What is the ruling if a person vows to perform Hajj while riding?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
If one vows to perform Hajj while riding, the Hajj must be performed in that manner because it involves expenditure in the Hajj ritual. If the person omits riding, a general expiation (kaffarah) is obligatory. The obligation of riding is related to the vow itself, not an inherent act of worship. The requirement for the vowed act, whether walking or riding, commences from one's residence unless a specific location for the vow is intended, in which case the obligation begins from that specific place, following the established principle of the obligatory Hajj.
Supporting text
Some followers of Al-Shafi'i mandate a blood sacrifice (damm) for abandoning the riding because it constitutes indulgence by avoiding necessary expenditure. Furthermore, some Shafi'is argue that entering the state of Ihram must also originate from one's residence because completing the Hajj requires it.