Question:
I am saving up to go for Umrah Insha Allah, but one problem is that I have a few debts outstanding. Would it be Islamically immoral to go Umrah without paying these debts off?
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question. May Allah bless you for your sincere intentions to increase in rendering good deeds.
It is important to note that paying off debts is an obligatory injunction and one will be questioned regarding outstanding debts by Almighty Allah. On the other hand, proceeding for Umrah is an optional and a recommended deed. Hence, in your case, there is no doubt that it would be strongly advised to pay off your debts rather than proceed for Umrah.
It is however worthy to mention that your Umrah would still be considered complete Insha Allah, if you do choose to proceed without settling debts.
Some amongst the learned have also stated that if you seek permission from your creditors, or in the case where you are making steady instalment payments, that would not be affected due to the Umrah journey, there would be no objection in proceeding for Umrah.
Regarding debt, the Prophet (pbuh) has stated, “I seek protection from disbelief and debt” (Nasai, Haakim)
“The one who dies in a state having even a single (outstanding) gold or silver coin, the matter will be settled (with creditors) through his good deeds, as there is no gold or silver (currency) in the hereafter.” (Ibn Majah, Tabraani)
And Allah knows best.
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Hadith of the Day Imam
Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah institute
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