Abu Huraira told that God's messenger addressed them saying, “Pilgrimage (In what follows I have used the word "pilgrimage” where only the hajj is intended; but when reference is made to both hajj and ’umra the Arabic words are used without translation to avoid misunderstanding.) has been ordained for you people, so perform it.” A man asked whether it should be performed annually, but God’s messenger gave no reply till he had asked the question three times. Then he said, “If I were to say that it should, it would be obligatory and you would not be able to perform it,” after which he said, “Leave me alone as long as I have said nothing to you, for your predecessors perished simply on account of their much questioning and their disagreement with their prophets. But when I command you to do anything, obey it as much as you can; and when I forbid you to do anything, leave it alone.”Muslim transmitted it.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2505
In this profound narration from Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the fundamental obligation of Hajj while simultaneously delineating the principles of Islamic jurisprudence regarding religious duties and prohibitions.
The Obligation of Hajj
The Prophet's declaration "Hajj has been ordained for you" establishes it as one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory upon every Muslim who meets the conditions of ability (istita'ah) at least once in their lifetime.
The questioner's inquiry about annual performance demonstrates the companions' eagerness to excel in worship, yet the Prophet's deliberate silence and subsequent response teach us about the wisdom behind divine legislation.
Divine Wisdom in Legislation
The Prophet's response "If I were to say that it should, it would be obligatory" reveals the principle that the Prophet's statements can constitute binding religious law. This demonstrates the careful balance in Islamic legislation between spiritual aspiration and practical capability.
Allah in His wisdom made Hajj obligatory only once in a lifetime, considering the physical and financial burdens involved, thus embodying the Quranic principle "Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity" (2:286).
Warning Against Excessive Questioning
The Prophet's instruction to "leave me alone as long as I have said nothing to you" serves as a caution against unnecessary probing into matters not revealed by Allah. Such excessive questioning characterized previous nations who brought additional obligations upon themselves.
This teaching emphasizes the importance of contenting oneself with what has been clearly legislated, avoiding innovation (bid'ah) and unnecessary complications in religious practice.
Principles of Obedience and Prohibition
The final instruction establishes the fundamental approach to Islamic commandments: "When I command you to do anything, obey it as much as you can; and when I forbid you to do anything, leave it alone."
This encapsulates the principle of "within one's capacity" (ma al-tāqa) in fulfilling obligations and the absolute nature of avoiding prohibitions, providing a balanced framework for religious practice that considers human capability while maintaining religious integrity.