Abu Dawud

1732. Commentary: There is an addition in the narration of al-Bayhaqi that it is not known whether some illness or any other impediment may befall him. (Al-Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi: 4/340) In any case, this hadith is evidence that as soon as one attains the ability (istita‘ah), Hajj becomes obligatory immediately. Who can rely on life! Furthermore, before the Day of Judgment, the pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Baytullah) will be suspended, so one should consider the current state of security and safety as a blessing. And without a valid legal (shar‘i) excuse, one should not delay it. However, in one hadith, there is allowance that a person who is capable and healthy may delay it for up to four years at most; in the fifth year, he must certainly fulfill this obligation. (Sahih al-Targhib: 2/42, No. 1166)