If a person has debts and the হজ্জ expenses would prevent them from repaying their debts, হজ্জ is not ওয়াজিব upon them — paying debts takes priority. However, if the person can afford both হজ্জ expenses and debt repayment, or if the creditor grants permission, they may perform হজ্জ. A person should not take a loan specifically to perform হজ্জ, as হজ্জ is only ওয়াজিব on those who have the means.
The ruling depends on the nature and status of the debt. If a person has debts and performing হজ্জ would prevent them from repaying those debts on time, then হজ্জ is not ওয়াজিব upon them. Repaying debts is a prior obligation that takes precedence over হজ্জ. The condition of 'ability' (istitaa'ah) for হজ্জ includes having sufficient funds beyond one's basic needs and obligations, including debt repayment.
Sheikh Ibn Baz stated that if a person has a debt with a fixed repayment schedule and can afford হজ্জ expenses while still meeting their repayment obligations, they may perform হজ্জ. However, if performing হজ্জ would cause them to default on debt payments, they should repay their debts first and perform হজ্জ when they are financially clear. He also advised that a person should not take out a loan to fund হজ্জ, because হজ্জ is only ওয়াজিব on those who already have the means.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen 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 হজ্জ expenses, the debt does not prevent হজ্জ. If the creditor explicitly gives permission for the debtor to perform হজ্জ, this also removes the restriction. However, if the debt is immediate (due now or overdue) and the person's হজ্জ 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 হজ্জ becomes like a voluntary act for someone who owes an immediate debt.'
নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed হজ্জ. He said: 'His debts should be paid first.'
নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed হজ্জ. 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 হজ্জ. Long-term debt with a payment schedule does not prevent হজ্জ if the person can afford both.
Al-Hidayah: ability (istitaa'ah) requires surplus funds beyond debts and basic needs.
হজ্জ is not ওয়াজিব on a person who has debts that they cannot repay alongside হজ্জ expenses. Debt repayment takes priority over হজ্জ.
Maliki scholars consider debt a barrier to the ability (istitaa'ah) required for হজ্জ.
Outstanding debts that are due immediately prevent the obligation of হজ্জ. If the creditor gives permission or the debt is long-term, হজ্জ may be performed.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: ability for হজ্জ requires funds beyond debts and basic needs.
Debt takes priority over হজ্জ. The person should not perform হজ্জ if it means defaulting on debts. Permission from the creditor can lift this restriction.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: repaying debts is ওয়াজিব and takes precedence over হজ্জ.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said: 'The soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off.'
Sunan al-Tirmidhi #1078 (hasan)নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) was asked about a man who died while still owing debts and without having performed হজ্জ. He said: 'His debts should be paid first.'
Sunan al-Bayhaqi #10419 (hasan)