lest one whose heart harbors sickness should be tempted; rather, speak in an honorable manner.” (al-Aḥzāb 33:32). Hearing a woman’s voice is therefore lawful for men when there is a genuine need, provided the man does not seek pleasure in listening to her.

12 – The report also shows that a woman may manage her child’s affairs and do whatever is in his best interest even if the father is alive, for the Prophet ﷺ did not ask her whether the child’s father was present.

13 – Performing the obligatory Hajj on behalf of a deceased person discharges the duty for him, even without the heirs’ permission, because the Prophet ﷺ likened it to settling a debt.

For a living person, however, the obligation is not lifted without his consent, even if he is unable to go himself; the situation is comparable to paying his zakah for him, since these acts of worship are only valid when done with the person’s own intention.

A monetary debt, by contrast, may be paid on someone’s behalf without his permission, for it is not an act of worship. Likewise, if someone performs a voluntary Hajj or ʿumrah and intends to donate its reward to a deceased or living person, it is valid and accepted even without the permission of the one on whose behalf the rites are dedicated.