Can You Go for Umrah If You Have Debt?

Yes, you can go for Umrah if you have debt, as long as your repayments are up to date and the trip does not stop you paying on time. A debt that is due now comes first, as paying it is obligatory and Umrah is a voluntary act for most pilgrims. This guide covers the ruling on Umrah while in debt, the lender's permission and the 3 conditions for going. The guide then covers loans, mortgages and credit card debt, borrowing for Umrah, the spiritual benefits and frequent questions.

Can You Go for Umrah If You Have Debt?

Yes, you can go for Umrah if you have debt, if no repayment is due that the trip would stop you paying. Scholars apply one principle: the obligatory action comes before the voluntary action. Paying a debt when the time comes is obligatory. A voluntary Umrah is not.

Ruling on Performing Hajj or Umrah Before Paying Off Debts

The ruling on performing Hajj or Umrah before paying off debts depends on whether the debt is due now. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin states that a debt paid in instalments does not prevent Hajj, if the debtor can meet each instalment on time. A debt due now, with no money to cover both, comes first: pay it and delay the Umrah.

Permission of the Lender

The permission of the lender is not needed while your repayments are on schedule. Ask the lender, if a payment falls due during your trip or you are behind on payments. A lender who agrees to wait removes the obstacle.

Conditions for Going for Umrah While in Debt

The conditions for going for Umrah while in debt are 3.

The Lender Does Not Need the Money Now

The lender does not need the money now when the debt is not yet due, or the lender agrees to wait. Money owed to a family member in hardship comes before a voluntary journey.

No Breach of the Agreement

No breach of the agreement means you pay every instalment on its date, before, during and after the trip. Set up payments in advance, if a date falls while you are in Makkah.

No Extravagance

No extravagance means choosing a package you can afford without new debt. A modest hotel and a shorter stay keep money free for repayments.

Can You Go for Umrah With a Loan, Mortgage or Credit Card Debt?

Yes, you can go for Umrah with a loan, a mortgage or credit card debt, if every repayment is up to date. The 4 common UK debts compare as follows:

• Mortgage: a long-term instalment debt. Umrah is allowed, if the monthly payments continue on time.
• Student loan: repaid from salary when earnings pass the threshold. Umrah is allowed.
• Personal loan or money owed to family: Umrah is allowed, if no instalment is missed or the lender agrees.
• Credit card debt: Umrah is allowed, if payments stay on time. Credit card interest is riba (Qur'an 2:275), so clear the balance as early as you can.

Interest-based debt does not make the Umrah invalid. Scholars advise paying off interest-based debt quickly, as Allah has forbidden riba.

Can You Borrow Money to Go for Umrah?

Yes, you can borrow money to go for Umrah, but only when you can repay it on time. Scholars advise against borrowing for a voluntary Umrah. Umrah becomes due only on a person with the means. Wait and save, rather than take on new debt, especially interest-based debt.

Spiritual Benefits of Umrah for a Person in Debt

The spiritual benefits of Umrah for a person in debt are 2.

Umrah Removes Poverty

Umrah removes poverty, in the words of the Prophet ﷺ: "Perform Hajj and Umrah one after the other, for they remove poverty and sins" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 810; Sunan an-Nasa'i 2631).

Allah Helps in Repaying Debt

Allah helps in repaying debt for a borrower who intends to repay. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever takes people's money intending to repay it, Allah will repay it on his behalf" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2387). The Prophet ﷺ warned that the soul of the believer is suspended by his debt until it is paid off (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1078).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to Umrah if you have credit card debt?

Yes, you can go to Umrah if you have credit card debt, if your payments are up to date.

Do you need your lender's permission for Umrah?

No, you do not need your lender's permission, while your repayments stay on schedule.

Should you pay off debt or go for Umrah first?

Pay off a debt that is due now first. A debt paid in instalments does not stop Umrah.

Is Umrah valid if you have debt?

Yes, Umrah is valid if you have debt. Debt affects whether you should go, not the validity of the Umrah.

Conclusion

You can go for Umrah if you have debt, as long as your repayments are up to date and the trip does not stop you paying on time. Pay a debt that is due now first, keep every instalment on its date, and choose a package you can afford. Plan the trip budget with our guide on how much cash to take for Umrah, once your repayments are in order.

Now you have a clear answer on Can You Go For Umrah If You Have Debt? Labbaik Hajj Umrah, a UK travel agency since 1991, offers different types of Umrah packages. Get in touch with us to know more about them.