Should he perform Hajj or care for his ailing father?

18/10/2009| IslamWeb

Question:

I live in USA, I am 33 years old and I’m the only son for my parents (I have one sister). I have made the intension to do Hajj this year but I just found out that my father who lives in Egypt has a heart problem which may require a surgery or at least close care from our family. Will this be OK if I decided to postpone the Hajj till next year to take care of my father? Please let me know as I feel obligated towards him and on the other hand I am capable of making Hajj.  

Fatwa:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

If there is no one else to take care of your father while recovering from his disease and during medical treatment, then we hope that there is no harm on you in delaying and not performing Hajj (pilgrimage) this year, as there is a great harm in leaving your father in this state. However, if there is someone to take care of him during his sickness, like your sister or relatives, or trustworthy servants, then you have to take the initiative to perform the obligation of Hajj, as it should be performed as soon as one is able according to the correct opinion of the scholars, may Allah have mercy on them.

Allah Knows best.