CHAPTER 6: HASTENING TO HURRY IN THE HAJJ
From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him hasten.” [523]
**EXPLANATION:**
The time for Hajj is difficult, as it resembles a broad timeframe yet also a measured portion. Consequently, Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal state that performing Hajj in the year it was first made obligatory is mandatory. In the book *Al-Wajiz*, it is written that Abu Yusuf holds this view as well. Imam Shafi’i and Imam Muhammad say that it is not mandatory for a person to perform Hajj in the year his strength first allows him, but he may do so in subsequent years. However, if he dies without performing Hajj, he dies indebted. According to one narration, Abu Yusuf is also reported to hold the view that performing Hajj in the year it was first made obligatory does not necessitate immediate performance. ( *Al-Bazyal al-Majhud*, Vol. 8, p. 212-213.) Performing it at its initial obligation is precautionary because we do not know if we will reach subsequent years. Even if we do, our state of health may change.
The time for Hajj: It is difficult due to resembling a broad timeframe yet also a measured portion. Therefore, Imam Muhammad states that Hajj can be performed at the desired time within one's lifetime. Performing it during its initial obligation is not mandatory; however, someone who does not perform Hajj in its initial obligation and dies without having performed it is considered sinful. Imam Abu Yusuf says that performing Hajj in the year one first has the ability to do so is required; however, if he does not perform it in that year but performs it in a subsequent year, it is still considered *’Iada* (fulfillment).