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Kembaraxtra-Islamic Finance – Restricted and Non-Restricted Hiwalah


Notes on Hiwalah

  • Hiwalah = transfer of debt obligation from one person (debtor) to another.
  • Shari‘ah basis: Hadith in Bukhari & Muslim – “If one of you is referred to a wealthy man, he should accept the reference.”
  • Purpose: To simplify settlement of debts, prevent injustice, and ensure smooth financial dealings.

Restricted Hiwalah (Hiwalah Muqayyadah)

  • Transfer of debt with conditions or restrictions.
  • The creditor (transferee) can only claim under specified terms set by the transferor.
  • Example: Time restriction, partial amount, or other conditions.
  • Less flexible, but valid under Shari‘ah if both parties agree.
  • Used in situations where cash flow or contractual obligations must be coordinated


Non-Restricted Hiwalah (Hiwalah Mutlaqah)

  • Transfer of debt without conditions or restrictions.
  • The creditor (transferee) can immediately claim the debt directly from the principal debtor.
  • More flexible and commonly practiced in Islamic finance.
  • Removes the burden from the transferor immediately.
  • Ensures faster settlement of financial obligations.


Qur’an & Hadith References

  • Qur’an (Al-Baqarah 2:282): “When you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down…” → supports documentation and clarity in debt transfers.
  • Hadith (Bukhari & Muslim): “Delay in payment by a rich person is injustice, but when one of you is referred to a wealthy man, he should accept the reference.” → foundation of Hiwalah.

5 Case Scenarios with Solutions

Case 1: Restricted Hiwalah – Time Condition

  • A owes B RM10,000.
  • B owes C RM10,000.
  • B tells C: “You may claim from A, but only after 3 months.”
  • Solution: This is restricted Hiwalah. C must wait 3 months before demanding payment.

Case 2: Restricted Hiwalah – Partial Amount

  • A owes B RM15,000.
  • B owes C RM10,000.
  • B transfers only RM10,000 of A’s debt to C, keeping RM5,000 with himself.
  • Solution: Valid restricted Hiwalah. C can only claim RM10,000 from A.


Case 3: Non-Restricted Hiwalah – Immediate Settlement

  • A owes B RM5,000.
  • B owes C RM5,000.
  • B transfers the claim to C without conditions.
  • Solution: C can immediately demand RM5,000 from A. This is non-restricted Hiwalah.

Case 4: Non-Restricted Hiwalah – Business Use


  • A contractor (A) owes supplier (B) RM50,000.
  • B owes wholesaler (C) RM50,000.
  • B transfers the debt directly to C.
  • Solution: Non-restricted Hiwalah. C now claims from A directly without restrictions.


Case 5: Restricted vs. Non-Restricted Mixed

  • A owes B RM20,000.
  • B owes C RM20,000.
  • B tells C: “You may claim RM10,000 now, and RM10,000 after 2 months.”
  • Solution: This is a combination. The first RM10,000 = non-restricted. The second RM10,000 = restricted with time condition.


Summary Notes:


  • Restricted Hiwalah: Bound by conditions (time, partial claim, etc.).
  • Non-Restricted Hiwalah: Free from conditions, transferee can claim immediately.
  • Both are valid under Shari‘ah if terms are clear and agreed upon.
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