Hajj means to visit the sacred House of
Allah Ta'ala in Makkah Al-Mukarramah during the days of Hajj
(i.e. 8-9-10-11-12 of Dhul Hijjah). This is the fifth of the
religious duties of a Muslim, which is Fardh-e-Ayn
(incumbent upon every individual) on every adult, male and
female. It has to be performed once in a lifetime. The
conditions that make Hajj fardh are as follows:-
- to be a Muslim
- to be mentally fit (not insane)
- To be physically fit (not handicapped
or invalid)
- Freeman (not a slave)
- To have sufficient provision for
dependents for the duration of absence; to possess all
requirements for travel and be financially independent.
- Security of route.
- A woman must be accompanied by her
husband or a Mahram (a male member of her family whom
she cannot marry according to Islamic Law).
If any of the above conditions are not
found, Hajj will not be considered Fardh. Hence, there is
absolutely no need to take loans, nor is there any need for
the 'Fly Now, pay later' scheme. It should be borne in mind
that Hajj is not Fardh upon a blind person; a person who is
unable to walk; and upon an invalid person.
When the conditions that make Hajj Fardh are found, then it
becomes Waajib upon that person to perform Hajj immediately
(during the first available Hajj period). One is not
permitted to delay the Hajj, one will be committing a very
grave sin and in the eyes of the Shari'ah one will be
classified as a Faasiq (disobedient to Allah).
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said;
- Hasten in performing the (Fardh)
Hajj, for verily one never knows what will befall one'.
- 'The one who intends performing Hajj,
then verily he must hasten'.
- 'The one who possesses wealth, and
has all the means by which he could reach the sacred
House of Allah (The Ka'bah), thereafter, does not
perform Hajj, then that person may either die as a
Nasraani (Christian) or a Majoosi (fire-worshipper).'
May Allah Ta'ala Most High guide and
assist us to upkeep the Faraaidh, and direct us to the path
of righteousness. |
