Allah says regarding debtors in hardship:

“And if the debtor is in difficulty, then grant him time until ease. But if you remit it as charity, it is better for you, if only you knew.” (Al-Baqarah 2:280)

This verse actually encourages creditors to grant additional time to those who are genuinely unable to pay.

Therefore, if the deferment simply means:

• postponing payments,
• pausing collection efforts,
• extending the repayment period,
• or temporarily reducing required payments,

Without imposing new interest, penalties, or additional ribā-based charges, then accepting such a deferment would not be sinful. In fact, it would be consistent with the Qur’anic principle of giving relief to a debtor in hardship.

However, if the deferment agreement requires you to:

• accept additional interest,
• capitalize unpaid interest into a larger principal balance,
• incur new finance charges,
• or enter into a new agreement that increases the amount owed solely because of the delay,

then the matter becomes more problematic because the additional charge is tied to the extension of time, which is one of the classic forms of ribā.

In your situation, I would suggest obtaining the exact terms of the deferment and reviewing:

• whether the balance increases,
• whether interest continues to accrue,
• whether any new fees are imposed,
• and whether you are signing a new loan agreement.

It is important to remember that your original repentance is not undone merely because you are trying to manage an existing debt. A person who has fallen into an interest-bearing loan and then repents is required to do what he reasonably can going forward. He is not expected to instantly eliminate obligations that he is unable to eliminate.

If you are genuinely unemployed and unable to pay, then seeking lawful accommodations from the lender is not itself sinful.

The Office of Imam of IAR would therefore advise:

If the deferment merely grants time without additional ribā-related charges, it is permissible to accept.
If it adds new interest or charges because of the delay, then one should avoid that if possible and seek alternatives.
If no alternative exists and severe hardship would result, then the specific details should be reviewed carefully with a knowledgeable scholar, since existing debt obligations can involve circumstances beyond a person’s immediate control.
Most importantly, do not lose hope. Continue your job search, make duʿā’, and trust that Allah can open doors unexpectedly.

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Al-Ṭalāq 65:2–3)