The verse of Hajj is The 97th verse of Surah Aal-e-Imran is the basis for the obligation of Hajj upon all those who are financially able. Some other verses, such as verse 196 of Surah Al-Baqarah and verse 27 of Surah Al-Hajj, are also referred to as Hajj verses. Scholars and jurists have interpreted this verse in various ways. For example, according to this verse, Hajj is obligatory for everyone (some jurists even argue for non-Muslims). Furthermore, when one becomes financially capable, they should perform Hajj at the earliest opportunity. It is emphasized that Hajj is a divine right and should only be undertaken for the sake of God's pleasure.
The verses of Hajj
The verses related to Hajj, its pillars, and its regulations are numerous and scattered throughout the Quran. However, the well-known verse referred to as the "Hajj verse," from which many commentators and scholars have derived this interpretation, is verse 97 of Surah Aal-e-Imran. Some commentators and jurists have also interpreted the Hajj verse based on verse 196 of Surah Al-Baqarah and verse 27 of Surah Al-Hajj.
The text of the verse
The Revelation of the Verse and the Obligation of Hajj
Some commentators have stated that Hajj became obligatory with the revelation of this very verse in the 9th or 10th year of the Hijra (or, in other words, with the revelation of verse 27 of Surah Al-Hajj), and the Prophet performed the Hajj in the 10th year after the descent of this verse. Others believe that this verse (along with other verses from Surah Aal-e-Imran) was revealed in the third year of Hijra in Medina, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not have the opportunity to perform Hajj until the 10th year of Hijra. Some consider the timing of the obligation of Hajj to be related to the revelation of other verses, including verse 27 of Surah Al-Hajj, verse 196 of Surah Al-Baqarah, or verse 96 of Surah Aal-e-Imran.
Contents of the Verse
Obligation of Hajj, even upon disbelievers
According to this verse, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for those who are financially able. It is said that the address in the verse includes everyone, be it a man, a woman, a believer, or a disbeliever. Some Shiite jurists and some Sunni scholars believe that based on this verse, Hajj is obligatory for disbelievers just like it is for believers, and Islam has only defined the condition for its validity, not the condition for its obligation.
Financial ability (Condition for the obligation of Hajj)
In this verse, the obligation of Hajj is contingent upon financial ability. Shiite jurists and many Sunni scholars, based on the Hajj verse and verse 196 of Al-Baqarah, argue for the immediate performance of Hajj after acquiring the financial means and fulfilling the other conditions of the obligation of Hajj.
Meaning of "who disbelieves" in the verse
Commentators have understood the term "who disbelieves" in the Hajj verse to refer to someone who denies the obligation of Hajj. However, someone who believes in its obligation but neglects to perform Hajj is not labeled as a disbeliever. According to some commentators, the meaning of "who disbelieves" is not leaving the circle of Islam; rather, it signifies ingratitude for blessings, as acting against divine command, failing to express gratitude for blessings, and disobedience to divine orders are considered a form of ingratitude.
Hajj as a Divine Right
According to verse 97 of Surah Aal-e-Imran, Hajj is one of the divine rights granted to the servants of God. Based on this, it is emphasized that Hajj should be performed solely for the sake of God's pleasure.