Is it possible to perform Hajj with loan money?

 The Major Pilgrimage of the Islamic faith i.e., Hajj is an obligatory ritual. Muslims from across the globe travel with the cheap umrah packages every year for this holy journey. Consequently, millions of them arriving in Makkah city during the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah. 

Though Hajj rituals start from the 8th of Dhu-al-Hijjah, many pilgrims arrive in the early days and offer umrah and other rituals. For the next 5 days i.e., after the 8th of Dhu-al-Hijjah, pilgrims perform a variety of different rituals at different places; as specified in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). Thus, the 12th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah marks the end of the Hajj period for Muslims. Afterward, some pilgrims start returning to their homes while others opt for the Ziyarath of the holy sites present in the region and also visit Madinah city. 

For whom Hajj is necessary?

Though Hajj remains the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, it’s a fundamental Ibadah to be observed by the Muslims; when certain conditions are fulfilled. 

1. Being a Muslim.

The first and foremost condition to be fulfilled regarding the obligation of hajj for a person is the state of being a Muslim. Non-believers are not allowed to enter Masjid-al-Haram or even the cities of Makkah and Madinah, let alone performing hajj rituals. So, Hajj is only obligatory for adult Muslims who possess the physical, financial, and mental capacity for it. 

2. Financial and Physical Capability.

• Possessing enough financial means that one can afford a hajj trip; paying for all of their living, travel, accommodation, visa procedures, and other requirements of international travel.  While also making sure that your living standard remains unbothered by the expenditures of Hajj travel.
• Having the health and physical capability of performing the holy rituals by yourself. 
• Providing enough provisions to fulfill the expenditures of your family back home till your return i.e., if they are not accompanying you for the hajj trip.

If all of these conditions are fulfilled, then hajj becomes obligatory and it is advised for such a person to perform this religious duty as soon as possible.

Hajj with loan money; possible or not?

If one doesn’t have the financial capability to afford a hajj trip by himself, it isn’t obligatory for such a person to undertake hajj pilgrimage in the first place. As a result, the question of borrowing money for hajj or performing hajj with loan money doesn’t even exist i.e., it is only obligatory when you have all the provisions to afford it by yourself such that your living standard remain unaffected by it. 

Even if one is capable of taking out a loan (riba-free) and also has the financial means to pay it back later in time, still such a person won’t be considered religiously obliged for it i.e., Hajj. Thus, the performance of Hajj with borrowed money won't suffice for your Hajj-ul-Islam.

That’s why it’s not recommended for Muslims to travel for hajj by taking a loan for it or by borrowing money from someone.