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