Performing Hajj on behalf of Deceased Relatives

Question and Answer Details Name of Questioner Barbra   - Vatican City State (Holy See) Title Performing Hajj on behalf of Deceased Relatives Question Can one perform Hajj on behalf of the deceased relatives (for example parents) who did not follow the commands of Allah such as Salat and Fasting during their life? But they were kind parents and gave much charity but neglected their religion and did not pay proper Zakah. At the time of death, they had not mended their ways even though they had examples all around them of good Islamic practices and behavior. What does one do in that case? Date 27/Jun/2002 Name of Counsellor Muzammil Siddiqi Topic Hajj by Proxy Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear questioner, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are purely for His Sake, meet your expectations. In his response to the question in point, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America, states the following: “If the deceased parents made a will before their death, left the necessary money for Hajj and asked their children to make Hajj on their behalf, then the children must make Hajj, either themselves or should send someone to make Hajj, on behalf of their dead parents.  However, if the parents did not make a will, but children wish to make Hajj on behalf of their parents they are permitted to do so. Those children will receive the reward and also the reward will be for their parents, Insha Allah. There is nothing wrong, as far as Islam is concerned, in making Du`aa or performing Hajj on behalf of the parents who were neglectful in their religious duties, as long as they died Muslims. The children should pray for their parents and should ask Allah to forgive them. It stands to reason that all Muslims should try their best to live by Allah's Rules, but we are all neglectful, some more and some less. We should pray for those who passed away as Muslims, and we should urge our children and others to do that for us when we leave this world.” Still, if you have any further comments, please don’t hesitate to write back. May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.