Hajj Debate: Worship, Wealth And The Question Of Priorities In A Divided Discourse

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Hajj is a great act of worship that is obligatory only on those Muslims who have the financial and physical means. It is obligatory once in a lifetime, while any Hajj performed after that is considered a voluntary act of worship.

As soon as the month of Dhul-Qa'dah begins, a debate often intensifies:“Instead of performing Hajj repeatedly or spending on expensive sacrifices, this money should be spent on the poor; Hajj has become a form of showing off and display of wealth.”

Such views are not only surprising but also raise the question: why is someone's personal act of worship viewed from this angle? Can we truly judge the intentions and actions of others correctly?

Worship and Intention:

In Islam, acts of worship are a personal matter between a servant and Allah. Only Allah knows the state of hearts and intentions.

It is also worth considering whether we ever tell a praying person that a few prayers are enough and the rest of the time should be spent on charity. Or do we advise a fasting person to leave fasting and only give charity? Certainly not. Then why is Hajj treated differently?

Voluntary Hajj is also a means of seeking closeness to Allah, just like voluntary prayers and fasting. If a person has the means and wishes to perform Hajj repeatedly, it is not appropriate to criticize them.

Also Read: The Price of 'My Own House': A Middle-Class Reality Check

Balance Between Charity and Worship:

It is true that those who perform Hajj repeatedly are usually financially well-off. Such individuals pay Zakat, give charity, support orphans and the needy, and contribute to various welfare activities. However, because worship is visible while charity is often hidden, a one-sided impression is created.

Islam is a religion of balance, where both worship and serving humanity are important. Neither can worship be abandoned in the name of charity, nor can charity be placed against worship. Both hold their own importance.

Double Standards:

Interestingly, spending on personal luxuries is usually not criticized as much. Expensive mobile phones, cars, and other comforts are generally accepted. But as soon as it comes to Hajj or other acts of worship, questions immediately arise about whether this money should have been spent elsewhere.

This attitude indicates that the issue is often less about spending itself and more about differences in priorities.

Principle of Moderation in Islam:

In Islam, Zakat, charity, prayer, and Hajj are all fundamental acts of worship. It is not correct to rank one above or below the other in a way that undermines their importance. If Hajj becomes obligatory on someone, it must be performed and cannot be replaced by another act of goodness.

Similarly, voluntary worship can reflect a person's love and closeness to Allah and should be viewed positively.

Self-Reflection and Conclusion:

It is better that we focus on ourselves rather than others, and assess whether we are fulfilling our own basic responsibilities-whether we regularly give Zakat, help those in need, and strive for sincerity in our worship.

This mindset helps us improve our priorities and refine our actions.

Hajj is not merely a ritual but a practical expression of love and devotion to Allah. Those who perform it repeatedly do so according to their means and spiritual inclination. Therefore, instead of suspicion, a positive attitude is more appropriate.

Islam teaches balance, moderation, and sincerity, and these principles form the foundation of a better individual and a healthier society.

Note: This article is based on the personal opinion of the author, and the institution does not necessarily agree with it.

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