If he did not start the journey

Q: A man's elderly mother who lives with him did not perform the obligatory Hajj because she is unable to travel the slightest distance in a car. Is it obligatory on her son to perform Hajj on her behalf bearing in mind that he is capable of doing so?

A: If the reality is exactly as what is mentioned in the question, it is obligatory on her son to perform Hajj on behalf of his mother as long as he is able to do so and he has already performed his obligatory Hajj. This is supported by a Hadith which is authentically reported by Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that: A woman from the tribe of Khath`am came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: 'O Allah's Messenger! My father has come under Allah's obligation of performing Hajj but he is a very old man and cannot sit properly on his mount. Will the obligation be fulfilled if I perform Hajj on his behalf?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied in the affirmative. (Part No. 11; Page No. 85) (This incidence happened during the Farewell Hajj and it is related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). However, according to another narration from Muslim: She said: 'O Messenger of Allah! My father is very old. He is obligated by Allah to perform Hajj, however, he is not capable of sitting on the back of a camel.' Thereupon, Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: 'Perform Hajj on his behalf.' May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.