Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam that is obligatory on every healthy Muslim who can afford it. Hajj is an act of worship of Muslims and a divine way of submission to Allah. This is a spiritual journey to the Holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj pilgrimage takes place in the month of Dhul Hijjah every year. People from all over the world visit Makkah to perform the Pilgrimage. During Hajj, people of different casts and nationalities dress similarly and perform the rituals. It is a very beautiful and an impressive act of worship.
Hajj is the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail who built the Holy Kabah and called people towards Islam. The rituals of Hajj are performed in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience towards Allah Almighty. Therefore, this point makes this journey very close to the heart of a Muslim. However, in this article, we will discuss Fard Hajj requirements so that you gain enough knowledge about this spiritual journey.
Who must perform Hajj?
As a Muslim, fulfilling the five pillars of Islam is obligatory to please Allah.
The five pillars of Islam are:
- Shahadah: The testimony that there is no God but Allah.
- Prayer: The five daily prayers obligatory for every adult.
- Fasting: Fasting in the month of Ramadan.
- Zakat: Helping the needy and poor if you’re financially stable according to the conditions.
- Hajj: The final pillar of Islam. The Pilgrimage to Makkah. It is obligatory only once in a lifetime and must be performed if you are healthy and financially stable.
However, these are the five requirements that are also important for fulfilling Hajj.
- Muslim: The first and foremost requirement is that the person should be a Muslim to perform Hajj. He must believe in the oneness of Allah and the last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad PBUH.
In Surah al Baqarah verse number 197 Allah clearly states the Hajj obligation in Islam.
Quranic Verse:
Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 197:
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
Our last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad PBUH performed his one and only Hajj that marks the final rutuals to be performed accordingly.
- Sanity: The person must be sane and mentally healthy to perform the Hajj, as the rituals require strength and understanding. Therefore, Hajj is obligatory when the person is mentally well.
- Financial stability: Istata’ah
It refers to the financial condition of a person that makes Hajj obligatory for him.
In surah Ale Imran verse number 97 Allah states: ” Here is the translation of surah Al-Imran, Verse 97:
Arabic Text:
وَلِلَهِ عَلَى النَاسِ حِجُ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَ اللَهَ غَنِيٌ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Translation:”’”’
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of Hajj and makes it obligatory for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. It also highlights Allah’s independence and self-sufficiency, stating that He is free from need of the worlds.
Therefore, it is clear that the Hajj is fard for physically abled and financially strong people and that its benefits will reward us and not Allah Almighty.
Age/ Adulthood:
Let’s make it clear that the obligation of Hajj is not for children but for adults according to Islam (baligh). It means that the person must reach puberty in order to perform the Hajj. The age for boys is around 12-13 years and for girls it is 11-12 years.
Here is a Quranic verse related to puberty:
Arabic Text:
وَإِذَا بَلَغَ الْأَطْفَالُ مِنْكُمُ الْحُلُمَ فَلْيَسْتَأْذِنُوا كَمَا اسْتَأْذَنَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ وَاللَهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
Surah Nur, verse 59
English Translation:
“And when the children among you reach puberty, let them ask permission [before entering] as those before them have done. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses, and Allah is Knowing and Wise.”
This verse mentions the age of puberty (al-hulm) as a milestone when children should start seeking permission before entering private spaces, similar to adults. This verse implies that puberty marks a transition to adulthood and increased responsibility. Therefore, Hajj pilgrimage is also a responsibility and only adults can take that responsibility.
Moroever, it is also recommended not to take infants or children to Hajj due to a flood of people and the rituals as they require focus and will not be convenient with a child.
Physical and Travel safety:
Among the conditions for Hajj in Islam, physical and travel safety also plays an important role. One must be well prepared physically and also make arrangements that reach him to the House of Allah safely so that he can perform the rituals. Moreover, the person must be pure according to the Islamic law. (Free form Menstruation or sexual impurity)
According to Hadith:
- Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A pilgrim should be in a state of purity, and should not be in a state of Junub (sexual impurity), and should not be menstruating.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him prepare himself, and let him take provisions, and let him be in a state of purity.” (Sahih Muslim)
What are the misconceptions related to Hajj pilgrimage?
The Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred journey. However, there are many incorrect beliefs that are associated with it. So, let’s have a look at them and clear them:
1. Only wealthy can perform Hajj:
Many people think that Hajj is a journey only for the wealthy. But the truth is that it is obligatory for the wealthy, but others can also perform Hajj if they can somehow manage the expenses or if someone else sponsors their Hajj trip.
2. Hajj is an enjoyment:
Many people nowadays take Hajj as a leisure trip and forget it’s spirituality. Hajj is supposed to be the reason of connection between you and your creator. Hence, it requires effort, devotion, and self-improvement and also the pilgrim must strictly follow the guidelines. If you are spiritually prepared to perform Hajj and have the necessary resources, joining one of the best value Hajj trips for Pakistani pilgrims or from any other country of residence can make your journey easier and more meaningful.
3. Women must perform Hajj with husband:
Many times women are unable to perform the Hajj because they are widow, or their husband is unable to travel etc. It must be clear that Hajj must be performed with a mahram that includes: son, father, brother, paternal uncle, maternal uncle, nephews. All these men are your mahram and you can visit the house of Allah with them. If there is any other condition, seek scholarly advise.
4. Hajj: A ticket to Jannah:
Many people have this misconception that performing Hajj guarantees their Jannat. This is not true, because if upon returning from Hajj you start sinning, you will be accountable for your deeds and your Hajj will not save you from them.
Can someone else perform Hajj for me due to my illness?
In Islam, it is allowed that the Hajj be performed by a proxy under the following conditions:
Physical inability:
If the person is unable to perform Hajj due to inability, illness or old age they can appoint someone who can perform Hajj on their behalf.
Death:
If a person has passed away without performing Hajj, their heirs can perform Hajj on their behalf.
According to the Hadith:
“Whoever appoints a proxy to perform Hajj on their behalf, the proxy’s Hajj is accepted, and the person who appointed them is rewarded.” (Sahih Muslim)
However, it is essential to consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar to discuss your situation and condition related to the proxy and also ensure the conditions and the latest requirements.
In addition to this, delaying Hajj when you are healthy and wealthy without any valid reason can be considered as sin and you will also lose your reward.
Is Hajj mandatory for me?
Hajj is mandatory for you if you are Muslim, mentally stable, adult, have enough money to afford Hajj expenses and also your family behind then you is definitely qualified for Hajj.
In conclusion, I would say that if you are preparing for Hajj then you must make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared to perform all the rituals of Hajj. Under these conditions, it is better to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam with time as delaying is not a good option.
Hadith
Hajj is an act of worship that washes your sins away as Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH says: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or disobedience, will return (sinless) as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Hence, Hajj is a source of forgiveness, spiritual rejuvenation, increased faith and a deeper sense of connection with Allah Almighty.
