Is proxy Hajj or Umrah permissible for someone who is permanently unable to perform it themselves but possesses the means?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a person meets all the prerequisites for the obligation of Hajj but is incapable of performing it due to an impediment whose cessation is despaired of—such as chronic illness, incurable infirmity, extreme frailty making remaining on the mount difficult beyond bearing, or being a decrepit elder—then proxy performance (Hajj by another) is obligatory upon them if they have someone to perform it on their behalf and possess the necessary wealth for the proxy's journey. This is the position held by Abu Hanifa and Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Malik holds that no Hajj is incumbent unless the person can perform it themselves, arguing based on the verse {Whoever is able to make his way to It} (Quran 3:97) and asserting that since substitution is not permitted for a capable person in this worship, it should not be permitted for an incapable person, analogous to obligatory prayer and fasting.