Social dealings of the Companions (rad) were upright.
Muadh ibn Jabal (rad) was very generous. He honoured and helped others through his generosity. In doing so, he became indebted. He took on loans to fulfill the needs of others. When he became indebted, the creditors demanded their money, saying, “Our money should be returned.”
The matter was brought to the Prophet
, “Recover our money from Muadh; he borrowed from us.” The Prophet took everything Muadh (rad) had and gave it to the creditors.
(Hayatus Sahaba Vol 2 p186, Haakim and Ibn Sad Vol 3 p123)
Why? Because without fair dealings, things don’t advance. When social interactions are improper, preaching and dawah won’t be effective.
People say, “Look at them — they roam around in jamaat and don’t return the money. They’re praying in the first row but don’t pay back our money.”
Ml Saeed Ahmed Khan رحمة الله عليه said, “Taunts and complaints of people won’t let them progress in religion.”
Why? Their social dealings aren’t correct. Thus, whatever is taken should be returned. Whatever is promised should be fulfilled.
All of this is part of the religion.
