Hajj- Fifth Pillar of Islam

Definition

1. In Arabic Language, to visit, going to a place to visit, the strong desire to visit something holy.
2. Islamic viewpoint, going to visit the House of Allah (Ka’bah) to observe specific and necessary devotions.

It’s Rulings- It is FARD (Obligatory) with condition:

1. Qur’an: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-‘Alamîn (the mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqâm (place) of Ibrâhim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamîn (mankind and jinn and all that exists). (3:96-97)
2. Hadith: Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:Allah’s Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):a. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle.

   b. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

   c. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) .

   d. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)

   e. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. (Bukhari, 7)

3. Its Excellence:
   • One of the Best deeds: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet was asked, “Which is the best deed?” He said, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle.” He was then asked, “Which is the next (in goodness)?” He said, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.” He was then asked, “Which is the next?” He said, “To perform Hajj-mabrur.” (Bukhari, 1433)Mabrur means, performed for the pleasure of Allah alone and in accordance to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) without committing any sins.
   • A form of Jihad: Narrated ‘Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers) I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! We consider Jihad as the best deed.” The Prophet said, “The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj mabrur.” (Bukhari, 1434)
   • Wipes out past sins: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (SallAllaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “Whoever performs hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari, 1435)Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever performs Hajj to this House (Ka’ba) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing Hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child. (Just delivered by his mother).” (Bukhari, 1707)
   • Reward is Paradise: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “(The performance of) ‘Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari, 1663)
4. Pre-Requisites:
   
   • Muslim
   • Adult (had reached the age of maturity)
   • Sound state of mind
   • Free (not a slave)
   • Arrival of Hajj season
   • Possesses ability during Hajj season -health, security for himself and family, provision for himself and family.

   Evidence:

   • Allah says in the Qu’ran: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)” (3:97)
   • Allah says: “And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).” (2:197)
   • Narrated Ibn Abbas: The people of Yemen used to come for Hajj and used not to bring enough provisions with them and used to say that they depend on Allah. On their arrival in Medina they used to beg the people, and so Allah revealed, “And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is the fear of Allah.” (2:197). (Bukhari, 1437)
5. Implications of the Ability to do Hajj 
   • How many times? “Once in a life time is Fard” (Muslim)
   • Hajj of a minor: is acceptable, but he/she must perform another after maturity.
   • Hajj of a woman: All above pre-requisites and a MAHRAM. Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) delivering a sermon and making this observation:” No person should be alone with a woman except when there is a Mahram with her, and the woman should not undertake journey except with a Mahram.” A person stood up and said: Allah’s Messenger, my wife has set out for pilgrimage, whereas I am enlisted to fight in such and such battle, whereupon he said:” You go and perform Hajj with your wife.” (Muslim)However, if she does not have a mahram she may go with a good and trustworthy group in which there are women who have their mahram with them. Malik said, concerning a woman who had never been on hajj, “If she doesn’t have a mahram, or if she has, but he cannot come with her, she does not abandon Allah’s making of the hajj obligatory for her. Let her go in a group of women.” (Malik)
   • On behalf of others: permissible with one condition.Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abbas: Al-fadl (his brother) was riding behind Allah’s Apostle and a woman from the tribe of Khath’am came and Al-fadl started looking at her and she started looking at him. The Prophet turned Al-fadl’s face to the other side. The woman said, “O Allah’s Apostle! The obligation of Hajj enjoined by Allah on His devotees has become due on my father and he is old and weak, and he cannot sit firm on the Mount; may I perform Hajj on his behalf?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, you may.” That happened during the Hajj-al-Wida (of the Prophet). (Bukhari, 1428)
   • Condition of performing Hajj on behalf of someone: must have performed hajj for oneself first.
   • Getting a Loan to perform Hajj: This means that the person has not met the requirements of Hajj, so Hajj is not compulsory on the person.

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