Title: Recovering a Debt Question: I have a friend who borrowed from me a considerable sum of money. However he keeps on giving excuses after excuses & not being able to settle the debt. I understand it is considered a virtuous act to give extra time to debtors. But unfortunately he did not pay up not because he is really unable to do so but rather he does not want to & his lack of commitment to keep promises. He owns a bookshop. In the context of the absence of Islamic rule, do I have the right to retrieve my money by taking his books by 1.force 2."stealing". If so, do I consider the cost of the books as the selling or buying price? Also, could I charge him for my expenses in coming to ask him again & again for the debt as he keeps on postponing & postponing his payment? AW Malaysia Answer: You have all the right to recover your debt from your friend resorting to all available measures allowed by the law. However, you should not resort to any illegal or immoral means of recovering the loan. Thus, under no circumstances will I recommend that you steal any of his assets or take any of his assets through unauthorized/illegal force. The foregoing shall apply irrespective of the kind of rule you are living in. You may also charge your friend for any cost that you are forced to incur on recovering your loan, which may include your commuting for the purpose as well as any legal charges that you may have to bear for this purpose. Just remember that it is an extremely unfortunate soul that departs this world with an unfulfilled liability - like loans - on its shoulders. Every person shall have to payback his liabilities in full, in the hereafter, when we shall have nothing to payback our liabilities, except with the only asset that we may have on that day - our good deeds. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad January 3, 2003