The intention to use savings to help a family member perform Hajj on behalf of deceased parents is a profound sign of love and obedience. However, when selecting a proxy (Badal), it is essential to ensure that the individual meets the specific religious requirements to perform the pilgrimage for another.
Islamic scholars clarify that while the sentiment is noble, the rules of priority in Hajj must be respected.
The Condition for the Proxy
It is not permitted to authorize relatives (such as a sister or brother-in-law) to perform Hajj on behalf of parents if they have not yet performed the obligatory Hajj for themselves.
- The Ruling: A fundamental condition for a person to be a valid proxy for Hajj is that they must have already discharged their own personal obligation of Hajj first.
- Priority: One cannot fulfill a duty on behalf of another while their own obligatory duty remains outstanding. Therefore, sending them immediately would result in them performing their own Hajj, not the Hajj for the deceased, or the act being invalid as a proxy Hajj.
Alternative Solutions
If the intended proxies are eager to visit the Holy Land but have not yet performed the pilgrimage, two permissible options exist:
- Wait: The proxy Hajj can be delayed until a future year. If the donor wishes to send specific relatives, those relatives must perform Hajj for themselves first, and then in a subsequent year, they can go on behalf of the deceased parents.
- Find Another Proxy: To fulfill the duty for parents immediately, one should look for other trustworthy individuals who have already performed Hajj for themselves. These individuals can be authorized to perform the pilgrimage on behalf of the deceased.
