: the obligatory ordinances “Pilgrimage and Sacrifice between Extremist Fatwas and the Methodology of the Holy Qur’an”

Summary

In the editorial of Issue No. 41 of Al Arab Magazine for Research and Studies, the esteemed Arabian thinker Mr. Ali Mohamed Elshorfa Elhamadi addresses the concepts of pilgrimage and sacrifice through the lens of the true divine Sharia. He emphasizes that Allah has laid down a clear and just constitution for the Islamic nation, which must be followed without deviation. This constitution is the Holy Qur’an, a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life.

Mr. Elshorfa points out that any controversy or disagreement over matters that the Qur’an has clearly explained reflects a distortion in the religious discourse. He attributes this to fabricated stories, Israeli narratives (Isra’iliyyat), and misguided fatwas. This distortion causes many Muslims to misunderstand the divine intent behind religious obligations, especially regarding temporal ordinances such as fasting during Ramadan, Hajj (pilgrimage), and the act of sacrifice.

Despite the Qur’an’s clarity on these matters, some individuals complicate these practices unnecessarily. They impose hardship by treating acts that are conditional or recommended (Sunan) as obligatory. However, the Qur’an clearly states that such acts are required only when the individual is capable of performing them. If one lacks the means, the obligation is lifted.

Details:

Temporal Ordinances

Elshorfa asserts:

“We fail to understand the rights of Allah and the wisdom behind them. This is evident in the disputes that arise before fulfilling temporal ordinances like fasting during Ramadan and performing Hajj. Although Allah has clarified these matters in His Holy Book, some people persist in making them unnecessarily difficult for others.”

Conditioned Ordinances

He continues:

“Some individuals try to turn conditional obligations and recommended practices into strict duties. They burden people even though Allah clearly states in the Qur’an: ‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity’. Hence, pilgrimage is mandatory only for those who are able, and sacrifice is likewise contingent on one’s capability.”

Sacrificing a Chicken: A Case of Extremist Fatwas

Commenting on misinformed fatwas, Elshorfa says:

“When certain fatwas allow a Muslim to sacrifice a chicken—if that’s all he owns—it contradicts Allah’s merciful Sharia. Islam is based on compassion and does not place upon anyone a burden beyond what they can bear.”

Sacrifice: Not an Obligation for the Poor

Elshorfa further explains:

“If a Muslim cannot afford the cost of a sacrifice, then it is neither obligatory nor even considered a Sunnah. As Allah says in the Qur’an: ‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. To its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits… Our Lord, do not burden us beyond what we have the strength to bear…’ and also: ‘The wealthy shall spend according to his means, and the one with limited resources according to what Allah has given him.’ These verses reaffirm that Allah brings ease after hardship.”

Excess in exaggeration  of  Fatwa Issuance

He emphasizes:

“Allah never demands from His worshippers more than they can handle. True Islam is a religion of mercy and kindness. Issuing fatwas that contradict divine principles leads to the destruction of religious understanding. Allah is more merciful to His worshippers than any anyone.

Integrity and Capability

Elshorfa concludes:

“There is a vital distinction between integrity as a divine obligation and obedience based on one’s capability. Capability refers to the actual possibility and capacity to perform a deed. This applies to the act of sacrifice—if you are able, you are rewarded; if not, you are excused. Capability is a key condition in all acts of worship like Haji and alms (Zakat) , for Allah does not burden any soul beyond its means.”