A lot of Muslims ask if they can go to Umrah when they owe money. Umrah plays a big role in Islam as a pilgrimage that gives Muslims benefits such as forgiveness and helps them grow spiritually. But having debt can make this trip harder. It's key to understand the rules about debt and Umrah. This article will let you dive into what you should focus on first.
Doing Umrah even if you have debt is possible. However, paying off important debts first is a better approach. Let’s discuss it in detail.
What Does Debt Mean in Islam?
In Islam, debt is referred to as "dayn." It stands for an obligation that must be met. Debt has two forms: one that involves interest and another that doesn't. Islam bans debt with interest also called Riba, as it might lead to unfairness and misuse. Debt without interest is okay if it sticks to certain rules.
It is important to pay off your debts before going for Umrah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that a person's soul is held back until their debts are settled. This is a serious matter.
Muslims believe that keeping promises and responsibilities is very important in their faith. It’s crucial to handle your debts well before preparing for Umrah. This way, you can focus entirely on your spiritual journey without the stress of financial obligations.
Is It Possible to Do Umrah When You Are in Debt?
Umrah can be performed even if you have debts. However, there are important points to consider. Islamic teachings stress the importance of paying off debts. Before engaging in voluntary acts of worship like Umrah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also advised that debts should be settled first.
It was narrated from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say in his prayer: “Allahumma inni a`udhi bika min Al-ma`tham wal-maghram (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from sin and debt).” Someone said to him: “How often do you seek refuge from debt!” He said: “When a man gets into debt, he speaks and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 832 and Muslim, 589)
If you owe money to friends or someone from family you can tell them why you wish to perform Umrah and will pay your money a little late or after a few months. This way you can perform Umrah if you wish to with a little ease but the best way to perform Umrah with peace of mind without financial Burden is to pay off debt first and then go to Umrah Journey.
When Is it More Important to Pay Off Debt Than to Go for Umrah?
While you can negotiate with the person to who you owe money about late repayment If the other person needs money or having financial difficulty then you should give back his/her money first.
If you are not sure or will not be able to pay a person's money after performing Umrah due to not being able to manage finances then you should pay his/her money and then perform Umrah afterwards.
Avoid taking Riba-based loans and if you have one to pay back then pay it back as soon as possible before getting prepared for an Umrah Journey.
If you pay off your debts before going for an Umrah then you will get mental peace and will be able to perform Umrah rituals with focus and devotion avoiding getting distracted because of finances.
Conclusion
Choosing to perform Umrah while in debt requires careful thought. Pay off your debts those with interest, before you start planning your trip. This allows you to focus on your worship and bond with Allah (SWT) without financial concerns weighing on your mind. Think about your ability to repay short-term or mortgage loans. If necessary, talk to your lender. Ultimately, being financially stable will help you have a meaningful Umrah and strengthen your bond with Allah.
Reference: https://www.labbaikhajjumrah.co.uk/go-for-umrah-with-debt/
