Is it permissible to perform Umrah by borrowing money? This article will provide a comprehensive explanation from Sharia and the scholars' perspectives.
Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that is performed by Muslims in the holy city of Makkah. Umrah can be done at any time of the year as long as there is no prohibition from the authorities.
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| Ka'bah (photo by IslamiCity) |
However, to perform Umrah, one needs a considerable amount of money. What if someone wants to perform Umrah but does not have enough funds? Is it permissible to perform Umrah by borrowing money? What is the view of Sharia and the scholars on this matter?
The condition for Umrah: Istitha'ah
Before answering this question, we need to understand the main condition for performing Umrah, which is istitha'ah. Istitha'ah means the ability or capability to perform Umrah physically and spiritually. Physical ability includes health, security, and finance. Spiritual ability includes intention, knowledge, and morals.
A person who has istitha'ah is not obliged to perform Umrah, but is recommended to do so. A person who does not have istitha'ah is not burdened to perform Umrah, but may do so if there is ease.
The ruling on Umrah by borrowing money
Based on the condition of istitha'ah above, it can be concluded that Umrah by borrowing money can be done if it meets some criteria, such as:
- The transaction of debt is halal, meaning that it does not involve riba (usury), gharar (uncertainty), or other haram elements.
- The person who borrows money has the ability or guarantee to pay back his debt on time and without harming himself or others.
- The person who borrows money does not neglect other obligations that are more important or urgent than Umrah.
If these three criteria are met, then Umrah by borrowing money is allowed and valid according to Sharia. This is the opinion that is agreed upon by the scholars from various schools of thought.
However, if one or more of these criteria are not met, then Umrah by borrowing money is not advisable or even forbidden. For example, if a person borrows money with interest, or is unable to pay back his debt, or leaves behind other debts that are more pressing, then he should not perform Umrah by borrowing money.
The opinions of the scholars on Umrah by borrowing money
The scholars have different opinions on Umrah by borrowing money. Here are some of their opinions:
1. Sheikh Nawawi Al Bantani in his book ‘Umdatul ‘awwam syarh faidhil malikil ‘allam fi manasikil hajji wal ‘umrah explains that Umroh is recommended for those who are truly able financially. The same goes for Hajj.
The category of being able financially to pay for Hajj or Umroh includes not having any debt. Then having travel expenses, being able to support the family and household assistants who are left at home who are his responsibility while going and returning in performing worship, and having living expenses while in the Holy Land.
From this statement it is explained that a person who will perform Hajj or Umroh must pay off his debt first instead of adding debt. He may leave if his fortune is abundant. That is, there is no need to force yourself to borrow money in order to perform Hajj or Umroh.
2. Sheikh Ibn Al-Uthaymeen rahimhahullah in one of his studies said that a person should not borrow money to perform Hajj or Umroh if the repayment is done by taking it from his monthly salary for installments.
The reason is because this will cause him to be in debt and have difficulty in meeting his living needs. However, if the repayment is done in another way that is easier and lighter for him, then he may borrow money to perform Hajj or Umroh.
3. The leader of Al Bahjah Islamic boarding school KH Buya Yahya also said that a person should not borrow money to perform Hajj or Umroh if he is not able to pay it back.
He gave an example that if a person has an income of Rp 5 million per month and he borrows Rp 25 million to perform Hajj or Umroh, then he will have difficulty paying his monthly installments. This will make him fall into riba and a major sin. Therefore, he advised that a person should save first until he reaches the amount of Hajj or Umroh costs before performing it.
Conclusion
Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that requires istitha'ah as its main condition. Umrah by borrowing money can be done if the transaction of debt is halal, the person who borrows money can pay it back, and does not neglect other obligations that are more important.
If these conditions are not met, then Umrah by borrowing money is not advisable or even forbidden. The scholars have different opinions on Umrah by borrowing money. Some allow it with certain conditions, others avoid it or prohibit it because of its risks and consequences.
Therefore, we should be wise in making decisions whether to perform Umrah by borrowing money or not. If we do not have enough funds, we can save first or look for a halal and easy financing product for Umrah.
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