بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Thank you for contacting us for your query.
May Almighty Allah accept the good intentions for Hajj and make it a reality for all who intend to proceed to fulfill this obligation.
You have raised three matters in your question:
- The ruling regarding proceeding for Hajj while having an interest based impermissible loan.
- The validity of having an interest based loan in western non muslim majority countries.
- The validity of Hajj, while making interest based payments, upon one’s return from Hajj.
Please note the answers below:
Hajj While Having an Interest Based Loan
Hajj is only obligatory upon those who are free from debt. However if one wishes to proceed while still being in a state of debt, it is permissible. If the dept is interest based, such as in the case of your respected mother, it would be wise to first pay off the debt and then proceed for Hajj.
“As a right of Allah, it is obligatory on the people to perform Hajj of the House – on everyone who has the ability to manage (his) way to it“. (Holy Quran 3:97)
Imam Hasan Shurunbulali in Nur Al Idah and Imam Fakhruddin Al Razi in Al Tafseer Al Kabeer have listed ‘paying all outstanding debts‘ as one of the conditions for Hajj to become fardh (mandatory). (See Nur Al Idah and Al Tafseer Al Kabeer)
Interest Based Loans / Mortgages in Non Muslim Majority Countries
The statement that “it is the law of the land to pay interest” is inaccurate. According to my knowledge there is no such law in Canada(and other countries) compelling citizens to purchase homes through interest based loans. In fact, there are various halal alternatives such as Islamic financing and living in rent etc. Please refer to my answer in response to a similar question by clicking here.
Paying Interest / Usury After Returning From Hajj
From amongst the objectives of Hajj is to renew one’s commitment to adhere to all Quranic injunctions and abandon all wrong.
Imam Abu Bakr Jaabir Al Jazaairi writes “From the wisdom of Hajj and Umrah, is to purify oneself from the effects of sin, so that one becomes worthy of the honour of Almighty Allah, particularly in the abode hereafter” (Minhaj Al Muslim).
Therefore, deliberately engaging in sin after one’s Hajj would not be appropriate. Despite this, it should be noted that the obligation of Hajj will be fulfilled, even though one may commit sin after one’s return from Hajj.
And Allah Knows Best.
