Answer: Allah the Exalted says, “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to find a way to it.” [Aal ʿImran 97] The one who is “able to find a way” is the person who possesses the means to reach the House of Allah and return to his homeland after covering his basic needs and lawful expenses. If someone is in debt and his wealth is insufficient to pay the debt and perform Hajj, he must give priority to settling the debt; in that case Hajj is not obligatory upon him because he is not able. However, since you have already performed Hajj and completed its rites, the Hajj itself is, God willing, valid and discharges the obligation, but you incur sin for delaying repayment of the debt.

Question: Is it required for a debtor who wishes to perform Hajj to seek the creditor’s permission?

Answer: Yes, it is required, because the creditor’s right takes precedence and the debtor must obtain his consent.

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ʿUmrah and Hajj for Someone in Debt

Question: Is Hajj valid for a person who is in debt, and likewise ʿumrah? Is it permissible to perform ʿumrah before Hajj, or must Hajj come first? Please advise us, and may you be rewarded.

Answer: Regarding someone in debt, the ruling differs according to his circumstances. If he does not have enough to cover both the expenses of Hajj and repayment of the debt, he must prioritize settling the debt, and it is not permissible for him to perform Hajj unless the creditor gives him permission. If the creditor does not grant permission and he lacks the means to pay the debt and perform Hajj, then paying the debt takes precedence over Hajj; in this situation Hajj is not obligatory upon him, for the obligation of Hajj applies only to those who are able—and he is not able.