When Hajj becomes obligatory for a Muslim

We get various questions about Hajj; the most common question is: when does Hajj become obligatory for a person? Hajj is one of the mandatory acts of worship in Islam and is known as an exceptional ritual. A combination of physical and financial sacrifice is achieved through Hajj.

Allah has made Hajj obligatory for those who are physically and economically capable. Firstly, we have to identify what you mean by capability. Allah said those who have this amount of resources in addition to their daily needs can travel to and from Hajj and support themselves and their families. Then this person will be called able. If he is a healthy, independent, intelligent, adult Muslim, he must perform Hajj.

To learn details about the conditions for Hajj and when Hajj becomes obligatory for a Muslim. Carefully go through the blog now!

The importance of Hajj in Islam

Hajj is an obligatory ritual in Islam defined by Shari'a that has specific conditions. Which carries spiritual, social, and religious significance for Muslims all over the world. One capable Muslim must perform Hajj once in his/her life. This ritual is the symbol of unity, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah. This is a great opportunity to seek forgiveness and get closer to Allah. If we understand the importance of Hajj, we need to know the details of Hajj activities and some evidence from the Quran and Hadith. In this blog, we will explore the importance of Hajj and the clear evidence of its obligation in Islam.

Quranic evidence on Hajj:

‘‘And complete the Hajj and the Umrah for Allah.’’ (Surah Al-Baqarah: 196)

“And it is (a duty) upon mankind towards Allah (to come) to the home on pilgrimage, for whoever can make a way to it. And (as for) him who has disbelieved, then surely Allah is ever-affluent." (Surah Al-Imran: 97)

The evidence of Hajj in the hadeeth:

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was delivering a speech to us and said, "O people! Allaah has enjoined Hajj (to the House of Allah), so perform it.” A man said, "O Messenger of Allah! Do you have to do it every year?” He remained silent, and the man finally asked three times. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If I had said, 'Yes,' then Hajj would have become obligatory (every year), and you would not have been able to perform it.” (Muslim 3321)

It was narrated from the same narrator that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked, "Which deed is the best?” He said, "Believing in Allah and His Messenger.” It was asked, "What is next?” He said, "Striving in the cause of Allah." He was asked again, "What then?" He said, "The accepted (or pure) Hajj." (Bukhari 26, Muslim 258)

Key criteria that make Hajj mandatory

Hajj is not mandatory for all Muslims; it has some criteria and conditions. Among the Muslims who can fulfill the criteria, Hajj is obligatory upon him/her. Here we mentioned the key criteria:

• Mental situation: Hajj is obligatory upon a Muslim when he has a sound mind. Those who are mentally unstable are exempt from Hajj.
• Age: Age is the fundamental matter for Hajj. It is mandatory for adults. Children are not obligated but can perform Hajj, which will not fulfill their lifetime obligation.
• Physical ability: In Hajj, various hard and challenging physical activities are included, which is why a person must be physically capable of enduring the journey and performing the rituals of Hajj.
• Financial capability: Financial capability is another fundamental criterion for Hajj. If any mature Muslim has sufficient money to travel to Makkah as well as maintain his family support, then Hajj is an obligation for him/her.
• Safety and Feasibility: The journey to Makkah must be safe and feasible. If there are threats or dangers, Hajj is not obligatory until conditions improve.

Who is exempt from performing Hajj?

Hajj is not for all. It has some criteria. If anyone can fulfill that criteria, then it will be obligatory for him/her. Except for this criteria, all are exempt from obligatory Hajj. Here we mentioned some of them who are exempt from Hajj.

• Non-Muslims
• Children
• Mentally incapacitated individuals
• Financially unable individuals
• Physically incapable individuals
• Women without a mahram
• Those in unsafe situations

Dear brother and sister, If you cover all the conditions of Hajj, never delay to perform Hajj. Death is uncertain. If we die without performing the obligatory Hajj, we must be accountable to Allah. So, learn details about Hajj and be ready for Hajj with a professional Hajj agency.

Start your pilgrimage journey with Holy Hajj & Umrah Bangladesh

From the above discussion, we already know that Hajj is an obligatory ritual for a Muslim with some criteria. We also have learned the importance and obligation of Hajj through Shari’a. If you are eligible for Hajj, I would like to request you perform Hajj this year. It won't be wise to delay, so take expert Hajj guidance and choose your Hajj package with our expert guide. At Holy Hajj & Umrah Bangladesh, we provide an exclusive Hajj guide through our expert Shari’a consultant.