Q: I have a question regarding the obligation of Hajj.
I am a convert to Islam. I got married in 2013 and had a baby last year who is now 7 months old. My husband and I would like further children insha Allah and as I am now 33 years old we would prefer to have another child as soon as possible. We are thinking about going for Hajj this year. My husband has already
performed Hajj in 2010 but I have not had the opportunity so far. I have a few concerns with regards our obligation to perform Hajj this year:
1. Our little baby will only just have turned one when we travel and as I am breastfeeding I would have to stop in order to perform Hajj. I am worried about leaving him (he would stay with my husbands parents) but also realise that if we do not go this year, we may find it even more difficult in future years if Allah gives us more children.
2. If I do become pregnant prior to Hajj, is it permissible to postpone Hajj due to pregnancy and fear of causing harm to the unborn child.
3. I still have some outstanding student loan that I took out when I was at university before I accepted Islam. The repayments are linked to my income and taken out of my salary each month. I believe that I still have a few thousand pounds outstanding and the loan does have a small amount of interest attached to it (linked to inflation). Hajj will be jointly funded by myself and my husband. I do not think that it will be possible to pay off the student loan and still have the funds available to go for Hajj. Would it be permissible to travel for Hajj with any of this loan outstanding?
A: Since you have got outstanding loans that are more than your assets, hajj will not be compulsory on you.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by: