943/1 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The soul of a believer remains suspended due to his debt until it is paid on his behalf.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; and he classified it as Hasan (sound)]
Suspended: held back from its promised honorable position.
1) The heirs of a dead person should pay his debts on his behalf. They have no right to the inheritance until the debt has been settled.
2) Debt prevents the dead person from enjoying the bliss in the grave, which Allah Almighty has prepared for the believers.
3) Debt prevents bliss from those deserving it. Then, how would its effect be on sinners!
944/2 - Husayn ibn Wahwah reported that Talhah ibn al-Barā’ (may Allah be pleased with both of them) fell ill, and the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) visited him, and said: “Verily, I think that Talhah is about to die. So inform me when it happens and make haste (in burying him). Indeed, it is improper for the corpse of a Muslim to be kept lying unburied among his family members.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd] [8]
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1) It urges us to quickly prepare the dead person and not keep him unburied with his family.
2) It shows the Prophet’s guidance in visiting the sick among his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and inquiring about them.