Hajj Badal and Hajj e Badal are terms generally used by the Muslims who originate from the Indo-Pak region; whilst Badal Hajj [ بدل حج ] and Hajj al-Badal [ حج البدل ] are Arabic terms.

Both terms respectively imply one and the same thing; the performance of the obligatory hajj on behalf of those:

1. who have died whilst not having done so;
2. who are unable due to illness or disability;
3. wishing to offer a voluntary hajj on behalf of someone.

This is also referred to as Proxy Hajj, or hajj by proxy.

Serving the Ummah since 2005, providing a trustworthy and reliable Hajj Badal (hajj by proxy) service on behalf of your parents or grandparents – alive or deceased, or other loved ones.

A qualified student of knowledge from Makkah or Madeenah – who has already performed his own hajj, and intends to perform hajj again – will be appointed to perform the hajj badal (Tamattu’) on behalf of one person, as required. He will benefit from the funds he receives by allowing him to save his own money to maintain himself and his family whilst studying, in shaa.-Allaah. So your fee has a double benefit in having the hajj badal performed as well as helping a student of knowledge, in shaa.-Allaah.

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas reported that a woman from Juhaynah came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:

“My mother vowed to go for Hajj, but she died before she did so. Can I perform Hajj on her behalf?” He said:

«Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Do you not think if your mother owed a debt that you would pay it off for her? Fulfil her debt to Allaah; for Allaah is more deserving that what is owed to him should be paid» – transmitted by al-Bukhaaree – no.1754

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas reported that the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ heard a man saying:

“Labbayka ‘an Shubrumah ([I am] at your service O Allaah, on behalf of Shubrumah).” The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said:

«Who is Shubrumah?»

He said: “A relative of mine.” The Prophet ﷺ said:

«Have you [ever] done Hajj before?»

He said, “No.” He ﷺ said:

«[First] do Hajj for yourself, then do Hajj on behalf of Shubrumah» – transmitted by Abu Daawood – no.1811 and Ibn Maajah – no.2903

‘Abdullaah ibn Buraydah narrated that his father (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhu) said:

Whilst I was sitting with the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ, a woman came to him and said: “I gave a slave woman in charity to my mother, then she died.” He said:

«Your reward is assured, and she (the slave woman) has been returned to you as an inheritance.»

She said: “O Messenger of Allaah, she owed one month’s fasting, should I fast on her behalf?” He said:

«Fast on her behalf.»

She said: “She never went for Hajj, should I perform Hajj on her behalf?” He said:

«Perform Hajj on her behalf.» – transmitted by Muslim – no.1149

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhumaa) narrated:

al-Fadhl was riding behind Allaah’s Messenger, and a woman from the tribe of Khath’am came, and al-Fadhl started looking at her and she started looking at him. The Prophet ﷺ turned al-Fadhl’s face to the other side. The woman said:

“O Allaah’s Messenger! The obligation of Hajj enjoined by Allaah on His worshipers has become due on my father and he is old and weak, and he cannot sit firm on the mount; may I perform Hajj on his behalf?” The Prophet replied:

«Yes, you may.»

That happened during the Hajj al-Widaa’ [of the Prophet ﷺ]. – transmitted by al-Bukhaaree 2.589

Abu Ruzayn al-‘Uqaylee narrated:

A man of Banu ‘Aamir said: O Messenger of Allaah ﷺ, my father is very old, he cannot perform Hajj and ‘Umrah himself nor can he ride on a mount. The Prophet ﷺ said:

«Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah on behalf of your father.» – transmitted by Imaam Ahmad No.15751 and an-Nasaa.ee No.2621.

Asking a non-relative to perform hajj badal on behalf of a relative

Question: If a man died without having instructed anyone to perform hajj on his behalf [after his death], then is he relinquished of this obligation if his son performs hajj on his behalf?

Response: If his Muslim son – who has already performed hajj on behalf of himself – [now] performs hajj on his [father’s] behalf, then by that, he (the father) is relinquished of his obligation.

And similarly, if someone other than his son – from amongst the Muslims who has already performed hajj on his own behalf – were to perform hajj on behalf of him (the father).

“O Messenger of Allaah! The obligation of Hajj enjoined by Allaah on His worshipers has become due on my father and he is old and unable to perform hajj, and he cannot sit firm on the mount; should I perform Hajj on his behalf?” He replied:

«Yes, perform hajj on his behalf.» – transmitted by at-Tirmidhee no.928.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa.il ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz – Volume 16, Pages 404

The reward of the hajj performed on behalf of another

Question: A man died without having performed the obligatory hajj, and instructed that hajj be performed on his behalf from his estate [upon his death]. [So] the question is about the correctness of [this] hajj, and whether the hajj on behalf of another is equal [in reward] to him having performed hajj on behalf of himself?

Response: If a Muslim dies and has not performed the obligatory hajj – while he has fulfilled all the conditions which render it obligatory upon him, then it is obligatory for hajj to be performed on his behalf from his estate which he has left; [this is the case] whether he has instructed for that to be done or not.

And if someone from amongst those who are qualified to do hajj performs hajj on his (i.e. Muhammad’s) behalf – and he has already performed the obligatory hajj on behalf of himself – then his hajj [on behalf of Muhammad] is correct, and will suffice him (Muhammad) in being relinquished of his obligation to perform hajj – just as he would if he (Muhammad) had done hajj on behalf of himself.

As for this being less or more [in reward], then that is [a matter] solely for Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) [alone]; that is because He [alone] Knows the affairs of his worshipers and their intentions. [Having said that], no doubt that which is obligatory is to hasten in fulfilling the obligation of the hajj if he is able [to do so] – before he dies. [This is] based upon the legislated evidences indicating that, and it is feared he will be liable for the sin of [unnecessarily] delaying [the hajj].

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa.il ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz – Volume 16, Pages 402-403

Hajj badal on behalf of parents who have died

Question: What is the ruling of [performing] hajj on behalf of both parents who have died without [themselves] having performed hajj?

Response: It is permissible for you yourself to perform hajj on behalf of your parents, and [likewise] to appoint someone [else] to perform hajj on their behalf – so long as you have [already] performed hajj on behalf of yourself, or the person whom you have appointed to do hajj on their behalf has [already] performed hajj on behalf of himself. [This is] based upon what ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhumaa) narrated from the hadeeth of Shubrumah.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa.il ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz – Volume 16, Pages 402

Performing Umrah Badal on behalf of the deceased

Question: Some of the Scholars say that the Prophet ﷺ permitted the performing of the Hajj on behalf of the deceased, and not the umrah; So is it correct [to perform] umrah [on behalf of the deceased]? We are in need of knowing the evidences, so [please] benefit us [and] may Allaah reward you with good.

Response: It is permissible to perform the umrah on behalf of another, just like the hajj – whether or not the person is deceased or frail due to old age or an illness which is not anticipated to pass. So he is allowed to perform the hajj and the umrah on his behalf.

A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: O Messenger of Allaah, indeed my father is an old man, and he is unable to perform the hajj and nor undertake the journey, so should I perform the hajj and umrah on his behalf? He said:

«Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah on behalf of your father» – [transmitted by Imaam Ahmad from the hadeeth of Abu Ruzayn al-‘Uqaylee No.15751, and an-Nasaa.ee No.2621].

So there is no harm in performing the hajj [and umrah] on his behalf.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa.il ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz – Volume 16

Performing additional voluntary Hajj Badal on behalf of my mother

Question: My mother performed the hajj seven times, so is it permissible for me myself to perform [yet another] hajj on her behalf?

Response: Yes, it is permissible for you to perform [yet another] hajj on her behalf – an eighth hajj or more. This is [considered] from [extending] kindness [and honour] towards her, and therein is great reward for you if you have [already] performed the [obligatory] hajj for yourself.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa.il ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz – Volume 16, Page 405

Regularly performing Hajj Badal on behalf of father

Question: My father performed the obligatory hajj before dying. [After his death] my brother performed a voluntary hajj on his behalf; so is it permissible for us to regularly perform a voluntary hajj on his behalf?

Response: There is no harm in [performing] a voluntary hajj on a regular basis. [Bear in mind] whatever is done beyond what is obligatory shall be considered voluntary; and there is no limit to voluntary acts of worship.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/14845

Hajj Badal on behalf of the disabled

Question: Is hajj obligatory upon the disabled (incapacitated) or not?

Response: Whoever is able to perform the hajj with his money, but is unable to physically undertake the hajj due to a persistent [physically] prohibiting factor, then he is required to appoint someone to perform the obligatory hajj on his behalf – with the condition that the appointee has already performed [the obligatory] hajj for himself.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
ad-Durar an-Naadhirah fil-Fataawa al-Mu’aasarah – Page 434

Hajj Badal on behalf of 16 year old who has died

Question: Should I perform hajj on behalf of my 16 year old son who died, and had not performed the hajj?

Response: If a boy or girl attains puberty or reaches 15 years of age, then it is obligatory upon him [or her] to perform the hajj if he [or she] is [physically and financially] able to do so. The performance of the hajj before attaining puberty does not suffice (i.e. it does not relieve him of the obligation of having to perform the obligatory hajj). So, if he died after coming of age and having had the ability, then perform the hajj on his behalf from his money or his guardian should perform the hajj on his behalf.

