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Performing Hajj on behalf of mother who never prayed

Question: Is it permissible for a daughter to perform Hajj and give in charity on behalf of her deceased mother, knowing that the mother did not pray during her life. What is the legal ruling in this, knowing that this daughter upholds that which is Islaamically required of her from the pillars of Islaam?

Response: Whoever intentionally leaves off praying because he does not think it is obligatory, then he has committed kufr according to the concensus of the Scholars. And whoever leaves off praying due to laziness and neglect, then he has (also) committed kufr according to the majority of the two opinions of the Scholars, due to the saying of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

«The covenant that is between us and them [the disbelievers] is the prayer. Whoever abandons it has committed kufr»

...in addition to other evidences from the Qur.aan and the Sunnah in this matter.

So based upon this, it is not permissible to perform Hajj nor to give in charity on behalf of anyone who has died and did not used to pray, just as one cannot perform Hajj nor give in charity on behalf of any of the kuffaar.

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts, comprising -

Head: Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn 'Abdullaah ibn Baaz;

Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;

Member: Shaykh' Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;

Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Qu'ood

Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 11, Page 113, Question 2 of Fatwa No.6178

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Published: 14 February 2001