If Someone Can’t Afford Hajj, Is It Still Required?

Question

I have a bank loan, but also a strong desire to go for ʿUmrah and Hajj. Some say I must first clear all debts before traveling. Am I still required to perform Hajj if I cannot afford it due to debt?

Bottom Line

If you are in debt and cannot afford Hajj, it is not required of you until you are financially able. Paying off debts takes priority.

Quick Answer

One of the conditions for Hajj is financial ability. If a person is burdened with debt, Hajj is not obligatory until the debt is settled or manageable. If the creditor allows a delay or someone else sponsors the journey without harming your obligations, then Hajj or ʿUmrah may be performed.

Key Takeaways

• Hajj is only obligatory for those who can afford it without neglecting debts or family needs.
• Paying off debts takes precedence over Hajj if the two conflict.
• If the creditor permits a delay or if someone sponsors you, the Hajj can still be valid.
• Neglecting the rights of creditors or dependents is a sin greater than delaying Hajj.

Detailed Answer

Hajj is a pillar of Islam, but it is not required unless the conditions are met, chief among them is financial ability. Allah says:

“And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah  for those who can afford the journey.” Aal ʿImran 3:97

Debts take precedence because they involve the rights of people, and Islam places great emphasis on fulfilling those rights. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) said:

“It is permissible for a person who is in debt to go for Hajj if someone else takes him, provided this does not affect his ability to pay the debt.” (Majmuʿ al-Fatawa, 26/16)

If going for Hajj or ʿUmrah will delay your payments or cause harm to your dependents, then it is impermissible.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“It is sufficient sin for a man if he neglects those whom he is responsible for.”
Abu Dawud 1692

Thus, your responsibility is clear: repay debts first unless the creditor allows otherwise. Hajj remains a duty on you once you are truly able, not before.

What This Means for You

If you cannot afford Hajj because of debts, you are not required to go until you are financially capable. Focus on repaying debts and caring for your family first. If your creditor permits a delay or someone sponsors your Hajj without harm to your obligations, you may go, and it will still be valid.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Aal ʿImran 3:97: Hajj is required only for those able to afford it.

Hadith

2. Sahih Muslim 996: Sin of withholding food from dependents.
3. Abu Dawud 1692: Neglecting dependents is a sufficient sin.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmuʿ al-Fatawa (26/16).