Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah on installments

28-8-2016 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it permissible to go for Hajj or ‘Umrah on installments? Some companies offer ‘Umrah on installments. With such offers, one is considered financially able to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah, especially if performing it is an immediate obligation. If it is impermissible, then who bears the sin, the company's owner or the pilgrim?

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Firstly, it should be known that neither seeking an expense for ‘Umrah or Hajj nor borrowing for this purpose is obligatory. Rather, they become obligatory when one owns enough money for the expense of Hajj or ‘Umrah. The expenses should be extra to his basic expenses as well as the expense of those whom he is responsible to spend on until he comes back from Hajj. When this is available and one is physically able, then he is obliged to go for Hajj.

Having known that it is not obligatory to seek an expense for Hajj or ‘Umrah, you should know that it is permissible to get an interest-free loan or to engage in a legitimate financing transaction for this purpose. This is permissible if one thinks that he is able to pay it back. Al-Khateeb Ash-Shirbeeni said, "Borrowing is permissible only for one who thinks that he is able to pay it back."

Thus, it is permissible to accept such offers based on the fact that the transaction itself is permissible. 

Allaah Knows best.