Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville

Children Not Being Responsible for Their Parent’s Debts

· 13 Dhuʻl-Hijjah 1443 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Are sons and daughters responsible for the debts of their parents who pass away leaving behind no money or assets?

Answer

The sons and daughters cannot be held responsible for the debts incurred by their deceased parents. In the Quraan Sharif Allah Ta’ala states,

None shall be burdened with the load of another

This means that each person will be responsible for his own actions. Notwithstanding the above, if the sons and daughters are wealthy and able to absolve their parents of this great responsibility (for which their parents will have to answer and account for on the Day of Qiyaamah), then they should certainly do so, for which they will certainly be rewarded. However, they cannot be forced to do so. It can be carried out voluntarily.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى

Approved by
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
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Source: Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville — https://www.iftadua.co.za/children-not-being-responsible-for-their-parents-debts/15416/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/azaadville-15416

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