Is it permissible to perform Haj or Umrah when one is in debt?
Question
Is it permissible for someone to do Haj or Umrah when they are in debt? Should someone hold off on doing Umrah and Haj until they pay back the debt?
Answer
If a person’s debts are structured in monthly instalments and those payments are being maintained, then it would be permissible to perform Hajj and Umrah despite having such debt.
However, if the debt is interest-bearing, then it should be settled before going for Hajj or Umrah, as it is obligatory to free oneself from the burden of interest as soon as possible.
Rasulullah (ﷺ) cursed the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it. (Sahih Muslim #1598)
If the debt is not structured as a long-term repayment arrangement, then the debt should first be paid off, or permission should be sought from one’s creditors before undertaking Hajj or Umrah.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
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