Hadith # 1370
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: 'When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.' So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary
"Show him leniency" implies three things in the present context - polite dealing, extension in the period of payment and remittance of debt. All these qualities are desirable and praiseworthy in Shari'ah. The incident reported in this Hadith relates to some person of a community of the ancient times, but it is such an illustrious example that it was liked by the Prophet (PBUH) because he recommended it to his followers through his advice and practice. This action is certainly a means of winning the Pleasure of Allah as well.
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