I have old debts from before I got married. Should I tell my spouse, and how do I deal with them?

Being open about old debts from the start builds trust and lets you settle them together. Hiding debts usually does more harm when they come to light later. Sit down with your spouse, list all your debts honestly, and draw up a repayment plan by priority. Islam encourages debts to be written down; Allah says: “When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:282). Avoid taking on new debts, especially those involving riba (interest), while paying off the old ones. If the burden is too heavy, seek advice from an accredited credit management agency. Face it as a team, not as a secret that drives you apart. See family finances.