Can I perform হজ্জ if I have outstanding debts?

The question of হজ্জ with debts requires careful consideration of the Islamic principle of istita'ah (ability), which is a condition for হজ্জ to become ওয়াজিব. The majority of scholars across all four madhahib agree that if a person has debts that prevent them from meeting their financial obligations, হজ্জ is not yet ওয়াজিব for them — they should prioritize debt repayment. The rights of creditors are a serious matter in Islam.

However, the situation is more nuanced for people with long-term structured debts (mortgages, student loans, installment plans). If you can afford the হজ্জ expenses while maintaining your regular payment schedule without defaulting, many contemporary scholars permit performing হজ্জ. The Hanafi position tends to be more flexible on this, while the Hanbali position is stricter about clearing debts first. It is strongly মুস্তাহাব to seek written permission from creditors and to make a written will before traveling in case anything happens. For voluntary (nafl) হজ্জ — meaning you have already performed your ওয়াজিব হজ্জ — scholars unanimously advise paying off debts first.