Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding my situation? I borrowed 500 Saudi Riyal from my brother to perform Hajj. Unfortunately, I have not been able to repay this loan back and I was not fortunate enough to visit Al-Madina al-Munawwara. During this time, my brother has also passed away. Does my Hajj stand and who shall I repay the money back to? May Allah ﷻ reward you immensely.

Answer:

All perfect praise is for Allah ﷻ, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah ﷻ, and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger.

If all the pillars and conditions of Hajj are completed, the Hajj will be valid, and the obligation fulfilled. Visiting the blessed land of Al-Madina al-Munawwara is not from the pillars or conditions of Hajj. There is no doubt that visiting Al-Madina al-Munawwara is a source of great blessings, honour, and joy for every Muslim. It is also from the etiquettes of travelling for Hajj and Umra that one pays their respect to the Prophet ﷺ.

Similarly taking a loan for Hajj expenditures and not being able to pay the loan back yet, does not have any effect on the validity of your Hajj. However, it is incumbent upon you to return this loan to the heirs of your brother, such as his wife, children etc. Then adhering to the criteria laid down by the shari’ah, the money will be divided amongst the inheritors.

And Allah ﷻ knows best

This Fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari