Hajj of a minor

Similar to the other commandments of Islam, Hajj is mandatory (Fardh) on a minor after becoming a major only.  It is permissible if a minor offers a Salaat, fasts or performs a Hajj regardless of whether the child has sense and understanding of what they are doing or not.  When a minor performs some good deed, then even the parents get the reward.  Hajj also has the same rule.

 

There is a Hadith of Sahih Muslim:

 

Translation of Hadith: A Sahabiya (a female Sahabi) (May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with her) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) with her child and said: O Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)! Is the Hajj of this boy also valid?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said: Yes! His Hajj is also valid and you too will receive the reward (thawab) of it. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 3317)

 

If a minor performs a Hajj, it will be regarded as Nafl (optional).  When the Hajj becomes Fardh (mandatory) after reaching majority, it is compulsory for him/her to perform Hajj again.  (Jame’ Tirmidhi)

 

If the minor is sensible, then they themselves should bind the Ihram and should maintain cleanliness and purity and should be mindful of the acts that are compulsory and necessary for one to follow during the state of Ihram.  The minors should also perform those articles and rituals, which they can by themselves.  Whatever the cant, their parents/guardians should perform.

 

If the child is too young that he/she to have any sense, then in such a case, the parent/guardian should wear the Ihram and perform the rituals on his/her behalf.  They should take the minor in their laps during the time of Tawaf  and Sa'ee.  It will be sufficient enough for both.  Similarly at the time of Wuquf ‘Arafah (the wait at ‘Arafa) one should also make the Niyyah (intention) on the behalf of the minor also.  The parents/guardians should try their best to save the minor from the things prohibited in Ihram.  If the minor commits some omission or transgression, the minor or its parents/guardians will not be held accountable for it.  At the time of wearing Ihram, stitched clothes should be removed from the body of the minor and he/she should also be clothed in the sheets of Ihram.

 

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) knows best.

 

Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri,

 

[Associate Professor of Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia,

Founder/Director, Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center]