Hajj e Badl

[Jawaria Naaz]

Is Hajj-e-Badl accepted according to Quran rules?  If yes, can it also be performed for the deceased or only for the living who are unable to go themselves?

[Ruhi_Rose]

Salam, peace.  I cannot recall a single Verse from the Noble Quran which says you can perform Hajj for those who are unable to do so nor for the deceased.  Worship of Allah Almighty cannot be offered by one person and passed on to another for blessing and reward.  Nowhere in the Quran is this concept mentioned.  If someone is unable to go for Hajj, and many people are unable either because of ill health, security reasons or simply the high cost as nowadays, in all such cases we have the answer in V.3:97 which I quote: “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”  3:97 Al-Imraan.   Therefor those who are unable to go for genuine reasons need not worry.  In lieu, they can offer extra nafl prayers, read more of the Quran during the time of Hajj, observe nafl fasts, give food or charity to the poor, make plenty of dua .. whatever each one is able to do in their situation.

If a wealthy person cannot go for Hajj because of health issues, and they desire to sponsor someone for Hajj, that’s fine.  Insh’Allah they will get the reward for their generosity.  But I am not sure if the reward for the sponsor will be exactly the same as the performance of Hajj itself.  Only Allah knows that best. 

As for the deceased, I don’t think Hajj-e-Badal would earn any benefits.  The deceased have done their time in this world and moved on to the next world.  Thus the time for them to benefit from ibadah is over.  And only Allah knows best.  We can make dua for the deceased (which we always do) as much as we want, and we can give charity or food to the needy with the request to make dua for our deceased loved ones.  But we cannot transfer our worship to a deceased person nor to a living person.  Everyone’s worship of Allah Almighty is only for the well-being of their own souls.  “Each soul earns only on its own account, nor does any laden bear another’s load.”  6:164  Al-Anam. 

[Jawaria Naaz]

I see, thank u.  Salam Alayikum.