Endeavour to perform Hajj as soon as you can Fatwa No: 91223
- Fatwa Date:27-2-2006
I am working at Jeddah. Last year I wanted to perform Hajj along with my wife, but due to my father's health I went to India my homeland, so I missed the Hajj. Now my wife is pregnant. Inshaa Allaah this year Hajj she will be in India. I will be in Jeddah. But I want to perform Hajj with Her. It will be good Inshaa Allaah our child should grow. So please guide me what should I do.
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
Hajj is an immediate obligation to be performed by whoever is able to, according to the view of the majority of the scholars. However, Imaam Ash-Shaafi'ee and others are of the view that one is not obliged to perform Hajj immediately on the condition that one is determined to do so in the future, but if he fears that he will be unable to perform it in case he delays it, or fears that his money will be spent, then it is forbidden for him to delay it. If he delays performing Hajj when being able to do so and then dies before he performs it, he is sinful. Therefore, dear brother, you are obliged to take the initiative to perform Hajj without any further delay. The Prophet said: "Endeavour to perform Hajj as soon as you can, as you do not know what you will face [as problems in case you delay it]." [Ahmad, and Al-Albaani classified it as authentic] You are not obliged to wait for your wife to perform Hajj with you when your child becomes old enough.
Allaah Knows best.