Importance of Hajj in the Light of Hadith
Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri — Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
❖ Question
What is the ruling regarding Hajj?
❖ Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Performing Hajj to the House of Allah (Ka‘bah) once in a lifetime is obligatory upon every adult man and woman who possesses the ability (istita‘ah). It is one of the pillars of Islam, and its obligation is proven from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and consensus of the Ummah.
◈ Qur’anic Proof
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا﴾ (آل عمران: 97)
"And Hajj to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to undertake it."
◈ Scholarly Explanation
- Hafiz Ibn Kathir (774 AH) رحمه الله said:
"Numerous ahadith have been narrated showing that Hajj is one of the pillars, foundations, and essential supports of Islam. The Muslims are unanimously agreed upon this with an absolute consensus. Furthermore, by both textual evidence and consensus, Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime upon every accountable person who has the means."
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir 2/81)
◈ Conclusion
- Hajj is a pillar of Islam.
- It is obligatory once in a lifetime upon every Muslim who is able to perform it.
- Its obligation is established by the Qur’an, Sunnah, and ijma‘ (consensus) of the Ummah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
