Book of Pilgrimage

Allah the Exalted says: “Pilgrimage to the House is an obligation owed to Allah by all people who are able to find a way to it; and whoever disbelieves—surely Allah is independent of all the worlds.” (3:97)

1271 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam has been built upon five pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing the prayer; giving the obligatory alms; performing the pilgrimage to the House; and fasting in Ramadan.” Agreed upon.

1272 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed us, saying, “O people, Allah has made the Hajj obligatory for you, so perform the Hajj.” A man asked, “Every year, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet kept silent until the man had repeated his question three times. Then he said, “Had I said ‘Yes,’ it would have become obligatory, and you would not have been able to do it. So leave me so long as I leave you. Those before you were ruined only by their excessive questioning and their disagreements with their prophets. When I command you to do something, carry it out to the extent of your ability; and when I forbid you from something, then desist from it.” Narrated by Muslim.

[Commentary]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—opens, in Riyad al-Salihin, the chapter on the obligation and virtue of Hajj.

Hajj is the journey to Mecca with the intention of worshipping Allah, exalted be He, by performing its prescribed rites, and it is one of