Describe the conditions that must be satisfied before embarking on Hajj.
Explanation
the background that Hajj means stranger, Hajj is a Muslim pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah and other places in Saudi Arabia during the month of Hajj. It is one of the five pillars of Islam that is compulsory once in a life time of a Muslim that is able to meet its conditions. Hajj has a lot of benefits ranging from the spiritual to the mundane to those who perform it.However, before these benefits can be achieved, an intending pilgrim must have met the conditions of Hajj and also able to make certain provisions before embarking on the holy journey. The conditions of Hajj and its provisions are as follows. Conditions of Hajj (1) The intending pilgrim must be a Muslim with sound ‘Aqidah (doctrine, faith, believe) and must have been performing the four other pillars of Islam.
Pillars of Islam It must be noted that faith is a of the validity of the deeds and its approval in Islam. (2) Must have attained adulthood, although if a child performs Hajj, he will be rewarded for it, however this will not suffice him as regards the Hajj prescribed in Islam. (3) Must be of a sound state of mind and in full control of his mental faculties. (4) Must possess ability: this includes the following, must be healthy and physically fit, to undergo the rigours of the journey and rites; must be sure that the way to the holy land is safe and secure from any danger; must be financially sound enough to be able to bear all of the expenses for Hajj, also to provide adequately for his dependants before leaving home. Provisions of Hajj: (i) The intention must be purified by performing the Hajj simply because of Allah. (ii) All Hajj expenses must be paid out of money obtain through hallal (legitimate) means. (iii) Must learn how to be patient and forgive others, (iv) Performing Nafila Istikhara (Salat for seeking divine guidance), and not to visit a maraubout. (v) Seeking knowledge of Hajj and Umrah through attending Hajj lectures, reading of books on Hajj, getting familiar with all aspects of the Hajj, such as, recitation of talbiyya, duah (prayer), place of rituals, etc. Also important is learning the adabs (etiquette) of traveling, entering transportation and landing in a place etc. (vi) Paying allyour outstanding debts, returns all items in your care to their owners. (vii) Fulfill your promises to another; (viii) correct all wrongs and mistakes done to anyone. Others include writing of wil a written acknowledgment of the transaction, promises, and debts, between you and others and keep them in a safe place accessible to the member of your family; (x) getting the required travel needs such as documents, inoculation, basic travel allowance, etc. Basic travel allowance (xi) Hand over your family to someone who can assist them while you are away. (xii) Inform the necessary people of your intention. (xiii) Make a lot of dua’according to the dictates of the Shariah. (xii) A female pilgrim must travel in the company of her husband or a Mahram (i.e., a member of her immediate family with whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the Shariah e.g., father, brother, son, uncle, etc). (xiii) Above all, an intending pilgrim must be conscious and fear Allah in his actions, speech and dealings. These are very important steps because Qur’an 2 verse 197 says: “the best provision is taqwah llah (fear of Allah)”. All this, and many others are based on specific instructions from the Shariah and must be followed for the Hajj to be meaningful.
