The Meaning of the “Ability” to performing Hajj

Question

What is the 'ability' in reference to the Hajj? Is the person's reward greater when setting out to Makkah Al-Mukarramah or after his return from it? Is the person's reward with Allah greater if he returns from Makkah to his homeland or to here first where he works?


Answer

The 'ability' in reference to performing Hajj is that the person is of healthy body and he possesses the means of transportation that will get him to the Sacred House of Allah. This could be an airplane or a car or an animal or a taxi, according to the person's situation. It also means that he possesses provisions that will suffice him in going and returning. Also, these provisions must be extra, after what is to be spent on whomever the person is obligated to spend on (i.e., take care of) until he returns from his Hajj. It also means that the woman has a husband or her Mahram with her during her journey for Hajj or 'Umrah.

In reference to the reward of his Hajj, this depends upon the degree of his sincerity to Allah, what he performs of the Hajj rites, his avoiding those things that contradict the perfection of his Hajj, what he has spent of wealth and the amount of struggle that he has patiently born. It makes no difference whether he returns (to his land), stays (in Arabia) or dies before completing his Hajj or after it. Allah knows best concerning his situation and He is the One Who is in control of his reward. What is obligatory upon the responsible person is to perform deeds and perfect his deeds. He must make sure that his deeds are in agreement with the Islamic law, outwardly and inwardly. He should treat the matter as if he sees his Lord, and even though he does not see Him, Allah sees him and is aware of him. The person should not try to find out that which is left to Allah. For verily He, glory is unto Him and exalted is He above imperfections, is Most Merciful with His servants. He increases their good rewards for them and He pardons the evil deeds, Your Lord does not wrong anyone. You are responsible for taking care of yourself and leave to Allah that which is for Allah, the Judge, the Most Just, the Most Kind and the Most Merciful and Allah is the Giver of success.


The Permanent Committee


Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 4 Page 55-56