Ramadan: Hajj is not compulsory, says Islamic cleric
An Islamic cleric, Sheik Ibrahim Yusuf, has disclosed that going to Hajj is not compulsory urging Muslims not to borrow or take loans to go to Hajj.
The cleric made this known at a Ramadan Lecture organized by Professional Muslim Women Network on Sunday in Lagos.
Yusuf said in a lecture titled, “Islam is a Complete Religion”, that there was no need for Muslims to borrow or take loans during Ramadan or perform Hajj, or pilgrimage.
Yusuf who expressed worries over why Muslims are making concerted effort to want to show off in the society today.
He then said everything about Islam has been of the old and complete, stressing that nothing is new in Islam because the religion principles has become a norm.
“Many people have developed hypertension in the society because they have taken loans from microfinance banks and cannot repay.
“To serve Allah or go for Hajj, it is not compulsory or mandatory; It is voluntary. Don’t take loan because of that, this is not acceptable.
“Islam as a religion does not make it compulsory for anyone, it is a peaceful and complete religion.
“There are five pillars in Islam that every muslim must adhere to; there is no other God but Allah, say your five prayers daily, pay your Zakat diligently, fast during Ramadan and visit to the holy land (Mecca).
“The visit to holy land is one of the pillars, but it is not compulsory. It is voluntary if you have the resources,” the cleric said.
He also explained the reasons Muslims can missed fast during Ramadan and how to make up for it.
“You are exempted from the fast if you are sick, a traveler, pregnant, a nursing mother and if you’re elderly.
“You are not expected to participate in the fast if you fall into these categories. But, you must find time at a later date to observe the days missed.
“Don’t stress yourself to worship Allah. Many people have developed hypertension because of loan and stress. If God says you will go to the holy land, you will.
“Allah said, “I have made this religion complete for you easy, don’t stress yourself”,” he noted.
Yusuf urged Muslims to dedicate themselves to prayer, almsgiving and Zakat even after the Ramadan.
“Ramadan is just once a year, you must worship and pray fervently to Allah during this period.
“The period is a period of self-disciple which every Muslim is expected to continue after Ramadan,” he explained.
Hajia Rafat Salami, one of the conveners, said that the lecture was organised to educate Muslim faithful on their obligations during and after Ramadan.