When Does Hajj Become Obligatory On a Person?

Question: When does Hajj become obligatory on a person?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

Allah Most High says, “Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people…” [Qur’an; 3:97]

Hajj is obligatory on every person that fulfills the following conditions:
(1) Muslim (not non-muslim)
(2) Sane (not insane or mentally challenged)
(3) Mature (not pre-pubescent)
(4) Freedom (not a slave)
(5) Possesses sufficient financial provision to make the journey there and back
(6) Possesses the ability to travel

The above condition that one must possess sufficient financial provision is further conditioned as follows: One’s wealth is only considered if it is surplus to the wealth needed for their expenditure for themselves, their family, any dependants, and any necessities such as their home, food, clothing, etc.
[Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

The obligation of Hajj is not conditioned or related to the ‘Umra.

 

Summary
 
Hajj is not obligatory on your sister in her current circumstances. She is not sufficiently financially stable to afford the Hajj. If, however, your sister’s circumstances change and she does fulfill the above conditions, Hajj is then obligatory on her.

I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences