Is Hajj Obligatory for Women?

Praise be to Allah.

Hajj is an individual obligation which every Muslim who is accountable and is able to do it must do once in a lifetime. It is one of the pillars of Islam, an obligation which is proven to be so in the Quran and Sunnah, and by scholarly consensus.

Quranic Proof of Hajj Obligation for Women

• In the Quran, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

{And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka`bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).} [Al `Imran 3:97]

This verse clearly states that it is obligatory. When the Quran says “a duty that mankind owes to Allah” this implies that it is obligatory and compulsory. This is the evidence that it is obligatory.

Indeed, we find that the Quran emphatically states that it is obligatory, in the phrase “and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).”

Allah describes going against this obligation as disbelief.

This context shows that failing to do Hajj is not the action of a Muslim, rather it is the action of a non-Muslim.

Hajj in the Sunnah—A Pillar for Both Men and Women

• In the Sunnah, there is the Hadith of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing regular prayer; paying Zakah; fasting Ramadan; and Hajj.”

The phrase “Islam is built…” indicates that Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam.

Imam Muslim (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave a sermon and said to us: `O people, Allah has enjoined Hajj upon you so perform Hajj.’ A man said, `Every year, O Messenger of Allah?’ He did not answer until the man had asked it three times, then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, `If I had said yes, it would have become obligatory and you are not able to do that.’”

There are so many Hadiths concerning this matter which reach the level of Tawatur which means that this obligation is something certain and definite.

Scholarly Consensus on Women Performing Hajj

• With regard to scholarly consensus, the Ummah unanimously agreed that Hajj once in a lifetime is obligatory for the one who is able to do it. This is something which is well known and no Muslim has any excuse for not knowing it, and the one who denies it is a disbeliever. (End quote from Al-Mawsu`ah Al-Fiqhiyyah, part 17, p. 23)

Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Scholars unanimously agreed that Hajj is obligatory upon a woman if she is able to do it. (Sharh Sahih Muslim)

For a more precise clarification, please inspect these answers: (36619, 41957, 276493, 5207, 8916, 34380, 40525, 41949)

And Allah knows best.