If a person has debts and the الحج expenses would prevent them from repaying their debts, الحج is not واجب upon them — paying debts takes priority. However, if the person can afford both الحج expenses and debt repayment, or if the creditor grants permission, they may perform الحج. A person should not take a loan specifically to perform الحج, as الحج is only واجب on those who have the means.
The ruling depends on the nature and status of the debt. If a person has debts and performing الحج would prevent them from repaying those debts on time, then الحج is not واجب upon them. Repaying debts is a prior obligation that takes precedence over الحج. The condition of 'ability' (istitaa'ah) for الحج includes having sufficient funds beyond one's basic needs and obligations, including debt repayment.
الشيخ ابن باز stated that if a person has a debt with a fixed repayment schedule and can afford الحج expenses while still meeting their repayment obligations, they may perform الحج. However, if performing الحج would cause them to default on debt payments, they should repay their debts first and perform الحج when they are financially clear. He also advised that a person should not take out a loan to fund الحج, because الحج is only واجب on those who already have the means.
الشيخ ابن عثيمين added an important distinction regarding debts: if the debt is long-term (such as a mortgage or a multi-year installment plan) and the person can comfortably afford the regular payments alongside الحج expenses, the debt does not prevent الحج. If the creditor explicitly gives permission for the debtor to perform الحج, this also removes the restriction. However, if the debt is immediate (due now or overdue) and the person's الحج funds should instead go to repaying the debt, then they must prioritize the debt. He summarized: 'The rights of people take precedence over voluntary worship, and الحج becomes like a voluntary act for someone who owes an immediate debt.'
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed الحج. He said: 'His debts should be paid first.'
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed الحج. He said: 'His debts should be paid first.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
Debt that is due immediately prevents the obligation of الحج. Long-term debt with a payment schedule does not prevent الحج if the person can afford both.
Al-Hidayah: ability (istitaa'ah) requires surplus funds beyond debts and basic needs.
الحج is not واجب on a person who has debts that they cannot repay alongside الحج expenses. Debt repayment takes priority over الحج.
Maliki scholars consider debt a barrier to the ability (istitaa'ah) required for الحج.
Outstanding debts that are due immediately prevent the obligation of الحج. If the creditor gives permission or the debt is long-term, الحج may be performed.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: ability for الحج requires funds beyond debts and basic needs.
Debt takes priority over الحج. The person should not perform الحج if it means defaulting on debts. Permission from the creditor can lift this restriction.
Al-Mughni by ابن قدامة: repaying debts is واجب and takes precedence over الحج.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
Sunan al-Tirmidhi #1078 (hasan)النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed الحج. He said: 'His debts should be paid first.'
Sunan al-Bayhaqi #10419 (hasan)