Affording the expenses of Hajj

Q: I am a young man working in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My income is limited and is sufficient for the necessities and living expenses. Thanks to Allah, I have performed Hajj for myself three times, due to the easiness and convenience of performing Hajj for those living inside the Kingdom, whether for work or other reasons. I have a father in Egypt who has not performed Hajj yet, because he cannot afford it. He is in good health but he cannot afford the expenses of Hajj and I am unable to help him due to my limited income. Can I perform Hajj on his behalf? A friend of mine told me that my performing Hajj (Part No. 11; Page No. 32) because of my father's inability to perform it on his own or with my help, is not permissible. Kindly, give us your Fatwa. May Allah reward you.

A: If the situation is as described, that your father is healthy and cannot perform Hajj because he is financially unable, then he is not obliged to perform it, because Allah (Exalted be He) says: And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, for those who are able to undertake the journey. So it is not valid for you or anyone else to do Hajj on his behalf. But if you can afford to pay for his Hajj, it is prescribed for you to help him so that he can perform Hajj for himself.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.