Is it permissible to perform Hajj on behalf of a mother who fears riding cars?

Q: My mother is fifty years old and she enjoys good health (Part No. 10; Page No. 58) and has never performed Hajj or `Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). I have endeavored to accompany her to perform Hajj or `Umrah but in vain. She usually replies: Allah will facilitate Hajj for me, and I will perform it In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills) in due time, and so on.Her real problem is: She is obsessed with fear and a phobia of riding cars. Throughout her fifty years of age, she has never ridden a car and does not imagine that a car will transport her at all. I have tried to get her out of this dilemma by letting her ride a car with me but all attempts failed. Even when she knew about my attempt, she would become more adamant with this and may sever her relationship with me. She rarely leaves her home. This is my problem and I do not know what is my duty towards my mother, particularly in regard to performing the obligation of Hajj. I hope Your Eminence will reply to me as soon as possible.


A: : If the matter is as you have mentioned, it is obligatory to wait, her apprehension may abate and she performs the obligatory Hajj herself. It is obligatory on her to do so according to the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He): And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, for those who are able to undertake the journey. This impediment which you mention can be hoped to be removed in this case. But, if her performance of Hajj becomes unforeseeable, you should perform Hajj on her behalf because as you have mentioned, her condition is (Part No. 10; Page No. 59) similar to that of an old woman who is incapable of performing Hajj and that of the patient who is hopeless to be healed.We ask Allah to double your reward and to help and support her so that her chest becomes open for Hajj by herself.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.


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