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen
Fataawa al-Hajj wal-‘Umrah waz-Ziyaarah – Page 25

Setting out for Hajj Badal from other than father’s hometown

Question: A man performed hajj this year on behalf of his deceased father. However, [when setting off for the hajj journey] he did not travel from his father’s hometown; He is [now] asking regarding the validity of that hajj [on behalf of his father]?

Response: It appears from the question of the inquirer that he undertook the hajj on behalf of his father at his own expense; So if the situation is as such, then there does not appear to be any problem with the validity of his hajj on his [father’s] behalf – even if he did not set out for the hajj journey from his father’s hometown.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts
Fataawa al-Hajj wal-‘Umrah waz-Ziyaarah – Page 145

Performing Umrah Badal after have just performed Umrah

Question: A man performed the umrah – and after completing it, went to Taif to do something. After completing what he had to do [in Taif] he wanted to perform umrah for a deceased [person], so is this permissible?

Response: There is no problem in him doing this. If a person performs umrah, then leaves Makkah to go to Taif or Jeddah for [some] reason, [and whilst there] it occurs to him to do umrah for a deceased [person], then there is no harm in that, even if he repeated this [action] – there is no prohibition.

That which is forbidden is to remain in Makkah, and then depart to at-Tan’eem (Masjid ‘Aa.ishah) so as to return to Makkah to do another umrah. This is what is forbidden.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
Liqaa.aat al-Baab al-Maftooh – Volume 1, Page 51, Number 86

Hajj Badal and Umrah Badal on behalf of parents and relatives

Question: Is it permissible for a person to make tawaaf for his deceased parents or one of his relatives who has died?

Response: There is no problem in someone performing the hajj or the umrah on behalf of his parents or relatives. Likewise in shaa.-Allaah, there is no harm if he made tawaaf, making the intention for its reward to [pass onto] one of his parents or relatives.

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen
Fataawa al-Hajj wal-‘Umrah waz-Ziyaarah – Page 87

Performed Hajj Badal for deceased mother but not for deceased father

Question: I performed hajj on behalf of my mother after her death, and did not perform hajj for my father after his death. So is there any sin upon me for having left off performing hajj for my father?

Response: There is no sin upon you for having left off performing hajj for your father. This is because it is not obligatory upon you to perform hajj on his behalf. However, from honouring and being good [to your father] is to perform hajj on his behalf, as this is incorporated in the general statement of ihsaan (doing good) which Allaah has commanded in His saying:

{And be dutiful to your parents}, [Soorah al-Israa., Aayah 23].

The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 11, Page 54, Fatwa No.1753

Hajj Badal on behalf of deceased grandparents

Question: My grandparents [both] from my father and my mother have died and I do not know whether they had fulfilled the[ir] obligation of performing hajj or not. So is it upon me to entrust someone to perform hajj on their behalf?

Response: It is legislated for you to entrust someone to perform hajj on behalf of every single one of them, so long as the one who is to perform hajj on behalf of every single one of them has [already] previously performed hajj for himself and that he is noble and trustworthy.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 11, Page 107, Question 12 of Fatwa No.6505

Hajj Badal on behalf of a paralytic son

Question: I have a paralytic son. I am thinking about doing hajj for him, because II fear he will suffer harm if he was to do it himself. So is it permissible for me to do the hajj on his behalf?

Response: If the son is [indeed] paralytic as you say, then it is permissible for you to do the obligatory hajj on his behalf if you have already done the hajj for yourself.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
Liqaa.aat al-Baab al-Maftooh – Volume 1, Page 45, Number 67

Seeking financial gain by performing Hajj Badal on behalf of someone else

Question: Is it permissible for a person to perform the obligation of the Hajj on behalf of someone else who is financially and physically able [to perform the Hajj himself] in exchange for money?

Response: Whoever is able to perform the obligation of the Hajj himself, then it is not permissible for him to appoint someone else to perform the Hajj on his behalf, and he will not be rewarded for it [by Allaah] if he does so.

As for the one who is unable to perform the Hajj himself due to a condition which permanently prevents him from doing so, then it is permissible for him to appoint someone else to perform the Hajj on his behalf.

And there is no harm in him taking money [for performing the Hajj] if he intends by it to use it for the Hajj, and not intending [to seek] any financial enjoyment (benefit) [by undertaking the performance of the Hajj]. And we have a rule which some of the scholars use which has been extracted from the authentic evidences, that being:

Whoever [makes the intention to] perform the Hajj to seek financial gain, then he should not perform the Hajj. And whoever takes money in order to perform the Hajj, then he should [go ahead and] perform the Hajj. [Majmoo’ al-Fataawa of Ibn Taymiyyah – volume 26, page 19]

…and the meaning of this is, whoever uses money as a means to perform the Hajj, then there is no harm in that, and (but) whoever uses the [performance of the] Hajj as a means to earn money then that is not permissible.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 3, Page 190, Fatwa No.291

Umrah Badal on behalf of the deceased

Question: I made the intention to perform the umrah for my eldest brother since he has passed away, so I want to know, is this act from the religious acts which [whose reward] will reach the deceased?

