Tirmidhi

Commentary:
Note:
(In the chain of narration, Abu Al-Bakhtari was not a contemporary of nor did he hear from Ali radi Allahu anhu; therefore, the chain is disconnected [munqati‘].)

Benefits and Issues:

➊
Hajj is only obligatory upon the person who possesses the means.
That is, one who can bear the expenses from the time of departure from home until return.
This includes the costs of food and drink, as well as the expenses for transportation, such as fare, etc.

➋
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not declare anything obligatory or forbidden of his own accord; however, the questions of the noble Companions (radi Allahu anhum) reflect their eagerness for worship.
It is possible that Allah Ta’ala might so love a particular good deed and the eagerness for it shown by the Companions that He would make it obligatory; therefore, the Companions (radi Allahu anhum) were prohibited from excessive questioning, lest a command be revealed that would become a cause of hardship for those who come after.

➌
The rulings of Islamic Shariah are easy and practicable; therefore, negligence in fulfilling them leads to deprivation.

➍
Hajj is obligatory only once in a lifetime.
A second Hajj will be considered voluntary (nafl).
However, if someone performed Hajj before reaching puberty or while in a state of slavery, then that Hajj will be considered voluntary (nafl).
After reaching puberty or upon gaining freedom, if one possesses the means, then performing Hajj again will be obligatory.