The validity of 'Umar's statement regarding one who is able to perform Hajj but does not

Question:
He sent to you, and this person says: 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Whoever is able to perform Hajj but does not, let him die a Jew or a Christian." What is the validity of this statement? And if a Muslim dies while being able to perform Hajj but not having performed it, does he become a Jew or a Christian?

Answer:
Whoever denies the obligation of Hajj is indeed a disbeliever by the consensus of the Muslims. Whoever denies the obligation of Hajj and says, "Hajj is only a recommended practice; if he performs it, that is good, and if he does not, nothing is required of him," is a disbeliever by the consensus of the Muslims. However, if he acknowledges the obligation of Hajj but abandons it out of laziness, he is considered a sinner. He is considered a sinner and a lazy person who is obligated to perform Hajj. 'Umar's (may Allah be pleased with him) intention was to compel him to perform Hajj, to compel him to perform it and not leave it as long as he is able and leaves it out of laziness. He is required to perform Hajj and fulfill the obligation. As for whether he becomes a disbeliever because of laziness regarding Hajj, that is a matter of consideration. If he dies without having performed Hajj while being wealthy, Hajj is performed from his estate on his behalf. Yes.