Question:
A companion asked the Prophetﷺ ﷺ: “Is Hajj obligatory every year?” The Prophetﷺ became displeased and said: “If I say yes, it will become obligatory, and you would not be able to do it.”: Isn’t Allahﷻ the One who makes laws? How can a question from someone cause a new obligation?
Answer:
The Prophetﷺ does not legislate independently. When he answers religious questions, He speaks by revelation. If he had answered “Yes,” That answer would have been revelation from Allahﷻ.
The Qur’an says: “He does not speak from desire — it is revelation.”
Therefore:
- If he said “Yes,” it would mean Allahﷻ made it obligatory.
- The question would be the reason for revelation.
- Not that the Prophetﷺ independently made law.
Just like: In worldly matters (like date-palm pollination), The Prophetﷺ said: “You know your worldly affairs better.” But in religious matters, He only speaks from revelation.
Thus: The Prophetﷺ saying “If I said yes, it would become obligatory” means:
If Allahﷻ had revealed that answer through me, it would become binding. Allahﷻ did not reveal it. Therefore, Hajj remains once in a lifetime. Legislation belongs to Allahﷻ alone.
The Prophetﷺ conveys revelation. If he says “yes” or “no” in religious matters,
It is based on revelation. Therefore, there is no contradiction.