ZOAHARIAN.COM – Being trapped in online loans (pinjol) is a problem faced by many people. Initially the loan was used to meet urgent needs, but the increasing interest and bills actually made financial conditions increasingly difficult.

In Islamic teachings, the issue of debt is not a trivial matter. A Muslim is advised to be careful when taking on debt because every obligation must be accounted for.

Islam also teaches its followers not to give up easily when facing economic difficulties. Apart from trying to find a way out, a person is advised to increase his prayers, improve his efforts and live his life according to religious guidance.

So, how do you get out of the trap of pinjol according to Islamic teachings?

Here are some steps you can take.

1. Repent and Determine Not to Repeat

The first step is to do self-introspection and ask Allah SWT for forgiveness.

If the loan involved contains usury, a Muslim needs to try to abandon this practice and not fall into it again.

Allah SWT says in Al-Qur'an Surah Al-Baqarah verse 275:

"Allah has legalized buying and selling and prohibited usury."

This verse is a reminder that Islam differentiates halal buying and selling transactions from the prohibited practice of usury.

Repentance must also be accompanied by the determination to improve the situation and resolve obligations to other parties.

2. Don't increase debt to pay off debt

The habit of taking out new loans to cover old loans can make it increasingly difficult for someone to get out of financial problems.

Islam teaches its followers to live within their means and not force themselves to fulfill needs beyond their income limits.

Rasulullah SAW also reminded us about the seriousness of the debt problem. Therefore, someone needs to be careful before deciding to borrow money.

Stop taking out new loans that have the potential to increase your financial burden.

3. Try to Pay Off Debt Seriously

In Islam, debt is an obligation that must be fulfilled.

The Prophet SAW said:

"Delaying debt payments by people who can afford it is an injustice." (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

This hadith reminds us that people who have the ability to pay should not deliberately postpone their obligations.

However, for someone who is truly experiencing economic difficulties, Islam pays attention to their condition.

In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 280, Allah SWT orders that people who are in debt and experiencing difficulties be given a grace period until they can find relief.

Therefore, if you are unable to pay, communicate your financial condition to the lender and propose a reasonable solution.

4. Increase Istighfar and Pray to God

In addition to making real efforts, Muslims are encouraged to multiply istighfar and ask Allah SWT for help.

One prayer that can be practiced is a prayer to avoid debt and the pressures of life.

The Prophet SAW once taught the following prayer:

It means:

"Oh God, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sadness, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, as well as from debt and the pressure of others."

This prayer is narrated in HR. Bukhari.

Practice this prayer with full confidence, while continuing to try to improve your financial condition.

5. Increase your alms according to your ability

Charity is one of the recommended practices in Islam.

However, for someone who is in debt, don't let charity actually cause you to neglect your obligation to pay your debts.

Put basic needs and obligations that must be paid first. If you still have excess sustenance, you can give alms according to your ability.

Islam teaches that kindness does not always have to be done in large amounts.

6. Looking for Halal Income

Islam encourages its people to work and earn a living through a halal path.

When you are stuck in debt, one of the things you can do is look for additional sources of income.

For example trading, opening a small business, taking a side job, or utilizing the skills you have.

This income can be used to meet family needs while gradually settling debt obligations.

7. Ask for leniency and help if you are really having trouble

Islam teaches the importance of helping each other in doing good.

People who are really having trouble paying their debts can ask lenders for relief.

Under certain conditions, someone who is in debt and meets the criteria of sharia can also be included in the gharimin group, namely people who are in debt and have the right to receive zakat.

This is mentioned in the Al-Qur'an Surah At-Taubah verse 60.

However, receipt of zakat for debt repayment must comply with sharia provisions and the assessment of the zakat management.

Additionally, if you encounter threatening charges or misuse of personal data, don't hesitate to seek help and report it through official channels.

Debts Must Be Resolved, Don't Lose Hope

Getting caught in a loan doesn't mean someone's future is over. Islam teaches that every difficulty must be faced with patience, prayer and serious effort.

For Muslims, abandoning the practice of usury, improving financial habits, and trying to pay off debts are part of efforts to improve life.

Don't just rely on prayer without effort, but don't forget Allah when you are facing difficulties.

Start with small steps, stop the habit of increasing debt, manage your income, and complete your obligations according to your ability.

With effort, trust, and the help of Allah SWT, there is always hope to get out of difficulties and build a better life.