Effect of taking loans from the Real Estate Bank on Hajj

Q: Is it lawful to take out loans from the Real Estate Bank? Is it lawful for me to go on Hajj (Pilgrimage) while I have outstanding loans from this bank? If (Part No. 9; Page No. 270) a lunar year has passed and I still have part of the money from the loan, must I pay Zakah on it?

A: It is permissible for anyone who meets the requirements, as set by the government, to take loans from this bank and taking a loan from this bank does not prevent one from performing Hajj. With regard to the remaining sum of the loan, if it meets the minimum amount to be considered for Zakah and one year has passed, Zakah is payable on it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.