PERFORMING HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY AND VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD
BismilLah
Hajj (the Pilgrimage to Makkah) is the fifth pillar of Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu' alayhi wa sallam meaning: may the peace and blessings of ALLAH be upon him) said:
“Islam has been built upon five pillars: declaring that there is none worthy of worship except ALLAH and that Muhammad is the messenger of ALLAH; the establishment of salaah (five compulsory daily prayers; the payment of zakaah (obligatory charity); the Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of ALLAH, if one is able); and sawm of Ramadan (fasting in the month of Ramadan).” (Bukhari 1/ 7).
This final pillar of Islam is obligatory, at least once in a lifetime, upon all sane Muslims, who reach the age of puberty, and are physically and financially able to make the journey. ALLAH the Almighty tells us in His Book:
“... And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to ALLAH, those who can afford the expenses (for conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of ALLAH), then ALLAH stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalâmin (mankind and jinn).” (Qur’an 3:97).
_May ALLAH aid us to perform this act and protect us from any satanic influences_*. Aameen.