Question (Q-06):
Is it permissible for a woman to perform Hajj on behalf of a male who has passed away without performing Hajj or who is severely ill and unable to perform Hajj?
Answer:
In the Name of the Almighty
It is permissible for a woman to perform Al Hajj Al Badl (Hajj on behalf of another) for a male. It is stated in Al Hidāyah;
الأصل في هذا الباب أن الإنسان له أن يجعل ثواب عمله لغيره
“The main point in this discussion is that it is permissible for a person to dedicate the reward of his action for another person.”
This permissibility mentioned in Al Hidāyah is for both males and females. This is clear in a narration of Al Bukhārī and Muslim which is also mentioned in Fath ul Qadīr by Ibn Humām,
أن امرأة من خثعم قالت يا رسول الله إن فريضة الله في الحج أدركت أبي شيخا كبيرا لا يثبت علي الراحلة أفأحج عنه؟ قال نعم
It is stated in the narration that a woman from a tribe called Khath’am said to Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “Indeed Allah’s Command obligating Hajj has reached my father who is an old man who is unable to sit firmly on a camel. May I perform Hajj on his behalf?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Yes.”
Conclusion: A woman is permitted to perform Al Hajj Al Badl on behalf of a male who has passed away without performing Hajj and who requested that Hajj be performed on his behalf or who is so ill that he is physically unable to perform Hajj. It will be necessary for her to take into consideration all Islamic requirements pertaining to the journey for Hajj including her travelling with a Mahram (close male relative) or her husband. Similarly, if she is married, then it will be necessary that her husband consent to her performance of Al Hajj Al Badl.
Allah the Glorified and Exalted knows best.
Answered by: Shaykh Omar Khan
Verified by: Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
