Hajj of children (Hajj Al-Sagheer)
Muslim scholars have agreed upon the idea that Hajj and Umrah are not compulsory for those who have not yet reached adolescence. The main cause of this agreement is that the Pen is lifted from them as the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said. He said: “The Pen is lifted from three (i.e., their deeds are not recorded): a child until he reaches adolescence; an insane man until he comes to his senses; and one who is asleep until he wakes up.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 4403; Ibn Majah, 2041) |
If a child has reached the age of discernment but has not yet reached adolescence and his/her father or guardian wants to take him/her for Hajj, he should tell him/her to put on Ihram garments and the child should perform all the rites of Hajj for himself/herself. He/she should start with entering into a state of Ihram from the Meeqat and perform all the rites of Hajj.
However, His father or guardian should stone the Jamarat on his/her behalf if he cannot perform it himself. He should tell him to avoid the things that are forbidden during the state of Ihram. But if the child has not reached the age of discernment yet, then his father or guardian should make the intention of entering into a state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah on his behalf. He equally should perform Tawaf and Sa’ai with him and accompany him during all the other rites.
As far as the validity of a child’s Hajj is concerned, the majority of Muslim scholars agree that his/her Hajj correct view is valid and he/she will be rewarded for it.
Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) met some riders in Al-Rawha’ and said, “Who are these people?” They said, “Muslims.”
They said, “Who are you?” He said, “The Messenger of Allah.”
A woman lifted up a child and said, “Is there Hajj for him?” He said, ‘Yes, and you shall have a reward.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1336.)
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