The question of performing `Umrah while being in debt is frequently asked by those who have outstanding loans but possess enough funds for the journey. This article addresses the Islamic ruling on prioritizing debt repayment versus performing the minor pilgrimage, distinguishing between interest-based and lawful loans.
The Priority of Repaying Interest-Based Debt
If a person holds a loan that is interest-based (Riba), the situation requires immediate attention. Dealing in interest is a major sin in Islam. Therefore, repaying this loan to reduce or eliminate the interest takes absolute priority over performing `Umrah.
Prominent scholars and economists emphasize that ridding oneself of Haram (unlawful matters) always takes precedence over performing voluntary or even delayed obligatory acts of worship. If the funds set aside for `Umrah can be used to settle the interest-based debt, one must use them to pay off the loan. This is essential to free oneself from the sin of Riba.
Understanding the Status of `Umrah
To understand this priority, one must look at the legal status of `Umrah in Islamic jurisprudence.
- According to the Hanbali school, `Umrah is an obligation, but it is not necessarily an immediate one.
- According to the other three major schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i), `Umrah is a confirmed Sunnah (desired act) rather than an obligation.
In contrast, repaying debt is a strict obligation. Therefore, a Muslim should not delay a mandatory duty (repaying debt) for the sake of a non-mandatory or deferrable act (`Umrah).
Ruling on Lawful (Halal) Debt
However, if the debt is free of interest—such as a loan from an Islamic bank or a personal loan from a friend—the ruling differs.
These are two separate actions: holding a debt and performing Umrah. Each is determined and rewarded on its own merits. If a person has a lawful debt and also possesses the resources to pay their installments on time without defaulting, there is no objection to them performing Umrah. In this case, the existence of debt does not automatically prohibit the pilgrimage, provided financial obligations are being met.
