Making the intention to perform

Q: On 15/09/1404 A.H., I traveled from Riyadh to the south to visit my parents who live there. I live in Riyadh due to my work. My father asked me to take him to perform ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), but I had to excuse myself from that as I only had enough time during my leave from work to come to see my parents. I felt that my father was upset with me, without showing it. He then told me he would go to perform ‘Umrah by himself. I rejected this idea vehemently and prevented him from going to perform ‘Umrah alone, because I feared for him as he is eighty-five years old now, and I promised to take him to perform ‘Umrah the following year, i.e. 1405 A.H., if Allah wills and we are still alive. My question is: What is the ruling on my refusal to fulfill my father’s request, bearing in mind that I am a man who does not usually disobey his father?What is the ruling on my refusal to let my father travel alone to perform ‘Umrah, due to my fear for him as a result of his age? Please bear in mind that I did not urge my employer to extend my leave to enable me to take my father to perform ‘Umrah? Please advise me and may Allah reward you with the best!

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, then you have not committed a sin by not fulfilling your father’s wish to travel to perform ‘Umrah, because you have a lawful excuse, which is your commitment to fulfill the rights of your employer on you. (Part No. 11; Page No. 74) As for your refusal to let your father travel alone to perform ‘Umrah and preventing it, there is no blame on you in this as you were worried about him traveling alone, for his own benefit, through kindness, and to prevent him from facing problems and harm. You did not show undutifulness to him or dissuade him from good, and hopefully you make him happy by fulfilling your promise, once you have the chance, to go with him to perform ‘Umrah or Hajj.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.