Question
May peace be upon you always, I have two questions which I hope you can help me with, Insha Allah: 1. I am a student who has a student loan which I intend to pay Insha Allah, I would like to know if I am allowed to go to Hajj or Umra while I am in this debt? What is the ruling on this in Islam? 2. Can I pay the Hajj/Umra with a Credit Card? I also intend to pay this once I come back, Insha Allah! May Allah bless you!
Answer
- You may go to Hajj or Umrah. The means of having the ability to pay off the loan in itself permits you to perform Hajj. Keep in mind owing loans or other financial burdens does not exempt you from going for Umrah but can affect performing Hajj.
- It would be preferable that you do not pay with a credit card as it may result in owing interest. Of course paying interest is not forbidden but it is merely a suggestion to keep the experience and even all the means related to it spiritually pure. If this is the only way you can pay then you may but it is recommended that you pay the dues as soon as possible.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.