basic needs. If he has two cars but needs only one of them, we say to him: “Sell one, perform Hajj with its proceeds, and keep the other.” If the two differ, then he should keep the one he would choose for himself and sell the one he would not choose.

If it is asked, “Must a craftsman sell his trade tools in order to perform Hajj?”

The answer is: He is not obliged to do so.

However, if he possesses large tools and could earn his living with smaller ones, is he obliged to sell what exceeds his need?

The view that appears correct to me is that he may keep the large tools, because their return is greater. Moreover, he may think that the smaller tools are sufficient at present, only for another time to come when they are no longer sufficient, which would cause him hardship. A craftsman’s tools are considered among the capital assets that he needs. If he does not perform Hajj this year, he may perform it the following year.

If he is incapacitated by old age or an illness from which recovery is not expected, he must appoint someone to perform Hajj and Umrah on his behalf. ...

His statement, “If he is incapacitated by old age or an illness from which recovery is not expected, he must appoint someone to perform Hajj and Umrah on his behalf,” means: if he has sufficient wealth, he is financially able but physically unable. This is why he said, “incapacitated by old age,” rather than, “incapacitated by poverty.” He is a wealthy man, but he is unable to perform Hajj himself because of old age or an illness from which recovery is not expected. In that case, he must appoint someone to perform Hajj and Umrah on his behalf.

His statement, “from which recovery is not expected,” indicates that if recovery is expected, he is not obliged to appoint someone to perform Hajj on his behalf, nor is he obliged to perform Hajj himself, because he is incapacitated. However, he may defer Hajj in this case, and the requirement of immediate performance is waived because of his incapacity,