2nd pilgrimage not obligatory

2nd pilgrimage not obligatory

From Kompas

In my opinion the Attorney General should end the confusion and immediately issue a letter prohibiting House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung Representatives, from going abroad for his second pilgrimage to Mecca, because he has already fulfilled his obligation, according to Islam, by his first pilgrimage and thereby acquiring the title "haji".

The second pilgrimage is sunah (non-obligatory), while accounting for his alleged involvement in the abuse of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds should now become his primary obligation.

Referring to comments made by several members of the Golkar party as well as his lawyer that only those who are not religious would prevent Akbar Tandjung from fulfilling his religious duty, I would say that these people do not know much about Islam because the second haj pilgrimage is non-obligatory.

Furthermore, it would be worse if a pilgrimage was used to avoid one's obligation in facing the due process of law.

ACH. DJUMALI

Pamekasan, Madura