O Muslims!, our great religion (Islaam) commands us to perform Hajj, and considers it as one of it’s pillars. Allaah says that which translates to: “In it are clear signs (such as) the Station of Ibraaheem. And whoever enters it attains security. And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever can afford the journey.” (Aal ‘Imraan: 97) One who has not performed Hajj whilst being financially able to must intend to perform this pillar.

Allaah says that which translates to: “For Hajj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj” (Al Baqarah: 197) So he who wants his Hajj to be a perfect and a complete one, must refrain from fighting, arguing, backbiting, and tale-bearing whilst at Hajj. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam described such a Hajj by saying - as narrated by Abu Hurayrah: - “A perfect and a complete Hajj will have Paradise as a reward” (Bukhaari & Muslim).

In another Hadeeth also narrated by Abu Hurayrah he said: “The best of deeds is belief in Allaah and His Messenger, then comes Jihaad (fighting for the sake of Allaah), and then a perfect and complete Hajj” (Bukhaari & Muslim).

In a third Hadeeth, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Said: “He who performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations with his wife (while at Hajj), nor commits sins, will come out of Hajj just as the day his mother gave birth to him” (Bukhaari & Muslim).

O Muslims! Our great religion encourages us to rush in performing Hajj and not to delay nor postpone it. Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Rush into performing Hajj because one does not know what might happen to him”. (Ahmad & Al-Bayhaqi). His saying “… one does not know what might happen to him” means that new things may arise that would prevent a person from performing it, as he said in the following Hadeeth: “Let one who intends Hajj hurry, because he might get sick, might find his way to Hajj, or something might occur that would prevent him from performing Hajj” (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, and others). Not finding the way to Hajj, could mean not finding ticket reservations, the car breaking down on the way, or anything else.

Now, to address those who are lazy and negligent and delay this obligation although they have the means and are in good health:

What guarantees do they have that they will not become too old or maybe even die before they perform Hajj?

Can they guarantee to continue being wealthy enough to perform it?

Can they guarantee not to become too sick, or die before that?