Question
How do we resolve the seeming contradiction between the statement that paying back the debt takes precedence over Hajj and the Hadeeth in which the Prophet said: “The debt of Allah is worthier to be paid back.”
What should a Muslim give precedence to, the debt to people or the debt to Allah?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.
There is no contradiction between the two matters which would have needed us to resolve it. This is because Hajj is due only on a person who is financially and physically able. Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.} [Quran 3: 97]
A person who is required to pay an immediate debt and does not have what is enough to pay back the debt, perform Hajj and provide for those in his charge, is not financially able and therefore he is not required to perform Hajj. Rather, he is required to fulfill the right of Allah by paying back the debt and providing for those in his charge.
If we suppose that there is a contradiction between the two matters, in this case the right of people takes precedence over that of Allah. That is because the right of Allah is based on forgiving and tolerance while the right of people is based on dispute, because Allah is Free of need while people are in need. Moreover, not all types of debt take precedence over Hajj.
Allah Knows best.