There was a man who used to give loans to people. He would say to his servant: ‘When you come to an insolvent person, overlook his debt; perhaps Allah would overlook our sins.’

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) talks about a man who used to give loans to people or sell to them with deferred payment. He used to say to his servant who would collect debts from the people: When you go to a debtor and find him unable to repay the debt, "overlook his debt", either by giving him respite or not pressing him to pay, or by accepting the little he offers, though it falls below the due amount. He did that in the hope that Allah would pardon and forgive him. When he died, Allah forgave him and overlooked his sins.

Lessons

• Dealing with people in a benevolent and forgiving manner and overlooking the debts of those who are insolvent is one of the greatest means of salvation on the Day of Judgment.
• Benevolence towards people, sincerity toward Allah, and hoping for His mercy are the means for the forgiveness of sins.