Friday 19 Ramadan 1445 - 29 March 2024
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Providing accommodation takes precedence over Hajj

Question

My wife and I are currently living in Yemen and up until now we do not own a house in our country. Please note that I have some money. And up until now we have not performed the obligatory Hajj. Do we have to do Hajj now, straight away, so long as we are financially able to do it, even if we do not own a house? Or should we buy a house to live in first, then after that if we can afford to go to Hajj, we will go to Hajj, otherwise we will delay it until we can afford it.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is well known that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has enjoined Hajj on the one who is able to do it. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]. 

i.e., if he has enough provisions and a means of transportation; these provisions and this means of transportation should be surplus to what is sufficient to cover his shelter and living expenses, and the expenses of his children, until he comes back. If the money you have in your hands does not cover your basic needs, which include shelter, then it is not obligatory for you to perform Hajj until your basic needs are covered. Then if you have anything extra, you can perform Hajj. But Hajj is not obligatory for you [at present] and you do not have to do it until you have wealth surplus to what is needed to provide you with shelter and cover the expenses of yourselves and your children, and those on whom you are obliged to spend. End quote. 

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Source: Islam Q&A