Delaying the repayment of the debts owed by the deceased

Q: After my father's death, my elder brother died. My brother and I had not distributed the estate which our father left for us. My brother left children behind with whom I shared the estate, which is a piece of agricultural land that we live on. (Part No. 14; Page No. 79) The deceased members of the family owed debts to some people and I was unable to reach the creditors because of the revolution that erupted in Yemen. I put off repaying the debt for more than seven years due to the reason mentioned above. During this period none of the creditors asked for his money. Afterwards, I established contact with them and I paid them all their money. I even asked them to forgive me and my deceased family members for my procrastination. I gave them their money from my own money. Is this delay considered a sin or not?

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, that you could not repay the debts for the creditors due to the reason you explained and that you later paid them once you could, there is no blame on you because of the general meaning of the Statement of Allah (Exalted be He): Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. And His Saying: ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.