Dr. `Ali Jum`ah, Mufti of Egypt, states the following: It is lawful for one to perform Hajj or `Umrah by instalments; for this does not violate any ritual or condition concerning Hajj or `Umrah.”

From a far comprehensive perspective on that issue, Dr. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Rector of Al-Azhar University, adds: “Generally speaking, there is no lawful preventive as to paying for something in instalments, so long as this is done without paying interests. Hence, there is nothing wrong if a certain financial association has paid the expenses of Hajj on behalf of its members as a loan without interests on the condition that the members will pay it back in instalments.”

Moreover, the eminent Muslim scholar, Dr. `Abdel-Fattah Idrees, Professor of Comparative Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar Univ., states: “Performing Hajj by instalments, or, in other words, through (a financial association) [that makes it easy for people to perform that religious obligation] is lawful, for there is no religious evidence against performing Hajj in that way. Besides, the pilgrim in that case will pay the money borrowed back. This view is in accordance with the juristic schools, i.e., Shafi`i and Dhahiri schools, that say that any lawful means that enables one to perform Hajj is considered in that regard, even if it is through borrowing money. Hence, performing Hajj by installments is lawful and is as rewarded as the Hajj wholly paid for.”

Guided by the above, it is permissible to perform Hajj by installments if one cannot afford the expenses of Hajj at once.