Shariah rules about Hajj of a minor
Similar to the other commandments of Islam, Hajj is also mandatory on a minor after reaching puberty. If a minor offers Salaat and fasts then in this situation performing a Hajj is correct and permissible, regardless of whether the child is sensible or not. When a minor performs some good deed, then the parents also get its reward. Hajj also maintains the same order.
It is given in a Hadith of Sahih Muslim that once a lady came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) with her child and said: O Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)! Is the Hajj of this boy valid? The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said: Yes, his Hajj can also be carried out and you too will receive the reward of it.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 3317)
If a minor performs a Hajj, it will be regarded as Supererogatory (Nafl). When Hajj becomes Obligatory (Fardh) after reaching puberty, then it is compulsory for him/her to perform Hajj again. (Jame' Tirmidhi)
If the minor is sensible enough, then he himself should wear Ihram and should maintain cleanliness and purity and should also follow the commandments to be followed during the state of Ihram and should also perform the rituals by oneself that can be performed. Those articles of Hajj that a minor cannot perform, the minor's parents/guardians should perform.
If the child is so small that he/she does not possess any sense, then in such case the guardian should wear Ihram and perform the articles of Hajj on his/her behalf. One should take the minor in the lap during the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba and Sa'ee. Doing so will be sufficient enough for both the adult and the child.
Similarly at the time of the Wuquf of 'Arafah one should make the intention on behalf of the minor as well. The adults should try their best to save the minor from the things prohibited during the state of Ihram.
If the minor commits some sin, then there will be no compensation on the minor nor on the parent/guardian. When wearing Ihram, the stitched clothes should be removed from the body of that child and he/she should also be made to wear the sheets of Ihram.
Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center 