Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an obligation upon every Muslim who is physically, mentally, and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
However, Islam also recognises that some individuals may be permanently unable to perform Hajj due to illness, old age, or death. In such cases, Badal Hajj provides a legitimate and merciful solution.
This page explains what Badal Hajj is, when it is permitted, who it applies to, and the conditions required according to authentic Islamic guidance.
What Is Badal Hajj?
Badal Hajj (also known as Hajj al-Badal) refers to performing Hajj on behalf of another person who is unable to perform it themselves.
This practice is rooted in the Sunnah and scholarly consensus, allowing a Muslim to fulfil the Hajj obligation for someone else under specific conditions.
Badal Hajj is an act of responsibility, not convenience, and must be performed correctly and sincerely.
Who Can Have Badal Hajj Performed on Their Behalf?
Badal Hajj is permitted for individuals who meet one of the following conditions:
- A person who is permanently ill and medically unable to perform Hajj
- An elderly person who lacks the physical ability to travel and complete the rites
- A deceased Muslim who did not perform their obligatory Hajj during their lifetime
If a person is temporarily ill but expected to recover, Badal Hajj does not apply — they should perform Hajj themselves once able.
Evidence for Badal Hajj in Islam
The permissibility of Badal Hajj is supported by authentic narrations, including a well-known hadith in which a woman asked the Prophet ﷺ about performing Hajj on behalf of her elderly father who could not travel.
The Prophet ﷺ permitted it, establishing the legitimacy of performing Hajj on behalf of another when genuine inability exists.
Conditions for Performing Badal Hajj
Badal Hajj is only valid when certain conditions are met:
1. The Person Performing Badal Hajj Must Have Completed Their Own Hajj
A person cannot perform Badal Hajj for someone else unless they have already completed their own obligatory Hajj.
2. The Intention (Niyyah) Must Be Clear
The intention must be made specifically for the individual on whose behalf the Hajj is being performed.
3. One Hajj for One Person
A person may only perform one Badal Hajj per Hajj season, and it must be for a single individual.
4. The Original Obligation Must Apply
Badal Hajj is only valid if Hajj was originally obligatory upon the person being represented.
Badal Hajj for the Deceased
If a Muslim passes away without performing their obligatory Hajj, Badal Hajj may be performed on their behalf, particularly if they had the means but were unable to go.
This is considered an act of kindness and fulfilment of their religious duty.
Badal Hajj vs Badal Umrah
While similar, Badal Hajj and Badal Umrah are not the same.
- Badal Hajj fulfils the obligatory pillar of Islam
- Badal Umrah fulfils Umrah on behalf of another
Both have conditions, but Badal Hajj carries greater obligation and responsibility.
Common Misunderstandings About Badal Hajj
Some common misconceptions include:
- Badal Hajj can replace Hajj for convenience
- Anyone can perform Badal Hajj without conditions
- Multiple Badal Hajjs can be done in one season
- Badal Hajj applies to people who are merely busy or financially constrained
Learning the correct rulings helps avoid mistakes and ensures obligations are fulfilled properly.
Intention and Sincerity in Badal Hajj
Badal Hajj is not simply a transaction, it is an act of worship.
Sincerity (ikhlas), correct intention, and adherence to Islamic rulings are essential for the Hajj to be valid and accepted by Allah.
Learning About or Arranging Badal Hajj
IslamFreedom.com provides Islamic guidance and education only, helping Muslims understand when Badal Hajj is permissible and how it should be carried out according to Islamic principles.
If you wish to arrange Badal Hajj services, these are fulfilled separately via IslamFreedom.org.
Important Clarification
IslamFreedom.com does not provide Hajj or Umrah services.
All services, arrangements, and fulfilment are handled independently via IslamFreedom.org.
This separation ensures clarity, transparency, and trust.
Final Reminder
Badal Hajj is a mercy from Allah for those who are unable to fulfil the obligation themselves. It should only be undertaken with:
- Correct understanding
- Genuine necessity
- Proper intention
- Respect for the sacred nature of Hajj
Seeking knowledge before taking action is always encouraged.
Continue Learning
You may also find helpful:
