However, if his wealth is sufficient to cover both the debt and the expenses of Hajj, there is no objection to his performing Hajj, provided that he secures the debt—by documenting it and setting aside from his money what will repay it. Allah the Exalted knows best.

As for his question: Is it valid to perform ʿUmrah before Hajj, or must Hajj come first? The answer is that there is no objection to performing ʿUmrah before Hajj. He may perform an ʿUmrah of tamattuʿ (after which he comes out of the state of consecration until re-entering iḥrām for Hajj) or an ʿUmrah at any other time of the year; in every case it is permissible for ʿUmrah to precede Hajj.

Performing Hajj by Proxy

Question: My financial situation—praise be to Allah—is comfortable. Last year I arranged for some men to perform Hajj on my behalf and on behalf of my father. I have already performed my obligatory Hajj, but I intend to continue this practice of sending three men each year to perform Hajj for me and my father. Is there any religious objection to this?

Answer: May Allah reward you well. This reflects commendable eagerness for good deeds. Since you have already fulfilled your obligatory Hajj and wish to increase your supererogatory deeds by commissioning people to perform Hajj on your behalf and on behalf of your parents, there is no objection. Deputizing another person for a voluntary Hajj is permissible, whereas deputizing for an obligatory Hajj is not allowed except when one has a valid excuse and is physically unable to go.

As for deputizing in voluntary worship, the matter is broad. Your perseverance in this practice is good, and we hope that Allah will accept it from you, if He wills.

Question: His statement that he will continue doing this for the rest of his life—should this be regarded as a vow?