Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
A person appointed someone as a proxy to perform Ḥajj on behalf of his deceased mother. Later, he discovered that the same person had also been appointed by others for Ḥajj on their behalf. What is the Sharʿī ruling in such a case?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
A person must exercise utmost caution in both financial and religious matters. When appointing someone as a proxy, one should have full assurance of their religiosity, trustworthiness, and knowledge of related matters.
❀ When giving money to someone to perform Ḥajj Badal for a deceased father or mother:
◈ You must fully trust the person’s knowledge and commitment to Islam
◈ He should be well-versed in the rulings of Ḥajj
◈ He should be trustworthy and honest
❀ Many people, despite being trustworthy, lack proper knowledge of Ḥajj rulings
❀ Such individuals often make errors in essential rituals, assuming they’re fulfilling obligations
❀ Those lacking knowledge of Ḥajj must not be appointed as representatives
❀ Some people are knowledgeable but lack integrity or accountability
❀ They show negligence in ritual performance and lack concern for the seriousness of what they are entrusted with
❀ Such people must not be assigned the task either
The person appointed for Ḥajj should be:
◈ Religiously knowledgeable
◈ Reliable and trustworthy
So he may fulfill this sacred duty properly, in accordance with its true purpose
In the case mentioned in the question, where a man was paid to perform Ḥajj on behalf of someone’s mother but was also appointed by multiple other individuals for the same purpose — the following points must be examined:
❀ Perhaps he has arranged others to perform Ḥajj for the remaining individuals
❀ Perhaps he himself is performing Ḥajj for your mother, while others are deputed for the rest
No, this is not permissible in any case
This action amounts to consuming money through false means
Some individuals have commercialized this process — taking payments from many people and outsourcing the rituals to others
Often, those who are actually performing Ḥajj are not approved by the original donor
❀ Such individuals should fear Allah, especially when performing deeds in place of their Muslim brothers or deceased relatives
❀ If a person is entrusted to perform Ḥajj or ʿUmrah on someone’s behalf:
◈ It is not permissible for him to transfer this responsibility to someone else
◈ The original donor may not approve of that third person carrying out the act
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
❖ Question:
A person appointed someone as a proxy to perform Ḥajj on behalf of his deceased mother. Later, he discovered that the same person had also been appointed by others for Ḥajj on their behalf. What is the Sharʿī ruling in such a case?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
A person must exercise utmost caution in both financial and religious matters. When appointing someone as a proxy, one should have full assurance of their religiosity, trustworthiness, and knowledge of related matters.
❖ Conditions for Appointing a Proxy (Wakīl) for Ḥajj Badal
❀ When giving money to someone to perform Ḥajj Badal for a deceased father or mother:
◈ You must fully trust the person’s knowledge and commitment to Islam
◈ He should be well-versed in the rulings of Ḥajj
◈ He should be trustworthy and honest
❖ Harms of Appointing an Incompetent Proxy
❀ Many people, despite being trustworthy, lack proper knowledge of Ḥajj rulings
❀ Such individuals often make errors in essential rituals, assuming they’re fulfilling obligations
❀ Those lacking knowledge of Ḥajj must not be appointed as representatives
❖ Knowledge Alone Is Not Enough — Trustworthiness Is Also Essential
❀ Some people are knowledgeable but lack integrity or accountability
❀ They show negligence in ritual performance and lack concern for the seriousness of what they are entrusted with
❀ Such people must not be assigned the task either
❖ Qualities of an Ideal Proxy
The person appointed for Ḥajj should be:
◈ Religiously knowledgeable
◈ Reliable and trustworthy
So he may fulfill this sacred duty properly, in accordance with its true purpose
❖ Ruling on One Person Performing Ḥajj for Multiple People
In the case mentioned in the question, where a man was paid to perform Ḥajj on behalf of someone’s mother but was also appointed by multiple other individuals for the same purpose — the following points must be examined:
❀ Perhaps he has arranged others to perform Ḥajj for the remaining individuals
❀ Perhaps he himself is performing Ḥajj for your mother, while others are deputed for the rest
❖ Is This Permissible?
No, this is not permissible in any case This action amounts to consuming money through false means Some individuals have commercialized this process — taking payments from many people and outsourcing the rituals to others Often, those who are actually performing Ḥajj are not approved by the original donor❖ Religious and Moral Responsibility
❀ Such individuals should fear Allah, especially when performing deeds in place of their Muslim brothers or deceased relatives
❀ If a person is entrusted to perform Ḥajj or ʿUmrah on someone’s behalf:
◈ It is not permissible for him to transfer this responsibility to someone else
◈ The original donor may not approve of that third person carrying out the act
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
