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Conditions of Hajj performed by a blind person

Question

Is Hajj obligatory on a blind person who can afford its expenses? Is he considered able to perform Hajj?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

If a blind person is physically able to perform Hajj, has enough money to cover its expenses and someone who can lead him even for a wage, then he is obliged to perform Hajj by himself. Being so, such a person is not entitled to delegate someone to perform Hajj on his behalf. An-Nawawi  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him said regarding this case, "Our fellow Shaafi‘i scholars said that, if a blind person has provisions, a mount, a guide to direct him during the journey and can remain stable on his mount without hardship, then he has to perform Hajj. The same also applies to one without hands or legs. They are not permitted to hire someone to perform Hajj on their behalf being as such."

Al-Qaadhi ibn Al-‘Arabi  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him also said, "The obligation of Hajj is not pardoned for a blind person because he can make his way home if carried, so he is considered able to perform Hajj. For the same reason, the obligation of Friday prayer is not pardoned for such a person provided that there is someone to lead him."

There is also no doubt that means of transportation are now very convenient, unlike in the past.

Allaah Knows best.

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