Some people in and around us , who had savings for which Haj become Fard for them, but they prefer to go for tablique tour to foreign countries rather than going for Haj. Is this acceptable in Islam? Their logic is that going in the way of Allah (tablique) is much bigger work than Haj.

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

If a person has not gone for Hajj yet and he has the necessary wealth, which can be spent on transport for reaching Makkah Mukkaramah and for a moderate daily board and lodge, and has enough to leave behind as expenditure for his family, then it will be compulsory for him to go as soon as possible. (Raddul Muhtar p.450 v.3)

Furthermore, the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalm has said, “Whoever wants to perform Hajj, should do so quickly.” (Sunan Abu Dawuud p.249 v.1)

The conclusion we can come to is that if a person has enough money in excess of the aforementioned conditions then Hajj will be obligatory upon him. Going for Tabligh Jamaat is something good and praiseworthy, but performing Hajj is far more important for the one who has the means and has not performed it than going for Tabligh Jamaat.

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.