If I can already afford Hajj, must I go this year or may I delay it?

The majority of scholars (Hanafis, Malikis and Hanbalis) hold that once a Muslim meets the conditions of ability, Hajj becomes obligatory immediately ('ala al-fawr). Allah commanded it without qualification — "And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House, for whoever is able to find thereto a way" (Quran 3:97) — and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him hasten to do so" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1732, graded hasan), for no one can guarantee that his health, his wealth or the safety of the road will remain. The Shafi'is hold that it may be delayed ('ala al-tarakhi) so long as one firmly resolves to perform it before death, yet even they say that hastening is better and safer. Delays genuinely outside one's control — waiting on a visa, a quota permit, or on a mahram for a woman where one is required — are excused, because ability (istita'ah) includes actually being able to reach the House safely and lawfully. So one who is able should register and travel at the first real opportunity, and not put it off out of mere procrastination.

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