Is It Better To Perform Hajj a Second Time or To Pay for Others To Go on Hajj?

Answered by Ustadh Fariduddin Dingle

Question

Is it better to perform Hajj a second time or to pay for others to go on Hajj?

Answer

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

In a normal scenario, it would be better for one to perform Hajj a second and third time rather than sponsoring someone else. This falls under the general principle that one does not prefer others to oneself in acts of worship; one only prefers others to one’s self in worldly things.

That said, given the huge crowds that we see on Hajj in the current era, it would be far superior to sponsor someone else who hasn’t yet gone on Hajj because this makes Hajj easier for everyone and helps prevent harm through overcrowding and the like. The principle at work here is that “Avoiding harm is given precedence over attaining benefit.” (Al-Ashbah wa al-Nadha’ir, Suyuti)

Please, see also:

Can I Pay for the Hajj of My Parents?

Can I Perform Multiple Umrahs?

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid  

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.