Question

I have made intention to do Hajj in 2002, but have heard that I cannot go for Hajj with a Mortgage, as I am paying Riba to the banks.  Am I stuck, as I will not be able to finish the Mortgage off, until another 20 years?

Answer

In my opinion, it is not the payment of Riba, per se, which hinders you from going to Hajj. It is, in fact, the existence of a liability (of a loan) in one’s accounts, which should be closely considered before planning for Hajj.

If one owes a loan, one should first try to retire that loan, as swiftly as possible, before planning to fulfill the obligation of Hajj. This is especially true in cases, where the fulfillment of the obligation of Hajj is likely to entail a significant financial expense. The reason for preferring the retirement of the loan over the fulfillment of the obligation of Hajj is simply on the basis of the repercussions, which may follow in the hereafter, in case of the non-payment of one’s debts during one’s life. However, if one is quite confident of the retirement of one’s loans, as is, generally, the case in mortgage-based loans, then, in my opinion, there is no harm in undertaking the cherished journey to the House of God, even before the retirement of the liability. Nevertheless, the preferred plan of action, in my opinion – though you may not opt for it – would still be to expedite the retirement of the loan and then plan for Hajj.

The issue under consideration, as should be clear, from the foregoing discussion, is not one of the express prohibitions of the Shari`ah. On the contrary, it is primarily based upon one’s realization of the extra-ordinary responsibility – in the life of this world as well as the hereafter – which a loan entails, till it is completely repaid.

I hope this helps

Moiz Amjad

UIUK

September 6, 2001