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