obligated to perform Hajj, for he lacks the means; the obligation of Hajj is conditioned upon capability.

Because Hajj is undertaken from distant corners of the earth—“from every deep ravine”—and because it requires funds, involves hardship and fatigue, and may even entail dangers, Allah, in His mercy, made it obligatory only once in a lifetime. Anything beyond that is voluntary. This is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy, for He did not decree it upon the Muslim every year. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah has prescribed Hajj for you, so perform Hajj.” Al-Aqraʿ ibn Ḥābis asked, “Every year, O Messenger of Allah?” The Messenger of Allah remained silent. Al-Aqraʿ repeated the question, and the Prophet remained silent. He asked a third time, whereupon the Prophet said, “Had I said ‘Yes,’ it would have become obligatory, and you would not have been able to do it. Hajj is only once, and whatever is beyond that is voluntary.” Such is Allah’s mercy.

His words, Exalted is He, “And whoever disbelieves—indeed, Allah is free of need of all the worlds” ⦗3:97⦘, prove that whoever refrains from Hajj while able to perform it yet does not do so is