Is It Permissible to Take an Interest-Free Loan for Hajj?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to take an interest-free loan for Hajj or an advance on your salary from your employer?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

It is not obligatory to perform Hajj if one would need to take a loan to cover the costs. Their Hajj would still be considered valid if they choose to do so. [Nawawi, al-Majmu‘ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab]

Furthermore, Hajj is not obligatory for a debtor if the repayment of their debt could be impacted by the expenses of the journey, even if the creditor is willing to postpone the repayment until after the Hajj.​ Their Hajj will still be considered valid if they choose to perform Hajj despite their debt if their expected repayments are paid timeously. [ibid.]

While it is not ideal to take a loan to fulfill Hajj, and it is always advisable to remain debt-free, taking a loan remains permissible and, for some, possibly the only way they can undertake the fifth pillar of Islam despite not being obliged to, and Allah knows best.

The Escalating Costs and Obligations of Hajj

The escalating costs of undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage have become a significant barrier for many Muslims worldwide. This financial burden makes the pilgrimage inaccessible for many Muslims.

Islamic Law stipulates that Hajj is obligatory only for those with the physical and financial capacity to perform it. This includes sufficient funds above one’s needs for family support and (immediately payable) debts. The principle ensures that the obligation of Hajj is not extended to those with more essential financial needs. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]

For those who find the cost of Hajj beyond their means, it is essential to recognize that the value of one’s faith and the sincerity of one’s devotion are not measured by the completion of this pilgrimage alone.

Islam offers numerous spiritual growth and reward avenues, many of which do not require significant financial expenditure. Regular prayer, fasting, charity, remembrance, and community service are all ways to deepen one’s faith and earn profound rewards.

If Hajj is out of reach, it is vital not to despair or feel diminished in one’s faith. Instead, focus on the many other aspects of worship and personal development that Islam encourages.

Remember, Allah is Most Merciful and Appreciative of every effort His servants make to draw closer to Him, regardless of the form it takes. It’s also worth noting that the intention to perform Hajj, coupled with consistent efforts to save and plan for it responsibly, is a worthy act in the eyes of Allah.

Alternatives for Spiritual Rewards

For those unable to perform Hajj due to financial constraints, Islam offers beautiful alternatives that provide immense spiritual rewards. A hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) highlights such an alternative.

It is narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation then sits remembering Allah (Most High) until the sun rises, then prays two prayer units, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umra, complete, complete, complete.” [Tirmidhi, 586]

This practice emphasizes the accessibility of spiritual growth and reward in Islam, demonstrating the religion’s inclusivity and the variety of avenues through which believers can seek closeness to Allah.

Equity in Spiritual Opportunities

The perception that affluent members of the Muslim community may have more opportunities for goodness, mainly through financial contributions and performing Hajj, etc., is addressed in the teachings of Islam.

A hadith narrated by Abu Dharr showcases the Prophet Muhammad’s reassurance (Allah bless him and give him peace) that acts of charity are not limited to financial deeds.

“Some people from amongst the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to the Prophet, ‘O Messenger of Allah, the affluent have made off with the rewards; they pray as we pray, they fast as we fast, and they give [much] in charity because of their wealth.’

He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘Has not Allah made things for you to give in charity? Indeed, every tasbih [saying Subhan Allah] is a charity. Every takbir [saying Allahu akbar] is a charity, and every tahmid [saying Alhamdulillah] is a charity, and every tahlil [saying La ilaha illAllah] is a charity.

And commanding the good is a charity, and forbidding an evil is a charity, and in the [lawful] sexual act of each of you, there is a charity.’ They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, when one of us fulfills his sexual desire, will he have some reward for that?’

He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Do you not see that if he were to act upon it [his desire] in an unlawful manner, then he would be deserving of punishment? Likewise, if he were to act upon it lawfully, then he will be deserving of a reward.’” [Muslim]

The hadith elaborates on various reward-filled actions, including utterances of praise and acts of goodness, which are accessible to all believers regardless of their financial status. This inclusive approach ensures that every believer can earn rewards through sincerity in actions and intentions, emphasizing the value of diverse acts of worship.

The Importance of Responsible Financial Decisions

While the desire to perform Hajj is commendable, Muslims are encouraged to balance this aspiration with the realities of their financial situation. It is crucial not to make financial decisions that could jeopardize one’s economic stability or place undue burdens on one’s family.

Islam teaches the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and ensuring that acts of worship, like Hajj, do not lead to financial strain. For those for whom Hajj remains out of reach, Islam offers numerous other avenues for spiritual growth and reward, underscoring the mercy and generosity of Allah toward all believers.

While the Hajj Pilgrimage holds a unique and irreplaceable position in Islam, our Merciful Allah provides ample opportunities for spiritual enrichment and reward through various acts of worship.

These teachings affirm that sincerity, devotion, and the pursuit of goodness are accessible to every believer, providing a path to spiritual fulfilment and closeness to Allah, regardless of one’s financial circumstances.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.