Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor

Hajj is the fifth of the five Pillars of Islam, which Allah has
enjoined on the able one; who has sufficient means (i.e., can afford
the expenses for one’s conveyance, provision and residence),
health and power to perform it.
“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a
duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the
expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and
whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah),
then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need
of any of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinn).” (Âl-'Imrân, 3: 97)
Hajj, same as all the prerequisites of faith, is a bestowment of
Godship not Lordship, for The Exalted and Ever-Majestic, blesses
all His creatures with the provision that ensures their survival
from food, water and shelter. But when it comes to faith The
Almighty imposes duties only on those who believe in him, who
pledged themselves to a faith commitment with Allah, all praise
and glory be to Him, and said, ‘O Allah! I believe in You, the One
and Only creating God, so please show me how to worship You.
Just command and I obey and forbid so that I dare not approach
what You have forbidden.’
The pilgrim starts his journey by pronouncing Talbiyah (Labbaik
Allahuma Labbaik, Here I am at your service, O Allah, here I am at
your service). The essence of Talbiyah is answering the call of your
Summoner – His Majesty, Allah, all praise and glory be to Him –
who enabled you to go on a pilgrimage to His House and helped
you with the expenses and power to do it. With Talbiyah you
announce traveling in submission to the Command of Allah, Who
graced you with the highest and greatest blessing, going on a
pilgrimage to His Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Mecca).
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