"The Messenger of Allah addressed the people and said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined upon you Hajj.' A man said: 'Every year?' He remained silent until he had repeated it three times. Then he said: 'If I said yes, it would be obligatory, and if it were obligatory you would not be able to do it. Leave me alone so long as I have left you alone. Those who came before you were destroyed because they asked too many questions and differed with their prophets. If I command you to do something then follow it as much as you can, and if I forbid you to do something then avoid it."'
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2619
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the fundamental obligation of Hajj in Islam while simultaneously demonstrating the wisdom behind not specifying its annual performance.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's silence when asked "Every year?" demonstrates profound legislative wisdom. Scholars explain that answering affirmatively would have made annual Hajj obligatory, creating undue hardship for the ummah.
Imam Nawawi comments that this illustrates the principle of divine mercy in Islamic legislation - obligations are commensurate with human capability. The once-in-a-lifetime obligation reflects Allah's compassion.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the Prophet's response "Leave me alone so long as I have left you alone" establishes the fundamental legal principle that matters are permissible unless explicitly prohibited.
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes Hajj as fard (obligatory) once in a lifetime for those who meet the conditions of capability (istita'ah).
The warning against excessive questioning serves as a perpetual lesson against unnecessary complications in religious matters.
The final instruction provides the general principle for dealing with prophetic commands: fulfill obligations according to capacity and completely avoid prohibitions.