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Prerequisites for Haj
There is a consensus among jurists concerning the prerequisites that must be found in a person for Hajj to be incumbent on him/her:
1. He/She must be a Muslim.
2. He/She must be an adult.
3. He/She must be of a sound state of mind.
4. He/She must be free.
5. He/She must have the necessary power and ability.
6. He/She must be accreditted (in South Africa) by SAHUC.
Anyone lacking any of these conditions is not obligated to perform Hajj.
All these conditions, that is, being a Muslim, being of adult age and of sound mind, being free, and possessing the power to discharge a duty are equally valid with respect to all other forms of worship in Islam. This is based on a hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) which says: "Three persons are not to be held accountable: a sleeping person until he awakes, a minor until he comes of age, and a mentally disturbed person until he regains his reason."Freedom is an essential prerequisite for Hajj, for this worship needs time as well as financial ability. A slave lacks both, for all his time is spent in the service of his master, and financially he lacks the ability to undertake this obligation. The Qur'an says: "Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah - those who can afford the journey"
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