Is Hajj obligatory upon someone whose expenses (provisions and transport) are provided by another person?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Hajj is not obligatory upon a person merely because another individual offers to cover their expenses. This remains true whether the benefactor is a relative or a stranger, and whether the offer covers provisions and transport directly or only money. The evidence is the Prophet's statement which mandates Hajj based on possessing provisions and transport, implying ownership or possession of what secures them. Since the recipient does not own the provisions, transport, or their monetary equivalent, Hajj is not obligatory, mirroring the ruling if the father provided the means. Furthermore, the claim that no obligation results from being indebted (mennah) is rejected, as this is invalidated by the case of a mother providing expenses, or when the beneficiary has received numerous favors from the benefactor.
Supporting text
Imam Al-Shafi'i holds that Hajj becomes obligatory if the individual's son provides the means for him to perform Hajj. This is because the means were provided without creating an obligation of indebtedness (*mennah*) or causing harm to the one fulfilling the obligation, thus making Hajj necessary, similar to someone who fully possesses the provisions and transport themselves.