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