The Obligation of Performing Hajj Once in a Lifetime for Every Eligible Muslim

Text of the Fatwa

Based on the consensus (ijmāʿ) of all Islamic schools of jurisprudence—both Sunni and Shiʿa,

Hajj is an individual and obligatory duty (farḍ ʿayn) upon every Muslim who is adult, sane, and financially and physically capable (mustatīʿ), and it must be performed once in a lifetime.

Delaying it without a valid شرعی (legal) excuse is not permissible.

Qur’anic Evidence (Agreed Upon by All Schools)

Clear Qur’anic Verse

“And due to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find a way to it.”

(Qur’an 3:97)

This verse is the primary and undisputed foundation for the obligation of Hajj in all Islamic jurisprudence.

Hadith Evidence (Sunni and Shiʿa Sources)

1. Prophetic Hadith (Sunni Sources)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you, so perform Hajj.”

Source:

Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book of Hajj

2. Narration from Imam ʿAlī (Shiʿa Sources)

Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah has made obligatory upon you the pilgrimage to His Sacred House.”

Source:

Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 1

Juristic Consensus (Joint Ruling)

Scholars of the following schools unanimously agree on the obligation of Hajj:

Jaʿfarī (Shiʿa Imami)

Ḥanafī

Shāfiʿī

Mālikī

Ḥanbalī

This unanimous agreement is known in Islamic jurisprudence as Ijmaʿ al-Muslimīn (the consensus of Muslims).

Summary of the Joint Fatwa

 Hajj is:

A definitive divine obligation

Individually obligatory (farḍ ʿayn)

Required once in a lifetime

Conditional upon financial ability, physical capability, and safety of travel

 Final Juristic Conclusion:

Every Muslim who meets the conditions of ability is religiously obligated to perform Hajj, and abandoning it without a valid excuse is considered sinful.