
The Hadiths provide profound insights into the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the esteemed status of martyrdom, and the severe consequences of debt and ghulul. These teachings encourage Muslims to maximize their righteous deeds during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, fulfil their financial obligations, and maintain honesty and integrity in all their dealings. By adhering to these principles, believers can hope to attain the ultimate reward of Paradise.