Linguistic and Shari’ah Definition of Hajj
Linguistically, the word Hajj means “to intend” or “to set out for a visit.” In Islamic terminology, Hajj refers to the act of worship that involves visiting the Sacred House (Kaaba) during specific days and performing specific rituals such as the Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba and standing (Wuquf) at the plain of Arafat.
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According to classical Arabic, Hajj is the intention to visit a place of great reverence. In Shari’ah terminology, it signifies the pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Kaaba), performed at prescribed times with designated rituals including Tawaf, Sa’i, and Wuquf at Arafah.
Hajj is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam upon which the religion is built. Its obligation is established in the Qur’an as firmly as that of Zakah (charity).
Imam Ibn Manzur al-Afriki writes:
“Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Linguistically, it means ‘intention’ or ‘to set out deliberately.’ In the terminology of Shari’ah, it refers to visiting the House of Allah during the designated days, while performing specific acts of worship.”
(Lisan al-Arab, 3:52)
Visiting the Kaaba outside the prescribed Hajj days, with specific rituals and conditions, is termed Umrah. In Shari’ah, Umrah is a pilgrimage with specific rites performed at any time of the year.
(al-Jazīrī, al-Fiqh ‘ala al-Madhāhib al-Arba’ah, 1:1121)
Origin of the Term “Hajj”
Imam al-Qurtubi states:
“Among the Arabs, Hajj was already a known and familiar practice. Islam made it obligatory upon them that which they were already accustomed to.”
(Tafsir al-Qurtubi, 2/92; Ahkam al-Qur’an by Ibn al-‘Arabi, 1/276)
Mulla Ali al-Qari writes:
“The root meaning of Hajj is intention. When someone intends to go somewhere, it is said: Hajjajtu ila kada. In Islamic terminology, it refers to visiting the House of Allah with specific acts. Both pronunciations of the word—Hajj with fatḥa on the ḥā’ and kasrah on the jīm—are valid.”
(‘Umdat al-Qari, 14:172, Beirut)
The Obligation of Hajj
Arabic Text:
الْحَجُّ وَاجِبٌ عَلَى الْأَحْرَارِ الْبَالِغِينَ الْعُقَلَاءِ الْأَصْحَاءِ إِذَا قَدَرُوا عَلَى الزَّادِ وَالرَّاحِلَةِ
Translation:
Hajj is obligatory upon every free, adult, sane, and physically able Muslim who possesses sufficient provisions and means of transportation beyond their basic needs and household expenses. The journey must also be safe. For women, it is a condition that they be accompanied by their husband or a Mahram. If the distance to Makkah is three days or more, it is not permissible for her to travel without one.
Scholarly Opinions from the Four Schools of Thought
Ḥanafi School:
Mulla Ali al-Qari writes:
“The obligation of Hajj is proven through the Qur’an, Sunnah, and consensus (Ijma‘). The preposition ‘alā in the verse ‘And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House’ indicates obligation.”
(Sharḥ al-Wiqayah, 1/450)
Shāfiʿī School:
Imam al-Nawawi states:
“Hajj is a pillar of Islam and obligatory. The conjunction was not merely for sequencing but denotes the essential nature of the pillar.”
(al-Majmuʿ, 4/7)
Mālikī School:
Imam al-Qarāfi mentions:
“The wording in the verse implies an obligatory nature through descriptive language, thus establishing its obligatory status.”
(al-Dhakhīrah, 3/167)
Conditions for the Obligation of Hajj
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a man asked the Prophet ﷺ:
“What makes Hajj obligatory?”
He ﷺ replied: “Provision and transport.”
(Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
This narration contradicts the view of Imam Mālik who believed that a person must perform Hajj even on foot if they have means of income.
Essential Conditions for Hajj to Become Obligatory:
Islam – Not obligatory on a non-Muslim.
Freedom – Not obligatory on a slave.
Sanity – Not obligatory on the mentally ill or unconscious.
Maturity – Not obligatory on minors.
Physical Ability – Not obligatory on the sick, disabled, or blind.
Financial Ability – One must have sufficient funds and transport.
Security – The route must be safe.
For women – A Mahram is required for journeys of three days or more.
If a child or slave enters Ihram and then becomes mature or is freed, they must perform another Hajj to fulfill the obligation.
Concluding Words
Hajj is among the most significant pillars of Islam, whose obligation is decisively proven by the Qur’an, Sunnah, and consensus of the Ummah. It is not merely a ritual, but a comprehensive system for spiritual, moral, and communal purification. A deep understanding of its linguistic and legal meanings, conditions of obligation, and scholarly positions makes it clear that Hajj must be performed with utmost sincerity, preparation, and awareness.
Every Muslim who fulfills the conditions of Hajj must perform it, and delaying it unnecessarily may lead to serious sin. Therefore, it is crucial that believers recognize this duty and fulfill it at the first available opportunity.
May Allah grant us the sincerity and means to perform Hajj, and bless us with its inner and outer rewards. Āmīn.
