and this occurs frequently among people today. If we adopt this view, which is closer to what is correct because of its sound reasoning, this problem will be removed.

The fourth issue: If the child is able to form an intention but is unable to perform tawaf on his own, what should be done?

The answer is that his guardian, or someone else with the guardian’s permission, carries him during tawaf and sa‘i, because riding during tawaf and sa‘i is permissible when one is unable to walk. Umm Salamah said to the Prophet ﷺ, when he instructed her to perform the Farewell Tawaf: “O Messenger of Allah, I am ill.” He replied: “Perform tawaf behind the people while riding.” (1) This indicates that riding is permissible in cases of inability, and being carried falls under the same ruling.

The fifth issue: Must the Ka‘bah be on the left side of the person being carried, even though it will generally be on his right? According to the madhhab, it must be on his left. On this basis, the Ka‘bah cannot be on his left unless he is carried on the shoulder.

What appears correct to me is that this is not a condition, because the apparent meaning of the Prophet’s ﷺ statement, “Yes, and you will have a reward,” is that the child has performed Hajj, regardless of how he is carried; moreover, requiring this entails hardship.

The sixth issue: If we say that he is to be carried, is it valid for the carrier to perform tawaf for himself and for the child with a single tawaf, or is this not valid?

The answer is that, according to the madhhab, it is not valid. If he intends it for himself and for the person being carried, it counts for the person being carried but does not count for himself.