Intend to Go to Ḥajj

Bismi Llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm

وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا

(Qur’ān 03:97)

“Wa li-Llāhi a’la n-nāsi hijju l-bayti man i-statā’a ‘ilayhi sabīlā”

“And [due] to Allāh from the people is a pilgrimage to the House (Ka’bah) – those who can afford the journey.” Ṣadaqa Llāhu l-‘Aẓīm.

These are the blessed months of ḥajj. Allāh ‘Azza wa-Jalla has made ḥajj obligatory for those who are able and have the means, as one of the pillars of Islām; they must perform it. Of course, it seems easy, but it has its difficulties. Entry is only by permission. So, only a limited number of people can go. For this reason, everyone who is able, healthy, and financially capable should perform it. It is an obligation (Fard).

If you postpone fard, it’s uncertain whether you will be able to perform it later. But if you make the intention now and take a step, Allāh ‘Azza wa-Jalla will accept your fard according to your intention, and that fard will be lifted from your shoulders. However, if you say, “I’ll do it later anyway, I won’t make the intention now,” then you will not only not have fulfilled your fard but also be deprived of great rewards.

Even a single prayer performed there earns you as much reward as all the prayers in your life. Fasting is already difficult there, but you will be performing the fard prayers in the Kaa’ba. You will pray in our Prophet ṣallá Llāhu ‘alayhi wa-sallam’s Mosque, Masjid Al-Nabawi. Each of these is worth a lifetime, both spiritually and materially.

Therefore, performing this fard, like performing all fards, is beneficial for the believer. Even more than just earning reward; you are fulfilling Allāh’s ﷻ command and becoming His ﷻ guest. May Allāh ﷻ grant us all the opportunity to go. May He ﷻ make it easy for those who haven’t gone yet. Many people want to do it, but there are various obstacles. There are all sorts of impediments.

Therefore, making intention is important. Say, “I intend to perform the ḥajj for the sake of Allāh ﷻ, and I will go when I have the opportunity and time.” In this way, at least that obligation will be lifted from your shoulders. This is especially for men. There are different principles and conditions for women; they are given more leniency.

Therefore, men especially should make this intention more so that, with this intention, Allāh ﷻ may forgive us all, in shā’a Llāh. Wa min Allah at-Tawfiq.

Al-Fatiha.

•⁠ ⁠Mawlana Sheikh Muhammad Adil ar-Rabbaniق

4 May 2026/ 17 Dhul Qa’dah 1447

Fajr Prayer – Akbaba Dergah, Istanbul

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