What is the ruling for someone who is in debt and wants to perform Hajj?

If a Muslim is in debt, it is not permissible for them to perform Hajj until they have settled their debt, because Hajj is a right of Allah, while debts are rights of people. Allah forgives regarding His rights, but people do not forgive regarding their rights, and it will not be forgiven by Allah unless the people involved forgive. Therefore, it is necessary for a person not to perform Hajj if they are in debt until they have cleared their debt. However, if the creditors forgive them and grant them the permission to perform Hajj, then they have waived their right, and may Allah reward them with goodness. But if they do not do so, then it is not permissible for the debtor to perform Hajj. This condition is subject to the debtor being confident in their ability to settle the debt. If they know that they will not be able to settle the debt if they perform Hajj, then it is not permissible for them to perform it. Settling debts takes precedence, even if it’s a deferred debt. And Allah knows best.

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Taken from: Issue 1633, Pg. 57, 20^th of Dhul-Qa'dah 1425 AH/1^st of January 2005 CE

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