Ruling on a person who does not perform Hajj despite having the ability
Question: What is the ruling in Islam regarding a person who does not perform the obligatory Hajj despite having the ability?
Answer: It is obligatory upon every person who has the ability to perform Hajj once in their lifetime, as the evidences mentioned earlier indicate.
Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi, may Allah have mercy on him, states:
«واجمعت الأمة علٰي وجوب الحج على المستطيع فى العمر مرة واحدة»
“The Muslim Ummah is unanimous on the point that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime upon the one who has the ability.”
The interpretation of this Quranic verse: «من استطاع اليه سبيلا» is narrated from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and other companions, including «الزاد و الراحلة», meaning provisions for the journey and a mount.
From this, it is understood that a person who has the means for travel and a mount is obligated to perform Hajj, and whoever does not perform Hajj despite having the ability is a forsaker of an obligation.
Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
«من اطاق الحج فلم يحج فسواء عليه مات يهوديا او نصرانيا»
“Whoever has the ability to perform Hajj but does not do so is like one who dies as a Jew or a Christian.”
Therefore, a person who has the ability must perform Hajj to the House of Allah and should strive to perform it promptly while having the ability, because no one knows when death will come and the servant may be deprived of this blessed act. Hence, this obligation should be fulfilled early in one’s life.
