Nigeria, June 15 -- Let this be a reminder. It is something we all know. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship; and that makes it a pillar. The Lord of creation Who makes Hajj compulsory for the Muslims, knows, in His infinite knowledge, that fingers are not equal. Thus, He makes the obligation a qualified obligation to exclude those who do not have the means. To put it differently, the obligation of Hajj is conditional upon one's ability to make provision for it.

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime sacrifice expected only from those who have the means. Permit me to add this, it is highly rewarding. But our God, the Lord of mercy, is never unjust. To Himself, He forbids injustice. He does not favor the rich and a...