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23 / 04 / 2026
Ruling on the Inability to Fulfill a Vow
A woman vowed to perform Hajj for her mother at her own expense, and when the time came to fulfill the vow, the scholars told her that she must first perform Hajj for herself. Four years later, her mother passed away, and the law of the country she lives in does not allow her to go for Hajj again. Now she has the funds available and is giving charity with the intention of alleviating sin. Will she be held accountable for this matter?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: It is permissible for her to perform Hajj on behalf of others before performing Hajj for herself according to our school of thought, and she is obligated to perform Hajj if she has vowed it, and it is not sufficient for her to give charity on their behalf. She can ask someone else to perform Hajj for her mother and cover the expenses, and God knows best.
