Question:
Salam ‘alayk ya Shaykh,
I have known a guy for about 5 years. He is in the early 30s. We did not talk over the phone (just sms-ing every now and then), and meet once in a month or two, as we are trying follow the Shari’ah law in relationships. About a year ago, he told me that he has the intention to marry me. We have started saving up for marriage. However, just recently he brought up an idea of performing Haj in year 2015. At my age now (late 20s), it makes me uncomfortable.
My question is: When it comes to deciding to perform hajj versus marriage (sunnah), which one should a person choose?
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
If you both fear committing sins while delaying marriage, you should marry right away. If your fiancee can control his sexual desires, his hajj becomes obligatory right away. There is no justification for him to delay his hajj for 2015 by prolonging marriage. If you are in a dilemma concerning which one to do first – Hajj this year first and then marriage right away.
Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago
