Question: Is it permissible for me to perform Hajj on behalf of someone else?
Q: Can I do Hajj on someone’s behalf?
A: The default is that Muslim is required to perform Hajj for themselves unless they are unable to do so due to old age or an incurable illness. In such cases, Islamic law allows them to appoint someone else to perform Hajj on their behalf, provided that the appointed person has already performed Hajj. This ruling is supported by a narration from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Prophet (peace be upon him) heard a man saying,
“Labbayka (I am here at Your service), on behalf of Shubrumah.” The Prophet asked, “Who is Shubrumah?” The man replied, “A brother of mine, or a relative of mine.” The Prophet then asked, “Have you performed Hajj for yourself?” The man said, “No.” The Prophet said, “Perform Hajj for yourself first, then perform it for Shubrumah.” [Narrated by Abu Dawūd[
An Important Point
It is required, also, that a person gives their permission before Hajj is performed on their behalf.
Hajj On Behalf Of The Deceased
For the deceased, it is permissible to perform Hajj on their behalf without prior permission, whether it is an obligatory Hajj or a voluntary one. If someone dies without having performed their obligatory Hajj, it is recommended that the expenses for Hajj be taken from their estate, and their family should appoint someone to perform Hajj on their behalf, regardless of whether the deceased had left a will requesting it or not.
This ruling is based on a narration from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that a woman from Juhainah came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, “My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before fulfilling it. Should I perform Hajj on her behalf?” The Prophet said, “Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Would you not pay off her debt if she had one? Pay off the debt to Allah, for Allah is more deserving of the settlement.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
Allah knows best
Suhaib Webb