SEPANG - Muslims in Malaysia need to be given an accurate understanding of the concept and meaning of ‘istito'ah’ or capability to perform the haj, said Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
He said the five conditions that must be met by someone who will perform the pilgrimage are good health, transportation, safety, sufficient finances and permission from Saudi Arabia.
"There are many prospective pilgrims who are willing to do anything just to get the chance to perform the haj, but performing haj is not obligatory if they do not meet the conditions outlined in the Syariah law.
"If Muslims in Malaysia are given a proper understanding of the concept and meaning of istito'ah, then I believe they will not worry too much if they are unable to perform the haj in the near future for reasons permitted by Islamic law," he told a press conference after closing the 40th National Haj Muzakarah here today.
At the event, Mohd Na'im launched the Haj e-Guide application which can be downloaded to mobile phones starting this Friday. - BERNAMA