Is paying off a debt more important than Hajj?

The questioner : Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : Peace be upon you.

The questioner : May Allah keep you in good health, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : May Allah keep you in goodness.

The questioner : If you please, O long-lived one, I have a question regarding Hajj. I am currently in debt for about twenty thousand, and I do not know if I should perform Hajj. People tell me it is not permissible for me to perform Hajj.

The Shaykh : No, do not perform Hajj until you pay off your debt. Paying off the debt is more important.

The questioner : Paying off the debt is more important. Yes, that is right. Now, if I ask his permission, would that be contrary to the ruling?

The Shaykh : If you ask his permission, because the debt remains a liability on you, if you ask his permission.

The questioner : It is not permissible, I mean.

The Shaykh : Pay off the debt first.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good, O Shaykh. Peace be upon you. Peace.