Are you thinking about making Hajj this year or the coming year? Watch and listen to this video as Imam Ossama Bahloul, PhD answers some of the most asked questions from the community on the things you need to know before going for Hajj.
In addition to watching the video, please review the letter from Imam Ossama Bahloul, PhD regarding some of the questions listed below.
Assalamu Alaikum,
As the Hajj season approaches, some of our brothers and sisters in the community have raised valid questions about whether certain financial circumstances can prevent one from performing Hajj. Let me address these concerns and clarify the matter.
1. Debt and Hajj
In general, debts, in the West, can be divided into two categories:
Personal Debt: This refers to money owed to individuals. If someone has personal debt, they should ideally repay it before performing Hajj. However, if the creditor gives explicit permission to delay repayment, it becomes permissible to proceed with Hajj. That said, even with permission, one has the option to prioritize paying off the debt before undertaking Hajj.
Institutional Debt: This includes structured debts, such as mortgages or Islamic financing agreements for buying a property, which are often long-term and systematic. If someone in this situation has sufficient funds to make payments as required while also being able to afford Hajj, they may proceed with Hajj. Such debts do not generally prevent a person from fulfilling the obligation of Hajj.
2. Saving for Children’s Marriage
Having financial plans for your children’s marriage should not delay Hajj. Hajj is a mandatory obligation upon those who meet the financial, physical and travel ability qualifications. Saving for non-essential future expenses should not take precedence over fulfilling this pillar of Islam.
3. Retirement Accounts (e.g., 401(k) or Pension Plans)
If a person's savings are tied up in retirement accounts or similar funds that are inaccessible, this money does not count as part of your available financial resources when determining eligibility for Hajj. Therefore, such funds should not be considered a barrier to performing Hajj. However, if the requirement funds are accessible, it can be considered as part of the financial qualifications
In summary, Hajj is a fundamental act of worship that becomes obligatory for those who are financially and physically capable. While managing debts and other financial priorities is important, it is essential to strike the correct balance and ensure that Hajj is not unnecessarily delayed. May Allah guide us all to fulfill our religious duties in the best way possible.
Sincerely,
Imam Ossama Bahloul, PhD
Resident Scholar of ICN
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I am interested in going to Hajj this year or next. Where do I start?
Hajj applications for individuals from the U.S. (including citizens, permanent residents and those on work visas) are managed through the Nusuk Hajj platform, under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This platform acts as a comprehensive resource, offering pilgrims a range of Hajj packages from authorized service providers in Saudi Arabia. Nusuk Hajj is accessible to over 125 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, and various European nations.
To begin the application process, the first step is to submit an application and upload the required documents through the portal. Once approved, applicants can explore Hajj packages provided by 13 Saudi-based Hajj service providers. The first phase of the purchasing process concluded on February 9th, with all 3,500 Hajj visas allocated for U.S. residents. The third phase of purchasing is expected to take place later this month, potentially offering additional visas from any remaining allocations from other countries during phase two.
In 2024, numerous U.S. pilgrims successfully secured Hajj visas in phases three and four. For more details on the steps to undertake Hajj from the U.S. and to participate in the phase three application process, you can visit https://hajj.nusuk.sa/. If you need assistance or have questions regarding navigating the Nusuk portal or understanding the available packages, feel free to submit a request to connect with the volunteers from the ICN community, who are ready to help you through the process.
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