Key Points:

Financial Ability: If someone cannot afford the expenses of Hajj without causing hardship to themselves or their dependents, they are exempt from the obligation until they can afford it.

Debt and Priorities: Paying off debts and meeting basic needs for oneself and one’s family take precedence over performing Hajj.

Intention: A Muslim who cannot afford Hajj but has the sincere intention to perform it if circumstances allow is still rewarded for their intention, as Allah values sincerity and effort.

Dua and Trust in Allah: Such individuals can pray to Allah to grant them the means to fulfill this pillar of Islam in the future.

Alternative Acts of Worship: While waiting for the opportunity to perform Hajj, they can focus on other acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and seeking knowledge.

The Quran states:

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:97)

Thus, Hajj is only obligatory when the conditions of ability are met. If someone never gains the means during their lifetime, they are not held accountable for missing it.