Is a Child's Hajj Valid?

The Sunnah specifies that a child may do Hajj and be rewarded for it, but that does not enumerate the “Hajj of Islam” (obligatory Hajj). Ibn Abas (RA) said: A woman lifted up a child of hers and said: Prophet (PBUH) is there Hajj for this one? He said: “Yes, and you will have the reward.” Muslim (2378)

Al-Nawawi said in Sharh Sahih Muslim:

This is used as proof by means of Imam Malik and the majority of scholars that the Hajj of a child counts and is authentic, and he will be compensated for it, however, it does not be counted as the Hajj of Islam (the compulsory Hajj), rather it is regarded as a voluntary Hajj. This hadith clearly states that.

Al-Qaadi said: They are unanimously agreed that it does not count number as the obligatory Hajj, which he has to do after he reaches puberty, except for a small group who held a peculiar view and said that it does count. But the scholars did now not pay any interest to this view.

But the words of the messenger of Allah (PBUH) mean that this is because of her carrying him and making him avoid the things that are prohibited to the pilgrim in ihram, and do what the pilgrim does.

Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Khattabi said: It is Hajj for him in the feel of reward, except being counted as Hajj in the experience of obligatory Hajj if he lives till he reaches puberty and turns into a man. This is like prayer; he should be advised to pray when he becomes able to pray, though it is now not compulsory for him, and the reward will be written for him by way of the bounty of Allah (SWT), and also for the one who tells him to pray and teaches him to do so. If he does Hajj then he must do the all the rituals, such as standing in Arafah and should walk all the way around the Kabah, being carried by guardian if he/she is not able to walk, and doing saa’i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, and other obligations of Hajj.

ibn Yazid ibn al-Qama al-Azdi said: My father took me for Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH) during the Farewell Pilgrimage when I was seven years old Al-Tirmidhi (926). it is also narrated from Ibn Abbas (RA) that the messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Any child who does Hajj then reaches puberty, he must do Hajj again.” Narrated by al-Shaafa’i in his Musnad;

Here are few tips productive tips rather that will make the experience of hajj with family and kids more special inshAllah.

· Educate your children about the Hajj:

If your kids are old enough you may give them an explanation about the importance of the Hajj and what it entails and let them aware of about the religious experience they will be challenging to get them stimulated and excited.

· Stay hydrated your kids

Keep bottles of water and fluids with you and ensure that your kids are well-hydrated. Some places of Hajj such as in Mina where you need to spend time in tents and need to have a lot more fluids to avoid dehydration.

· Always try to have first aid box with you:

Being prepared can reduce panic and provide the necessary aid. Always check your staff while going around making sure your first aid kit is ready to use when the unexpected takes place. Having a ready kit provides temporary aid until you can get help. No kit means no immediate help.

· Always keep your eye on your kids:

Always keep your eyes on your kid’s especially in a crowded area and make sure you hold them tightly so that they would not disappear in the crowd. Use special ID kit, to add the particulars like country name, parents name, hotel address (where you are staying), name phone no. etc to help the law enforcement if ever necessary.

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