Who bears the maintenance expenses for a child performing Hajj beyond the usual urban maintenance cost?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The opinion favored by Al-Qadi and chosen by Abu Al-Khattab is that any maintenance cost for Hajj exceeding the standard maintenance required for residence falls upon the guardian. This is because the guardian commanded the child to undertake the Hajj, and the excess cost is not strictly necessary for the child.
Supporting text
A reported view from Al-Qadi suggests that all maintenance expenses for Hajj should be borne by the child because the Hajj benefits the child by earning reward and providing practice, similar to the cost of a teacher or physician. However, the preferred opinion is that since Hajj is only obligatory once in a lifetime, the child should not be compelled to spend their wealth unnecessarily for mere practice.