Can children go on Hajj?

Can children go on Hajj?

Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Hajj, which is a physical and financial worship, is obligatory on every Muslim if certain conditions are met. Children's pilgrimage and their acceptance is a matter of curiosity.

An exemplary incident regarding children's pilgrimage took place during the time of our Prophet. This incident is exactly as follows:

"(During the farewell pilgrimage) a woman lifted her little child up and said:

- O Messenger of Allah! Is there a pilgrimage for this (child)?

Our Prophet (pbuh) said in response:

- Yes, (there is), and there will be a reward for you (for making him perform the pilgrimage)." (Sahih Muslim; 2378)

This dialogue between our Prophet and the person who asked the question of Hajj about his child proves to us that parents who take their children to Hajj will also gain rewards.

From this perspective, you can ensure that both you and your child gain rewards by taking them with you during Hajj.

It is Considered Obligatory for Children to Perform Hajj. Is it?

The above incident indicates that parents who let their children perform Hajj will also receive rewards. However, it does not provide a clear conclusion about Hajj being obligatory for children.

Islamic scholars, based on this hadith, have ruled that the Hajj of a child who has not reached puberty is valid. Imam Malik, Imam Shafii, Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and the majority of scholars are of the opinion that the child's pilgrimage is valid. Imam Abu Hanifa, on the other hand, stated that it would not be valid for children to perform the pilgrimage since it is obligatory. Hazrat Imam-i Abu Hanife explained that if the children do not fulfill any of the requirements of the hajj (such as sacrificing a sacrifice, making a dedication), nothing is required because the hajj is not obligatory for them.