lbn ’Abbas (RAA) narrated that ‘Al-Fadl Ibn ’Abbas was riding behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when a woman from the tribe of Khath‘am came along, and al-Fadl started looking at her and she also started looking at him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) kept on turning al-Fadl’s face to the other side. She said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Allah has prescribed Hajj for His servants, and it has become due on my father who is an old man, who cannot sit stable on his mount. Shall I perform Hajj on his behalf?’ The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, you may." This incident took place during the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet (ﷺ). Agreed upon, and the wording is from Al·Bukhari’.
Exposition of the Hadith from Bulugh al-Maram
This narration from Ibn Abbas (RAA) recorded in Bulugh al-Maram 715 contains profound legal and spiritual wisdom regarding the rites of Hajj and the permissibility of proxy pilgrimage.
The Legal Ruling on Proxy Hajj
The Prophet's clear response "Yes, you may" establishes the permissibility of performing Hajj on behalf of those physically incapable. This applies to elderly persons, chronically ill individuals, and those with permanent disabilities preventing pilgrimage.
The condition for valid proxy Hajj requires that the original obligation has become due (fard al-'ayn) upon the person for whom it is performed. The proxy must first have performed their own obligatory Hajj before undertaking another's pilgrimage.
Moral Guidance in Conduct
The Prophet's gentle redirection of al-Fadl's gaze demonstrates the importance of guarding one's sight during sacred rituals. Ihram requires heightened spiritual awareness and protection from distractions that may diminish devotion.
This incident occurred during the Farewell Pilgrimage, emphasizing that even in the final revelation, the Prophet maintained perfect moral conduct and taught through practical example.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars derive from this hadith that proxy worship is specifically validated for Hajj among the pillars of Islam, due to its unique combination of physical and financial capability requirements.
The woman's precise questioning and the Prophet's unambiguous response reflect the Islamic legal principle of facilitating worship within divinely prescribed boundaries for those with legitimate excuses.