Eligibility to perform Hajj
What is Eligibility to perform Hajj
In simple terms, a Muslim is eligible to perform Hajj if they meet the following criteria:
- Must Be a Muslim
- Only Muslims can perform Hajj, as it is an act of worship in Islam.
- Must Have Reached the Age of Maturity
- Hajj is only obligatory for those who have reached the age of puberty (maturity). This varies depending on the individual, but generally, children are not required to perform Hajj.
- Financial Ability
- You must be able to afford the journey to Makkah and the expenses during the pilgrimage (like food, transportation, accommodation, and other necessities).
- If someone is unable to pay for their Hajj due to financial hardship, they are not required to go.
- Physical Ability
- The person must be physically able to perform the rituals of Hajj, which require walking, standing for long hours, and sometimes traveling long distances in hot weather.
- If someone is too ill, elderly, or physically unable, they may be exempted or can send someone in their place (a proxy).
- Freedom from Major Debts or Obligations
- The person should not have any major debts that they are unable to repay or urgent responsibilities that will interfere with performing Hajj.
- If someone is in debt and cannot afford their journey, they should wait until they are able to pay off their obligations.
- The Person Must Be Able to Safely Travel
- The person should be able to travel safely to Makkah and back without the risk of harm.
- One Hajj is Obligatory (once in a lifetime)
- A Muslim is required to perform Hajj only once in their lifetime. After that, if they wish, they can perform additional voluntary Hajj (called Umrah).
- Consenting and Free from Major Hindrances
- The person should be free from any major hindrances, such as severe illness or other personal barriers that could prevent them from completing the rituals.
Additional Points
- Women:
Women must be accompanied by a mahram (a close male relative, like a father, brother, husband, or son) if they are traveling alone. If they are traveling with a group or family, a mahram is not required. - No Compulsion:
Hajj should not be forced upon someone. It is a deeply personal spiritual journey, and the individual should go willingly.
In short, if you’re an adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to travel and complete the Hajj rituals, and you’re free from major debts or responsibilities, you are eligible to perform Hajj.
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Quran
- Muslim Faith Required
“…And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:97)
This verse emphasizes that Hajj is a duty only for Muslims who are able to perform it.
- Ability (Financial and Physical)
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrifice…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
This verse highlights that Hajj is obligatory for those who can afford and are physically able to perform it. If someone is unable, there are provisions for sacrifices.
References from Hadith
- Hajj is a Pillar of Islam (Obligation for Muslims)
“Islam is built upon five pillars: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing the prayer; paying zakat; Hajj to the House; and fasting in Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 8; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 16)
This Hadith makes it clear that Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who meet the conditions.
- Hajj Only Once (If Able)
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in obscene language or commit sins will return (as free of sin) as the day his mother gave birth to him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1521)
This Hadith states that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, but additional Hajj is optional.
- Ability (Financial and Physical)
“Hajj is obligatory for those who have the means (to do it), and he who has the ability and the capacity should perform it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2899)
This Hadith emphasizes that Hajj is only obligatory for those who are financially and physically able.
- Women and the Requirement of a Mahram
“A woman should not travel without a mahram (a male relative).”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1341)
This Hadith establishes that a woman must have a mahram (a close male relative) if she is traveling for Hajj.
- Children and Hajj
“A child who performs Hajj will be rewarded for it, but it is not obligatory for him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1529)
This Hadith clarifies that children are not required to perform Hajj, though they can perform it and will be rewarded.
- No Compulsion in Hajj
“There is no Hajj for a person who is not physically able to do it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1450)
This Hadith emphasizes that Hajj is not obligatory for someone who is unable to perform it due to illness or other serious conditions.
Summary of Eligibility in the Quran and Hadith:
- Muslim Faith: Hajj is obligatory only for Muslims.
- Financial and Physical Ability: A Muslim must be able to afford the journey and be in good health to perform Hajj.
- No Debt or Major Responsibilities: Hajj is only obligatory for those who are free from significant debts or obligations.
- One Hajj in a Lifetime: A person is required to perform Hajj once in a lifetime, as long as they meet the conditions.
- Women: Women must travel with a mahram.
- No Compulsion: If someone is unable to perform Hajj, they are not obligated to do so.
