TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Hajj and Hajj-e-Badal

Haj-e-Badal is performed when a deceased person makes a bequest that since he hasn't performed his Fardh Hajj, a person must be appointed to perform Hajj on his behalf. The cost of the Hajj must not exceed one-third (one-third) of his Nett-Estate. There are many more detailed regulations concerning Hajj-e-Badal which will have to be found out from our local Ulama.

If the deceased has not left a Wasiyyah (bequest) for Hajj to be performed on his behalf, then the heirs are not compelled to perform Hajj on his behalf. If they do so then they will be rewarded immensely. Furthermore a person may (after performing his Fardh Hajj) pass on the Thawaab to whomsoever he wills (e.g. late father, mother, etc.)

UPON WHOM HAJJ IS FARDH
Hajj means to visit the sacred House of Allah Ta'ala in Makkah Al-Mukarramah during the days of Hajj (i.e. 8-9-10-11-12 of Dhul Hijjah). This is the fifth of the religious duties of a Muslim, which is Fardh-e-Ayn (incumbent upon every individual) on every adult, male and female. It has to be performed once in a lifetime. The conditions that make Hajj fardh are as follows:-

• to be a Muslim
• to be mentally fit (not insane).
• To be physically fit (not handicapped or invalid).
• Freeman (not a slave).
• To have sufficient provision for dependents for the duration of absence; to possess all requirements for travel and be financially independent.
• Security of route.
• A woman must be accompanied by her husband or a Mahram (a male member of her family whom she cannot marry according to Islamic Law).

If any of the above conditions are not found, Hajj will not be considered Fardh. Hence, there is absolutely no need to take loans, nor is there any need for the 'Fly Now, pay later' scheme.

It should be borne in mind that Hajj is not Fardh upon a blind person; a person who is unable to walk; and upon an invalid person.

When the conditions that make Hajj Fardh are found, then it becomes Waajib upon that person to perform Hajj immediately (during the first available Hajj period). One is not permitted to delay the Hajj, one will be committing a very grave sin and in the eyes of the Shari'ah one will be classified as a Faasiq (disobedient to Allah the Ta'ala).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said; 'Hasten in performing the (Fardh) Hajj, for verily one never knows what will befall one'.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said; 'The one who intends performing Hajj, then verily he must hasten'.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said; 'The one who possesses wealth, and has all the means by which he could reach the sacred House of AllahTa'ala (The Ka'bah), thereafter, does not perform Hajj, then that person may either die as a Nasraani (Christian) or a Majoosi (fire-worshipper).'

May Allah Ta'ala Most High guide and assist us to upkeep the Faraaidh, and direct us to the path of righteousness.