Changing the Intention during the Hajj

Question

A man intends to perform Hajj for himself and he has already performed Hajj before. Then the idea comes to while he is at 'Arafat to change his intention to it being for a relative of his. What is the ruling on that, and is that permissible or not?

Answer

If the person assumes Ihram for Hajj for himself, he may not change his intention after that - not on the road there, not at 'Arafat nor anywhere else. Rather, he is required to complete it for himself. He may not change it to being for his father, his mother or anyone else. Rather, that Hajj must be carried out for himself. This is due to the Statement of Allah, iMost High:


“And complete the Hajj and the 'Umrah for Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 196)

So if he assumes Ihram for himself, it is obligatory on him to complete it for himself. If he assumes lhram for Hajj for someone else, he is obligated to complete it for that person. He may not change the intention after assuming Ihram.

The Permanent Committee

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 4 Page 75