HAJJ: Merits and Precepts- Before The Start Of Hajj Journey-2

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Rules Of Action:
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If the person whom you owe a debt has died, pay it back to his heirs or get it absolved by them. If the creditors are numerous and their whereabouts are not known, give as much amount as you owe to them to the poor as alms on their behalf. If you did any Haram to them with your words or acts, pray often for the remission of those whom you had harmed. You would, Allah willing, be relieved from the liability for all their rights.

If the missed prayers and fasts are too large in number to be accomplished before the 'Hajj' journey, or your liabilities to others are so excessive in quantity that, at present it is out of your power to pay them back or to get them absolved, then what you are to do is that you determine just now a firm resolution in your mind either to discharge all these obligations or to get them remitted by the rightful persons. At the same time, you are to pay back whatever dues you can. For the rest, you are to execute a will and appoint someone of your relatives or sincere friends as its executor, so that in case of your failure he may pay back all your liabilities.

For an indebted person who cannot spare funds after paying his debts, it is better not to intend to go for 'Hajj' before the payment of his debts. He should first avail of all his resources in relieving himself from all the liabilities. If before payment of the debts he performed 'Hajj' , the 'Hajj' obligation would however stand discharged. This, of course, excludes the usual current commercial loans for which Hajj cannot be postponed.

If an indebted person has no effects, whatsoever, which can suffice the payment of his debts, his proceeding to 'Hajj' will not be lawfull without the permission of his creditors. (Manasik, Mulla Ali).

3. Be careful in legitimate collection of funds for 'Hajj'. The 'Hajj' performed with ill gotten funds stands unapproved and loses the Heavenly reward, though even then it stands discharged.

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Rule Of Action:
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A person with doubtful resources of his funds should borrow sufficient money for 'Hajj' expenses from a non-Muslim and then he should pay it back out of his own funds, so that he may not be deprived of the divine bounties and Heavenly rewards.

4. At the time of preparations for 'Hajj', do not forget to arrange for necessary cloth for 'Ihram'. A sheet and a loin-cloth (i.e. two sheets of cloth) suffice the dress for 'Ihram'. It is better to be of white cloth. An 'Ihram' comprising of two big towels, which can be easily used in place of the necessary sheet and loin, is far better for the days of intense summer or chilly winter seasons. If conveniently possible, arrange two or three 'Ihrams' for use one by one in case of their being dirty.