فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 97
Translations
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it [i.e., the Ḥaram] shall be safe. And [due] to Allāh from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves [i.e., refuses] - then indeed, Allāh is free from need of the worlds.
Transliteration
Fīhi āyātun bayyinārun maqāmu Ibrāhīm, wa man dakhalahu kāna āminan, wa lillāhi 'alā an-nāsi hajju al-bayti man istațā'a ilayhi sabīlā, wa man kafara fa-inna Allāha ghaniyyun 'an al-'ālamīn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Kaaba (House of Allah) as containing clear signs, most notably the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim), and emphasizes the sanctity of the sacred sanctuary where those who enter are protected. It establishes Hajj (pilgrimage) as a binding obligation (farḍ) upon all Muslims who possess the means to undertake it, while concluding that Allah is self-sufficient and independent of all creation, whether they fulfill this obligation or reject it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah combines the spiritual significance of the Kaaba with the legal obligation of Hajj as one of Islam's five pillars.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the period when Islamic legislation was being completed, this ayah comes in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of religious fundamentals and obligations. It was revealed after the Muslims had gained the capability to perform Hajj following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH) and the subsequent conquest of Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression, he will return as pure as on the day his mother gave birth to him.' (Sahih Bukhari 1521, Sahih Muslim 1350) Additionally, 'Whoever dies without having performed Hajj while having the means to do so, let him die as a Jew or a Christian.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 812, though its authenticity is debated).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that fulfilling our religious obligations within our capacity is a responsibility we owe to Allah, not Him—for He is complete and needs nothing from us; rather, it is we who benefit spiritually and morally from obedience. The emphasis on 'whoever is able' teaches that Allah expects devotion according to individual circumstances, promoting justice and mercy in divine law.