The benefit of recording a transaction or asking for a receipt when dealing

Once, Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi alaihi) mentioned that a well-known proverb in the Arabic language is:

“Live like brothers but deal like strangers”

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi alaihi) thereafter explained:

There are many advantages and benefits through one adopting clarity and system in one’s dealings. Whether one takes a loan, gives a loan or settles an outstanding debt, in all cases one should ensure that one reduces it in writing and keeps a record of the transaction. In this way, one will save oneself from inconvenience or incurring any loss.

For example, when one hires the services of the washer-man (laundromat), then he should ensure that he asks for a receipt as a proof of the transaction. In doing so, one benefit is that in the event of the clothes being misplaced by the washer-man (laundromat), the washer-man will not be able to deny that you gave your clothes to him, as you have proof of the transaction. Another benefit which one receives is that even if one loses the receipt, since one had taken a receipt from the washer-man, the washer-man will remain constantly aware and conscious that he had given you a receipt for your clothes. Hence, he will ensure that he returns your clothes to you.

These beautiful teachings of Shari’ah (i.e. recording the transaction, business dealings, etc.) that we have received are all favours and bounties upon us from Allah Ta’ala. Hence, Allah Ta’ala mentions these among His favours in the following verses of the Qur’aan Majeed:

اقرَأ بِاسمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذى خَلَقَ ﴿١﴾ خَلَقَ الإِنسـٰنَ مِن عَلَقٍ ﴿٢﴾اقرَأ وَرَبُّكَ الأَكرَمُ ﴿٣﴾ الَّذى عَلَّمَ بِالقَلَمِ ﴿٤﴾ عَلَّمَ الإِنسـٰنَ ما لَم يَعلَم ﴿٥﴾

Recite in the name of your Lord and Cherisher who created (man). He created man from a (mere) clot of congealed blood. Recite and your Lord is most bountiful. He who taught (the use of) the pen. He taught man that which he did not know.

وَأَنزَلنا مَعَهُمُ الكِتـٰبَ وَالميزانَ لِيَقومَ النّاسُ بِالقِسطِ

and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of determining Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice.

(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 10/ 62)