Definition: Hajj Badal [also known as Badal Hajj, Hajj e Badal in Urdu, Hajj al Badal, Proxy Hajj, Hajj e Badal, Badal Hajj etc.] is when someone gets a compulsory Hajj performed on his or her behalf by another person. Hajj Badal may be performed for another due to an ongoing illness for which there is no hope of a cure, or because of old age, or because the person has already passed away.
Ruling: Permissible to perform according to all four major schools of thought/madhab. Hajj e Badal may be performed once per person (even though the Hanafi madhab allows for multiple Badal Hajj for the deceased) and Badal Umrah can be performed more than once. The person performing ‘Hajj Badal must have completed his/her own obligatory ‘hajj prior to completing it for someone else.
From the Qur’an:
Allah Almighty says, “Hajj to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all mankind – those who can find a way to do it. But if anyone rejects, Allah is Rich beyond the need of any being.” –QURAN: SURAT ‘ĀLI `IMRĀN (3:97)
This verse stipulates ‘Hajj as a duty to Allah for all of mankind.
From the Sunnah / ‘Ahadith:
It was reported from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that a woman from Juhaynah came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said:“My mother vowed to go for Hajj, but she did not go for Hajj before she died. Should I do Hajj on her behalf?” He said, “Yes, do Hajj on her behalf. Do you not think that if your mother was in debt you would pay it off for her? Pay off the debt that is owed to Allah, for Allah is more deserving that what is owed to Him should be paid off.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1754).
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) heard a man saying “Labbayka ‘an Shubrumah (At your service, O Allaah, on behalf of Shubrumah).” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Who is Shubrumah?” He said, “A relative of mine.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Have you ever done Hajj before?” He said, “No.” he said, “Do this Hajj for yourself, then do Hajj on behalf of Shubrumah.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1811; Ibn Majah, 2903 – this version was narrated by him. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh.
There are conditions without which Hajj Badal might not be accepted:
More information on ruling on ‘Hajj Badal can be found here:
Hanafi Fiqh:
