| Answer: In this regard, the Qur’an
has guided us in the following words:
And for those who have the resources to reach there –
[the House of their Lord] – on them is an obligation to perform for Allah the
Hajj of this House. (3:97)
Keeping in view the Arabic word
Istata‘ah (resources), sense and reason demand that, except in extraordinary
circumstances, as soon as a person has arranged for his basic necessities of
life like food, clothing, health, house, transport, and education, he should try
to raise money for offering Hajj. He should also plan to take time off from the
daily routine of life for this all important undertaking. The importance Hajj
has as a form of worship ritual entails that one should plan to collect money
specifically for this purpose and should embark upon this sacred journey
whenever it is possible for him.
The whole event of Hajj has a deep symbolic significance
and if performed with sincerity and spirit, cleanses a person from all his sins.
The Prophet (sws) is reported to have said:
Abu Hurayrah narrates: ‘If someone offers Hajj during
which he abstained completely from lewd talk and did not indulge into any act of
disobedience of Allah, he will be rid of all his sins and become as pure as he
was on the day he was born’. (Bukhari, Kitabu’l-Hajj)
A believer should yearn for such
opportunities, for purifying the soul is the objective of Islam – something
which will lead him to the life of bliss in the Hereafter. As such, saving money
for Hajj should be among his goals. The current practice of waiting to go for
Hajj when one grows old seems to be against the spirit of worship. The Prophet (sws)
is reported to have remarked:
He who intends to go for Hajj should do it as soon as is
possible for him. (Abu Da’u d: Kitabu’l-Manasik)
The money collected for Hajj can be used for other
purposes if any unavoidable need arises. |