3. The creditor is not allowed to stipulate any additional amount to be repaid beyond the original loan, as this constitutes ribā. The creditor is only entitled

NOTE: A common example of this is what takes place in conventional banks, who provide loans to individuals in need with an agreed-upon interest rate added to the original loan amount. Alternatively, the bank may agree with the debtor on the value of the loan but disburse a smaller amount while requiring them to repay the full agreed-upon value. For example, if the debtor requests a loan of £100,000, the bank may provide only £80,000 while requiring repayment of the full £100,000. 4. The creditor is not allowed to stipulate any additional service/benefit surplus the loan. This is because: قاعدة: «كلُّ قرضٍ جرَّ نَفْعًا فهو ربا» 'Every loan that generates a benefit is considered ribā.' For instance, stipulating benefits such as free or reduced rent of a house, the use of an animal, or any other benefits. A group of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ gave rulings indicating the prohibition of such transactions, and the jurists unanimously agreed on its impermissibility. BENEFIT: The benefits derived from a قرض (loan) are of two types: 1. Prohibited Benefits: These are further divided into two categories: a. An additional, exclusive benefit stipulated for the creditor. b. Any benefit offered by the debtor to the creditor in exchange for the loan. 2. Permissible Benefits: Such as religious benefits (i.e. reward from Allāh), or mutual benefits, such as the wealth being kept secure for the duration of the loan. ADDITIONAL NOTES: 1. If the debtor repays the creditor with something better than what was originally taken, or adds an extra amount without prior condition or intention, this is permissible. It is considered a voluntary act on the part of the debtor and an example of good repayment. This is supported by the previously mentioned ḥadīth of Abu Rāfi’. 2. If the loan is for an extended period: A. The creditor must not pester the debtor and demand early repayment. B. It is allowed for the debtor to repay it earlier. 3. If the debtor exceeds the repayment period, the creditor is advised to exercise patience, particularly if the debtor is going through a difficult time. Allah ﷻ says: ﴿وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسۡرَةࣲ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَیۡسَرَةࣲۚ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا۟ خَیۡرࣱ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ﴾ "If it is difficult for someone to repay a debt, postpone it until a time of ease. And if you waive it as an act of charity, it will be better for you, if only you knew." [Surah Al-Baqarah: 280] 4. The delay of a wealthy debtor who is capable of repaying their debt without any valid excuse, after being requested by the rightful owner, is a major sin. The Prophet ﷺ said: ((مَطْلُ الْغَنِيِّ ظُلْمٌ)) متفق عليه من حديث أبي هريرة "Procrastination (delay) in paying debts by a wealthy man is oppression." [Agreed upon] The Prophet ﷺ also said: ((مَنْ أَخَذَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ يُرِيدُ أَدَاءَهَا أَدَّى اللهُ عَنْهُ، وَمَنْ أَخَذَ يُرِيدُ إِتْلاَفَهَا أَتْلَفَهُ اللهُ)). "Whoever takes people's wealth intending to repay it, Allāh will ensure its repayment on his behalf; and whoever takes people's wealth intending to spoil it, Allāh will spoil him." 5. There are three methods a creditor can employ to recover debt from a defaulting debtor: The 1st Method: The creditor recovers their debt from the defaulting debtor through judicial proceedings. - The judge will force the debtor to pay back the debt or he will forcibly sell some of his possessions to recover the debt. The 2nd Method: The creditor recovers their debt from the defaulting debtor without their consent (also known as مسألة الظفر بالحق). However, this method subject to certain conditions: