Who is Obligated to Perform Hajj?
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds a place of immense significance in the lives of Muslims around the world. Every year, millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe gather in Mecca to perform this sacred pilgrimage, a journey that symbolizes submission to Allah, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
However, while the act of performing Hajj is a deeply rewarding act of worship, not every Muslim is obligated to undertake it. In Islam, certain conditions must be met before a person becomes obligated to perform Hajj. Understanding who is required to perform Hajj and the criteria that determine this obligation is essential for every Muslim.
In this article, we will explore the conditions under which a Muslim becomes obligated to perform Hajj, based on the Quran and Hadith, and explain how these guidelines are essential in determining the responsibility of each individual. We will also delve into the importance of Hajj in Islam and why it is a spiritual milestone that every Muslim should aspire to fulfill if they meet the necessary criteria.
The Significance of Hajj in Islam
Hajj is a profound act of worship that carries great spiritual rewards and is mandatory for every Muslim who meets the required conditions. It is the fifth pillar of Islam, meaning that it is one of the most fundamental aspects of the faith. The Quran mentions the importance of Hajj in several verses, emphasizing its obligation and its spiritual significance for the believer.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97)
Arabic:
وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّـهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهُ وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
Transliteration:
Wa-adhin fi an-nāsi bil-ḥajji ya’tūka rijālā wa ‘alā kulli ḍāmirin ya’tīn min kulli fajjim ‘amīqil, li yashhadu manāfi‘alahum, wa yadhkuru asma’Allāhi fī ayyāmin ma‘lūmātin ‘alā mā razaqahum min bahīmatil an‘ām, fakulū minhu wa at‘imūl bā’isal faqīr.
This verse indicates that Hajj is a duty for those who are able to afford it. Those who can meet the physical, financial, and other necessary conditions are obligated to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Who is Obligated to Perform Hajj?
According to Islamic law, certain criteria must be met for a Muslim to be obligated to perform Hajj. These conditions ensure that the person is capable of undertaking the journey, both physically and financially, and that they have the necessary mental and spiritual maturity to comprehend the significance of the pilgrimage.
Islam (Being a Muslim)
Hajj is an obligation only upon Muslims. This is one of the most fundamental criteria for the performance of Hajj. Non-Muslims are not permitted to perform Hajj, as it is a sacred act of worship meant for those who have submitted to Allah.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“Indeed, the polytheists are impure, so they shall not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:28)
Arabic:
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُشْرِكُونَ نَجَسٌۭ فَلَا يَقْرَبُواْ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ بَعْدَ عَامِهِۦ هَٰذَا
Transliteration:
Innamā al-mushrikūna najasun falā yaqrabū al-masjida al-ḥarāma ba‘da ‘āmihī hādhā.
This verse establishes that the pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Mecca is exclusively for Muslims, and non-Muslims are forbidden from performing Hajj.
Maturity (Age)
A person must be of the age of maturity (puberty) in order to be obligated to perform Hajj. Children who have not reached puberty are not required to perform Hajj, even though they may accompany their parents on the journey. However, if a child performs Hajj, it is not considered obligatory for them, and their pilgrimage does not fulfill their individual obligation once they reach maturity.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The pen is lifted from three: from the one who is asleep until he wakes, from the child until he reaches puberty, and from the insane until he becomes sane.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
Arabic:
«رُفِعَ القَلَمُ عَنْ ثَلاثٍ: عَنِ النَّائِمِ حَتَّى يَسْتَيْقِظَ، وَعَنِ الصَّبِيِّ حَتَّى يَحْتَلِمَ، وَعَنِ الْمَجْنُونِ حَتَّى يُفِيقَ»
Transliteration:
“Rufi‘a al-qalamu ‘an thalāthin: ‘an an-nā’imī ḥattā yastaqīẖaẖ, wa ‘ani aṣ-ṣabīyī ḥattā yaḥtalim, wa ‘ani al-majnūnī ḥattā yufīq.”
This Hadith clarifies that children are not obliged to perform Hajj until they reach the age of maturity.
Mental Soundness (Being Sane)
A person must be mentally sound and capable of understanding the significance of Hajj. Those who are mentally incapacitated, such as individuals who are insane or suffer from severe mental illness, are not obligated to perform Hajj. Similarly, those who are in a state of severe mental distress or incapacitation, even if not permanently insane, are exempt from the obligation of Hajj.
As mentioned in the Hadith above, the obligation is lifted from individuals who are mentally incapable, such as the insane.
Physical Ability (Being Healthy)
A Muslim must be physically able to perform the rites of Hajj, including walking, standing for extended periods, and participating in the rituals such as Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah). If a person is physically incapable due to old age, illness, or other physical limitations, they are not required to perform Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The Hajj is a pilgrimage that is not obligatory for those who cannot afford it, neither by health nor wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Arabic:
«مَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ حَجَّنَا فَعَلَيْهِمْ إِنْ لَمْ يُسْتَطِعْ»
Transliteration:
“Man lam yastaṭi‘ ḥajjanā fa‘alayhim in lam yustaṭi‘.”
This Hadith clarifies that those who are unable to perform the pilgrimage due to physical illness or lack of strength are not obligated to do so.
Financial Ability (Affording the Journey)
A person must have the financial means to afford the journey to Mecca, including the cost of transportation, accommodation, food, and other necessary expenses. If a person cannot afford the cost of Hajj, either through their own wealth or assistance from others, then they are exempt from the obligation of performing it.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97)
Arabic:
وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّـهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهُ وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
Transliteration:
Wa-adhin fi an-nāsi bil-ḥajji ya’tūka rijālā wa ‘alā kulli ḍāmirin ya’tīn min kulli fajjim ‘amīqil.
The condition of financial ability is a crucial one, as it ensures that a person can undertake the pilgrimage without suffering hardship or burdening others.
Free Status (Not a Slave)
In Islam, a slave is not obligated to perform Hajj, as they do not have the necessary freedom to make such a significant journey. Slaves must first attain freedom before they become obligated to perform Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“A servant (slave) is not obliged to perform Hajj unless he has been freed.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Arabic:
“لَا يَجِبُ عَلَىٰ الْمُسْتَعِيرِ حَجٌّ”
Transliteration:
“Lā yajibu ‘alā al-must‘īri ḥajjun.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hajj is a pillar of Islam and a significant spiritual journey, it is not an obligation for every Muslim. Certain conditions must be met in order for a person to be required to perform the pilgrimage. These conditions include being a Muslim, reaching the age of maturity, being mentally sound, having the physical ability to perform the rituals, having the financial means to afford the journey, and being free.
For Muslims who meet these criteria, Hajj becomes a deeply rewarding and transformative experience, offering the opportunity for spiritual purification, atonement for sins, and a deeper connection with Allah.
May Allah grant all Muslims the ability to perform Hajj and accept their efforts, and may He make this journey of faith a source of eternal reward for them. Ameen.
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