Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 159
About Speedy Repayment of the Debts of a Deceased Person and Preparation of Burial

943. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The soul of the deceased believer remains pending on account of the debt till it (the debt) is repayed.''
[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary:  The Divine decision regarding the redemption or punishment of a dead man remains suspended till the time his debt, if any, is paid off. A bereaved family is supposed to give top priority to the clearance of a debt.

944. Hussain bin Wahwah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When Talhah bin Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) fell ill, the Prophet (PBUH) came to visit him and said, "Verily, I think that Talhah is about to die. So inform me when he is dead and make haste (in burying him). Indeed, it is improper for the corpse of a Muslim to be kept lying unburied among his family members.''
[Abu Dawud].

Commentary:  This Hadith tells us that a delay in the burial of a dead person will be considered ill-advised if not supported by solid reasons or a Shari`ah argument.