The Hajj of a Child

Assuming Ihram with a Child

Question :

If a child is unable to perform the Tawaf by himself, is it correct to carry him and perform Tawaf with him? Does the child have to make expiation if he does not fulfill something from the conditions of Hajj?

Answer:

Since it is correct for the child to assume Ihram, the guardian is responsible for him. Thus, he makes the child wear the garments (of Ihram) and he makes sure he enters into the state of Ihram. He also makes the intention for him of the type of Hajj he is going to perform and he says the Talbiyyah on behalf of him. He should hold the child's hand during the Tawaf and the Sa'y, and if the child is unable (to walk), like an infant or a breast-feeding child, then there is no harm in carrying him. In the case of a small child, it is sufficient to perform one Tawaf (i.e., 7 trips around the Ka'bah) for the carrier and the one being carried according to the correct opinion. If the child does something forbidden due to ignorance, like wearing some clothing (forbidden to the Hajj pilgrim) or covering his head, there is no ransom (of slaughtering a sheep) due, as it was done unintentionally. If the act was done intentionally, like a need to wear some clothing due to cold weather and similar things, then his guardian gives the ransom (of slaughtering a sheep) on his behalf.

If a Child enters puberty during the Hajj

Question :

I performed Hajj with my family when I was a child. Then, on the 8th day of Thul-Hijjah I had a wet dream. So, I performed complete bathing, put on my Thram clothes and completed my Hajj. Then, after 7 years I asked about this Hajj of mine and was it sufficient or not, and I heard that it did not suffice. I would like to perform Hajj on behalf of my mother who died and she only performed Hajj once. Will my Hajj on her behalf be acceptable or do I have to perform Hajj for myself first and then for her?

Answer:

Whenever the child enters puberty during Hajj at 'Arafat or before it, and during 'Umrah before making its Tawaf, that act suffices him for fulfilling the obligation. Since the questioner had a wet dream on the 8th day and he assumed Ihram and stood at 'Arafat afterwards, then his Hajj suffices for fulfilling the obligation. This is because he reached 'Arafat after entering puberty. Thus, he counts that Hajj on behalf of himself and he may perform Hajj on behalf of his mother or someone other than her, and that is acceptable from him. Perhaps, if Allâh wills, afterwards he can repeat the Hajj for himself, his parents and whomever he wishes.

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