Response: Yes, because this is something good, [that being] you performing the umrah on behalf of your deceased brother whether it be the obligatory [umrah] or the recommended (voluntary) [umrah] – so this is a great act; However, [the permissibility of this is] based upon the condition that you have already performed the obligatory umrah for yourself first, and Allaah is the Most Knowledgeable.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 5, Page 160, Fatwa No.240

Paying people to perform voluntary Hajj Badal on behalf of myself and my parents

Question: My financial status is very comfortable, and all praise is due to Allaah [alone], therefore last year I paid three men to perform the [voluntary] Hajj on behalf of myself, my father and my mother; Keeping in mind that I have already performed [my obligatory] Hajj, I intend to continue to pay three men to perform the [voluntary] Hajj on behalf of myself, my father and my mother, so long as I am alive, so is there any religious prohibition in this?

Response: May Allaah reward you with good. This [action of yours] is indicative of your keenness to do good. So long as you [yourself] have performed that which is obligatory upon you and you wish to do good for yourself and your parents then it would be better if you spent this money on those who were needy from amongst the poor.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No.2031
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 1, Page 56, Fatwa No.20

Hajj Badal and Umrah Badal on behalf of my parents who are alive

Question: Is it permissible to perform the hajj or the umrah on behalf of parents who are alive?

Response: There is [some] explanation (required) in this issue:

As for the obligatory hajj and the obligatory umrah, then it is not permissible to appoint anyone on their behalf. [The exception being] unless there is something permanent preventing them from performing the hajj or the umrah; such as the one who is suffering from a prolonged illness as a result of which he is unable to travel for the hajj to perform the rites of hajj, or the one who is elderly [and] senile, based upon the hadeeth of the woman who said to the Prophet ﷺ that it has become incumbent upon her father to perform the obligatory hajj, however he is unable to travel, “so should I perform the hajj on his behalf?” The Prophet ﷺ said to her:

«Perform the hajj on behalf of your father», [Transmitted by Abu Daawood and at-Tirmidhee]

As for the voluntary hajj, then the issue is quite open, so there is no harm in him performing the hajj on his [parents’] behalf, even if (t)he(y) was (were) able [to do so themselves], [and] this is the opinion of a group of scholars.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 5, Page 160, Fatwa No.239

That which benefits the deceased by way of the living

Question: What are the things which benefit the deceased by way of the living? And is there a difference between physical and non-physical acts of worship? We hope you will clarify these issues for us; and outline a rule which we could refer to whenever we come across issues such as these. [Please] provide us with a fatwa, and may Allaah grant you blessings [in your affairs]?

Response: The deceased benefits from the action(s) of the living by way of that which [authentic] evidence indicates [permissibility] – from supplication (for the deceased), and the seeking of forgiveness for him (the deceased) and giving in charity on his (the deceased’s) behalf and (performing) the hajj and the umrah on his behalf and paying off his debts and executing his Islamic will; All of these have been legislated for. And some of the scholars have attached to this all acts of worship which a Muslim does intending their reward for a[nother] Muslim who is alive or dead. However, that which is correct is to limit [oneself] to that which [authentic] evidence indicates [permissibility]; as this will be in accordance with His (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) saying:

{And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad)}, [Soorah an-Najm, Aayah 39]

…and Allaah [alone] has the Complete knowledge [of all affairs].

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 2, Page 161, Fatwa No.139

Actions which benefit the parents when they are alive and when they have died

Question: What are the actions which benefit the parents, both (when they are) alive and (when they are) dead?

Response: [From] the actions are honouring them during their life; and extending [all forms of] good towards them in speech and action. [In addition to] undertaking the responsibility for all their needs in terms of their financial needs and their dwelling and other than that, and being kind and gentle towards them, and [maintaining] good speech with them and being of service to them, as He (Ta’aala) says:

{And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be dutiful to your parents}, [Soorah al-Israa., Aayah 23]

As for after their death, then that which remains in [terms of] honouring them also is supplication and giving in charity on their behalf; and performing the hajj and the umrah on their behalf and settling the debts they were responsible for, and maintaining the ties of the womb (kinship) which are related to them both and also honouring their friends and executing their [Islamically] legislated will.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 2, Page 162-163, Fatwa No.141