| Answer: In this regard, the Qur’ān 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
Istatā‘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 performing 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 entails that one should plan to collect money
specifically for this purpose and should embark upon this sacred voyage 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:
Abū Hurayrah narrates: If someone performs 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. (Bukhārī, Kitābu’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. (Abū Dā’ud: Kitābu’l-Manāsik)
The money collected for Hajj can be used for other
purposes if any unavoidable need arises. |