Asalamu Alikum, Is it permissible to ask the money that I have loaned to others? I have given money to a lot of people from 4 to 12 years ago and none of them are returning my money. Right now, I am going through financial difficulties, and I am in need of money. These people are spending money left and right but they do not care about my loan. I need my money and I also don’t want to lose my rewards. What should I do? Jazakum Allah Khairan

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

In principle, lending money is desirable and an act of worship that brings a person closer to Allaah The Almighty as this is benefiting the borrower, fulfilling his need and alleviating his trouble. There is no disagreement among the Muslim jurists that loans must be returned.

Therefore, it is obligatory for those who borrowed money from you to return to you the equal amount. Also, you have the right to demand your money and there is no blame on you in asking them to return equal amounts to the loans if they are not having financial difficulties, as understood from your words.

However, this does not cause loss of the reward of the loan. If you had agreed on a fixed term in which the loan should be returned, the borrower has to abide by that term according to the preponderant opinion of the jurists .

Finally, we ask Allaah The Almighty to grant you large sustenance and alleviate your troubles.

Allaah Knows best.