Question: When does H~ajj
become obligatory on a Muslim? If a person has gathered some money
by which he/she can easily perform H~ajj,
is it allowed for him/her to spend that money on some other account, for
example to go for higher education? Please elaborate.
Answer: In this regard, the Qur’a#n
has guided us in the following words:
And for those who have the resources to reach there --
[the House of their Lord] – on them is an obligation to perform for Allah
the H~ajj of this House. (3:97)
Keeping in view the Arabic word Istat@a#‘ah
(resources), sense and reason demand that, except in extraordinary
circumstances, as soon as a person has arranged for his basic necessities
of life like food, clothing, health, house, transport, and education, he
should try to raise money for performing H~ajj. He should also plan to
take time off from the daily routine of life for this all important undertaking.
The importance H~ajj has as a form
of worship entails that one should plan to collect money specifically for
this purpose and should embark upon this sacred voyage whenever it is possible
for him.
The whole event of H~ajj
has a deep symbolic significance and if performed with sincerity and
spirit, cleanses a person from all his sins. The Prophet (sws) is reported
to have said:
Abu# Hurayrah
narrates: If someone performs H~ajj
during which he abstained completely from lewd talk and did not indulge
into any act of disobedience of Allah, he will be rid of all his sins and
become as pure as he was on the day he was born. (Bukha#ri#,
Kita#bu’l-H~ajj)
A believer should yearn for such opportunities,
for purifying the soul is the objective of Islam – something which will
lead him to the life of bliss in the Hereafter. As such, saving money for
H@ajj should be among his goals. The
current practice of waiting to go for H~ajj
when one grows old seems to be against the spirit of worship. The Prophet
(sws) is reported to have remarked:
He who intends to go for H@ajj
should do it as soon as is possible for him. (Abu#
Da#’u#d:
Kita#bu’l-Mana#sik)
The money collected for H@ajj
can be used for other purposes if any unavoidable need arises. |