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