A boy's Hajj: Legitimacy and Repetition

An Analytical Study According to the Imami School

Abstract

Hajj for a boy is a crucial issue in the Hajj debate. In this article، we address the views of both proponents and opponents of this issue، reviewing the evidence relied upon by each side. We discuss the central question: Can a boy perform Hajj? And is this condition lifted or not? We also demonstrate that the legitimacy of Hajj for a boy is based on the hadiths related to this topic، which we have mentioned and analyzed throughout the research. The essential point we addressed is the issue of requiring the guardian's permission for the validity of a boy's Hajj. Many renowned jurists consider this a necessary condition، based on the fact that acts of worship are subject to divine decree and are restricted by the rulings of Islamic law. Therefore، when in doubt about the validity of an act of worship، one should adhere to what is certain، namely the guardian's permission for Hajj. On the other hand، some have argued that this permission is not necessary، arguing that the validity and legitimacy of Hajj for a boy are established by general evidence from texts، without the need for an additional condition. The second reason cited by those who argue for the necessity of guardian permission is that Hajj requires ownership of property، and a minor is not entitled to dispose of the property without his guardian's permission. However، the response to this is that Hajj can be financed by someone else، and therefore the minor is not obligated to own the property himself. Based on the above، it becomes clear that the evidence proving the requirement of guardian permission is not conclusive، which makes the view that a minor's Hajj without his guardian's permission is valid and has jurisprudential validity.