A Thematic Analysis of Hadith on Debt and Lending (Qardh): Integrating Trustworthiness, Justice, and Financial Responsibility into Islamic Character Education

Abstract

This study examines the educational values embedded in selected Prophetic hadiths concerning debt and benevolent lending (qardh) and explores their conceptual integration into Islamic character education and financial literacy. Using qualitative library research and thematic textual analysis, the study interprets reports from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, and Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī alongside Qur’anic guidance in al-Baqarah 2:280–283. Five interconnected educational values emerge: trustworthy intention and repayment responsibility, justice in meeting obligations, ethical repayment without stipulated excess, compassion for debtors in genuine hardship, and honesty through transparent documentation. These values can inform learning objectives, case-based discussions, role-play, reflective writing, and formative assessment in Islamic religious education and character education. Illustrative learning scenarios distinguish deliberate refusal to repay from genuine financial difficulty, encouraging students to reason ethically rather than memorize rules alone. The study proposes a conceptual teaching framework connecting textual interpretation, moral deliberation, and responsible financial decision-making. Its contributions are pedagogical proposals, not evidence of measured learning outcomes; classroom validation is recommended.