Performing Hajj on behalf of others

 Performance of those acts of worship, either Obligatory or Compulsory (Fardh or Wajib) that Allah Most High has decreed on His slaves is compulsory and necessary for everybody. Through the Obligatory or Compulsory charity and sacrifice, a human being gains the closeness of Allah Most High.

 

Thus, if anybody performs an act of worship, whether it is worship through the body or through money or wealth, the reward of that worship can be gifted to others and this is perfectly permissible in light of the Hadith.

 

It is mentioned in the Hadith that when the reward of optional charity, Hajj or other virtuous acts is gifted to the deceased, it reaches them and they become happy on receiving it.

 

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Anas (May Allah be well pleased with him), he asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), we give charity on behalf of our deceased, perform Hajj for them and pray for them. Does the reward of this reach them?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Yes, indeed this reward reaches them and they become happy on it they way anyone among you becomes happy on receiving a tray full of gifts.

 

The great Jurists have mentioned this Hadith in their works:

 

Imam Ibn Hamam in Fath Ul Qadeer, Vol. 3, Pg No. 133

 

Imam Zaila'i in Tabyeen Ul Haqaaiq, Vol.2, Pg No. 420.

 

Imam Ibn Abideen Shaami in Radd Ul Muhtaar, Vol. 2, Pg No. 257.

 

This Hadith is also given in Mausoo’a Fiqhiya Kuwaitiya, Harf Ul Taa and Fatawa Darul Ifta Al Misriyya

 

It is mentioned in Manasik Mulla Ali Qari Ma'a Haashiya Irshad Us Saari, Pg No. 475:

 

Translation: Remember this principle that it is allowed for a person to gift the reward of his/her worship, regardless of whether that person has passed away or is alive be it Hajj, Salaat, fasts, charity, recitation of the Holy Quran or any other recitations.

 

When a person performs a good act and gifts the reward to anybody else, this act is permissible as per the Ahle Sunnah.

 

The way gifting the reward of good acts to those who are alive is correct, in the same way it is correct when gifted to the deceased.  If any person performs Hajj on behalf of any person of their family, then Allah willing, the reward of that Hajj will surely go that person.