What are the prerequisites for a person wishing to perform Hajj regarding their financial obligations and dependents?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
For Hajj to be obligatory, the individual must possess surplus wealth beyond what is required for the maintenance (nafaqah) of their dependents whom they are obligated to support, covering both the journey there and back. This priority is established because maintenance relates to the rights of other humans, which are more pressing. Evidence for this is the tradition narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "It is sufficient sin for a man to neglect those whom he must provide for," reported by Abu Dawud. Furthermore, the wealth must exceed what is necessary for the person and their family's essential needs, such as housing, servants, and other absolute necessities. The wealth must also be surplus after settling all debts, as settling debt is considered a primary need involving the rights of others, making it more binding. This principle applies whether the debt is owed to a specific person or involves obligations to God, such as outstanding Zakat or expiations (kaffarat).