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Some people say that those who have already done Hajj should let others have the chance

26-01-2005

Question 41977

I am longing to do Hajj but we hear some people saying something that we do not know whether it is correct or not. They say that those who have already done Hajj should let others have the chance. Is this correct?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

This is not correct; I mean the view that those who have already done their obligatory Hajj should let others have the chance, because the texts point to the virtue of Hajj. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Follow one Hajj or ‘Umrah with another, for they erase poverty and sin as the bellows erases the dross of iron and gold and silver.” A wise person can go for Hajj and not annoy others or be annoyed if he deals kindly with people. If he finds enough room he can do whatever acts of worship he is able to, and if there is not much room then he should treat himself and others in the manner dictated by the crowded conditions. Hence when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) moved on from ‘Arafah he urged the people to be tranquil and dignified, and he pulled his camel’s reins tight so that it would not walk fast. But when he found that he had room, he would hasten. This indicates that the pilgrim should deal with the situation as he finds it. If there is not much room he should walk slowly and be kind to people. In this way he will not be annoyed or annoy others. This is what we think he should do in this situation: he should go for Hajj and seek Allaah's help to do Hajj; he should do what he is obliged to do and should strive not to annoy anyone or to be annoyed as much as he can.  

If we assume that there is an interest that outweighs Hajj, such as if the Muslims need money for jihad for the sake of Allaah, then jihad for the sake of Allaah takes precedence over a naafil Hajj. In that case he should donate this money to the mujaahideen. Or if the Muslims are experiencing a famine, he should donate this money to the Muslims. In that case using the money to help relieve the famine is better than using it for Hajj. End quote. 

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