Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)
A husband, even if he is wealthy, is not obligated to bear the expenses of his wife's Hajj. However, if it was stipulated as a condition in the marriage contract, then he must fulfill it. This is because, according to Islamic rulings, a woman's Hajj expenses are not considered part of her essential financial support (nafaqah), like food, clothing, and shelter, which are mandatory upon the husband.
If a woman does not have the financial means to perform Hajj, then Hajj is not obligatory upon her. Allah ﷻ states in the Qur'an:
"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find a way to it."
[Surah Aal-e-Imran: 97]
Additionally, in Hadith, financial capability (استطاعت) has been mentioned as a requirement for Hajj. A person who does not have sufficient wealth does not meet the condition of "istita'ah" (financial ability) and thus is not required to perform Hajj—just as a poor person is not obligated to pay Zakat.
Those who lack the financial means should not feel guilty or burdened, as Hajj is not obligatory upon them. Just as a poor person does not regret being exempt from Zakat, those who cannot afford Hajj should not feel distressed, as it is not a duty upon them.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) mentioned:
"I have seen many people who cannot afford Hajj but feel as though they are neglecting a religious obligation. I tell them: Be at peace! You are not required to perform Hajj. In the sight of Allah, you are equal to those who have performed Hajj, because you have a valid excuse, while it was obligatory upon them. However, it is true that those who engage in acts of worship hold a higher status than those who do not, even if they are excused."
[Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor 'ala al-Darb, 12]
A husband, even if he is wealthy, is not obligated to bear the expenses of his wife's Hajj. However, if it was stipulated as a condition in the marriage contract, then he must fulfill it. This is because, according to Islamic rulings, a woman's Hajj expenses are not considered part of her essential financial support (nafaqah), like food, clothing, and shelter, which are mandatory upon the husband.
If a woman does not have the financial means to perform Hajj, then Hajj is not obligatory upon her. Allah ﷻ states in the Qur'an:
"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find a way to it."
[Surah Aal-e-Imran: 97]
Additionally, in Hadith, financial capability (استطاعت) has been mentioned as a requirement for Hajj. A person who does not have sufficient wealth does not meet the condition of "istita'ah" (financial ability) and thus is not required to perform Hajj—just as a poor person is not obligated to pay Zakat.
Those who lack the financial means should not feel guilty or burdened, as Hajj is not obligatory upon them. Just as a poor person does not regret being exempt from Zakat, those who cannot afford Hajj should not feel distressed, as it is not a duty upon them.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) mentioned:
"I have seen many people who cannot afford Hajj but feel as though they are neglecting a religious obligation. I tell them: Be at peace! You are not required to perform Hajj. In the sight of Allah, you are equal to those who have performed Hajj, because you have a valid excuse, while it was obligatory upon them. However, it is true that those who engage in acts of worship hold a higher status than those who do not, even if they are excused."
[Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor 'ala al-Darb, 12]