Umrah with Debt or Installments, Is It Allowed? Here's the Explanation!

Who doesn't want to perform Umrah? This worship is the dream of many Muslims because they can get closer to the Baitullah directly. In fact, Umrah is a worship that requires very mature preparation, especially a firm heart.

Not only a ready heart, Umrah also requires physical, mental, and financial readiness in order to be able to carry out each series of worship solemnly and calmly. Not infrequently, some people even consider taking financing or going into debt in order to be able to go to the Holy Land. However, is it actually permissible to perform Umrah with debt according to Islam? What is the law on Umrah installments? Let's discuss further.

1. Not Allowed, If...

Islam teaches us to prioritize obligations, including in terms of paying off debts. A person is not allowed to go into debt to perform Umrah if he does not intend or is unable to pay his debt/installments. For example, if he has an income, but only enough to meet the primary or basic needs of himself and his family, he is not allowed to apply for a loan for Umrah. This is because it has the potential to create new burdens and potentially disrupt daily basic needs. Forcing yourself into debt in the hope that your income will increase in the near future, when there is no certainty, is a risky decision. Umrah worship is truly done when someone has a realistic income, and meets the needs of those left behind during Umrah and life after Umrah.

2. Allowed, As Long As...

However, in some conditions, borrowing for Umrah is still allowed, as long as it meets certain requirements and does not cause harm to oneself or others. This is in line with the Fatwa of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council/DSN MUI Number: 29/DSN-MUI/VI/2002 Concerning Hajj Management Financing for Islamic Financial Institutions (LKS).

Here are important points to note if you want to perform Umrah by borrowing:

2.1 Able to Repay

Allah SWT says:

"Allah does not burden a person except as much as He gives him. Allah will later provide relief after hardship." (QS. At-Thalaq: 7)

This verse teaches that every servant will not be burdened beyond his ability. So, if there is a strong intention to worship and there is a halal and sharia way to realize it, such as an umrah financing scheme that is in accordance with Islamic principles, then it can be a form of good endeavor—as long as it is accompanied by wise calculations and responsibility. 

Umrah with debt is allowed as long as there is a strong belief that you are able to pay it off. This was explained by Ustadz Ahmad Anshori, Lc, who is a sharia consultant, who said that umrah advances are allowed as long as there is a strong hope that the borrower is able to pay off his debt. If your income is fixed and stable, and you do not have other debt burdens that interfere, then taking out financing can be a wise choice.

2.2 Debt Does Not Cause Harm

Make sure the decision to take out a loan does not cause excessive loss or difficulty in daily life. Harm here can be in the form of disruption of basic needs, household peace, or prolonged financial burden. This was explained by Prof. KH. Ma'ruf Amin, Chairman of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council and Former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, who stated that the practice of umrah advance funds can be permitted as long as it is directed to people who are able to pay their installments.

If after taking out a loan you can still meet your basic needs and live peacefully, then God willing, the decision can be considered wisely.

2.3 Lender's Consent

In Islam, the blessing of debt is also determined by the consent of the lender. Do not take out a loan from a party who feels forced or is not sincere, because that can cause problems in the future.
 

2.4 Using the Right Financing Scheme

When considering taking out Umrah financing, it is important to ensure that the scheme chosen is safe, clear, and not financially burdensome. Good financing should not only facilitate the departure process, but also be in line with sharia principles.

Dr. Oni Sahroni, a member of the National Sharia Council, said that the Umrah financing products offered by Islamic Financial Institutions have met sharia principles, as long as they use the right contract and are aimed at consumers who have the ability to pay off without neglecting other obligations.

Now there are many Islamic financial institutions that provide Umrah financing facilities with a system that is in accordance with Islamic principles, such as the ijarah contract, one of which is BFI Finance. 

3. Make Your Umrah Dream Come True with MyIhram BFI Finance!

From Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu ‘anh said, that the Messenger of Allah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:

"One Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for the sins between them, and a mabrur hajj has no reward for it except Paradise." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith reminds us that Umrah is not only a spiritual worship, but also has the virtue of erasing sins. By performing Umrah with sincere intentions and in accordance with the Shari'a, God willing, it will bring blessings and open the way for sustenance. 

This belief is important, especially for those who go on Umrah with financing. As long as you remain financially responsible and carry out your worship seriously, good intentions will bear other good fruit. 

Now, with an Umrah financing program such as My Ihram from BFI Finance, you can realize your dream of going to the Holy Land more easily without having to wait for full funds at the beginning. Through this program, you can perform the Umrah pilgrimage first and pay in installments afterwards, of course while maintaining the values ​​of the Shari'a in the process.

Here are the terms and conditions:

3.1 Document Requirements

1. Husband & Wife's ID Card (if you already have a partner)
2. Family Card
3. Proof of Income
4. Proof of Home Ownership (PBB/AJB/PPJB/Certificate/Electricity Account/PDAM Account/
5. NPWP
6. BPKB, STNK, Invoice (with vehicle collateral for financing ≥40 million)

3.2 Personal Profile

• Permanent Employee:

1. Indonesian Citizen
2. Length of work at least 1 year
3. Minimum age 21 years / married / previously married
4. Maximum age when financing is paid off: 55 years
5. Residence not boarding house / rent
6. Minimum fixed salary: IDR 6 million

• Entrepreneur/Businessman:

1. Indonesian Citizen
2. Business has been running for at least 2 years
3. Minimum age 21 years / married / previously married
4. Maximum age when financing is paid off: 60 years
5. Residence not boarding house / rent

Note: Consumers are allowed to send their Parents, In-Laws, or Biological Children with proof of relationship through a Family Card.

For information, the contract used in this financing is the Ijarah Contract, where BFI Finance acts as the party that buys the Umrah package from a travel partner, then resells it to the congregation with an agreed profit margin. This system is basically a form of legitimate and permissible buying and selling in Islam, where payments are made in stages (installments) by the congregation.

So, don't hesitate to make your Umrah dream come true now. Go for Umrah first, pay later. Come on, #FarMoreCalm by applying for My Ihram financing from BFI Finance.

For information on other sharia products, click this link!