Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Jannah for the one who pays off his debts
Sayyiduna Uthmaan Ibn Affaan radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah Almighty will admit a man into Paradise who was lenient in his buying and selling, in paying off debts and seeking repayments.” [Sunan Nasai]
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Question and Answer:
- Is it permissible for someone to do Haj or Umrah when they are in debt? Should someone hold off on doing Umrah and Haj until they pay back the debt?
- If the debts are structured in monthly payments and one is meeting such payments then it will be permitted to perform Haj and Umrah despite being in debt. However, if such debts are accruing interest then one must pay off the debt before going for Umrah and Haj as it is compulsory to remove the yoke of interest from your neck as soon as possible. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam cursed the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it. (Muslim #1598)
If the debt is not structured over a long term then one must pay the debt first or take permission from one’s creditors before performing Haj and Umrah.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Moosa Salie
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
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Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
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Website : www.jamiat.org.za
