MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Member of Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Council for Religious Opinion and Reform, Ruslan Fariadi, has stressed the need for a more comprehensive understanding of istitha’ah or the concept of capability in the Hajj pilgrimage. He delivered the remarks during the council’s study session held on Wednesday (29/4).
In his presentation, Ruslan explained that Hajj is a multidimensional form of worship. It requires not only spiritual readiness, but also financial and physical preparedness. “The acceptance of Hajj is strongly determined by one’s ability to carry out all stages of the pilgrimage properly. Therefore, istitha’ah is key,” he said.
He cited a verse from the Qur’an, specifically Surah Ali Imran (3:97), which mandates Hajj for those who are capable (استطاع إليه سبيلا). Classical Islamic scholarship, he noted, generally defines this capacity through three main aspects: physical health, financial means, and security.
Broadening Interpretation in a Modern Context
However, Ruslan argued that contemporary realities require a reinterpretation of the concept. Drawing on classical exegetical works by scholars such as Ibn jarir al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Muhammad Thahir ibn Ashur, he explained that while earlier scholars emphasized the three traditional criteria, modern conditions call for a more contextual approach.
“From the perspective of maqasid al-shariah, capability should not be understood merely in textual terms, but also in relation to the protection of life and property,” he said.
He offered the example of a pregnant woman who may appear physically fit but faces high medical risks if she undertakes the pilgrimage. In such a case, he argued, she should not be considered capable from a maqasid perspective.
Similarly, Ruslan pointed to certain medical conditions, such as acute acrophobia, which could endanger a person during air travel. He emphasized the importance of consulting experts, in line with the Islamic principle of seeking knowledge from those qualified.
Administrative Capability as a New Dimension
Ruslan also introduced the concept of istitha’ah idariyyah, or administrative capability, as part of Muhammadiyah’s evolving jurisprudential framework. This concept requires prospective pilgrims to fulfill official procedures, including obtaining a valid Hajj visa.
“Those who depart without proper procedures, including without a valid Hajj visa, do not meet the administrative criteria of istitha’ah,” he said.
He warned that non-procedural Hajj practices not only violate regulations, but also risk causing harm. These include legal consequences such as deportation or detention, potential unfairness toward registered pilgrims, and administrative manipulation.
“Sharia aims to bring benefit and prevent harm. Therefore, acts of worship should not be carried out in ways that produce negative consequences,” he added.
Concern over Proxy Hajj Practices
Addressing solutions for those unable to perform Hajj, Ruslan discussed badal hajj (proxy pilgrimage). He noted that the practice has a strong basis in hadith, including narrations reported by Ibn Abbas, which allow one person to perform Hajj on behalf of another who is unable.
However, he emphasized that badal hajj is subject to strict conditions. The representative must have completed their own Hajj, must typically be a family member, and may only represent one individual per pilgrimage season.
Ruslan also criticized the growing commercialization of badal hajj. “There are cases where one person performs Hajj on behalf of dozens of others. This contradicts the principles of Sharia and risks turning worship into a commercial enterprise,” he said.
Toward a Contextualized Fiqh of Hajj
In closing, Ruslan stated that Muhammadiyah’s Council for Religious Opinion and Reform has taken progressive steps in developing a contextualized jurisprudence of Hajj. In addition to the three classical criteria, istitha’ah now includes considerations of health, knowledge of pilgrimage rituals, and administrative compliance.
“Hajj, in essence, is not merely about departure,” he said. “It is about ensuring that all requirements are fulfilled substantively so that the worship truly brings benefit.”
