Ability, finances and the hajj queue
Should a cancer patient who has received a haj turn postpone the pilgrimage until recovery, or proceed with it?
Answer in brief
The case of a cancer patient is assessed individually according to the stage of the illness. The patient is advised to consult a medical specialist to determine whether he or she is able (istita'ah) to perform haj, and this assessment serves as the deciding measure. The fatwa also cites haj conference resolutions stating that a chronically ill patient with no hope of recovery is not obliged to perform haj but must arrange a proxy haj (badal) if financially able. A sincere intention to perform haj is hoped to be rewarded.
Summary written by DHUMY from the Malay original and checked against it.
Kami lebih cenderung kepada seseorang pesakit seperti ini berbincang dengan pakar perubatan terlebih dahulu bagi menentukan status kebolehan untuk melaksanakan ibadat haji dan ia termasuk dalam maksud istito'ah. Justeru, itu menjadi neraca tentang boleh atau tidak seseorang itu menunaikan ibadat haji.
Source
AL-KAFI #1176: MENDAPAT GILIRAN HAJI, TETAPI SAKIT KANSEROffice of the Mufti of the Federal Territories · Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi · Published 25 March 2019
This page summarises a published fatwa; it is not a new ruling. For your own situation, read the full fatwa or consult the mufti office of your state.
Other questions on this topic
- Is it better to save or to take bank financing in order to perform Hajj?
- Is choosing a licensed Hajj agency part of istita‘ah, and what is the ruling on Hajj package scams in light of protecting wealth?
- Is it permissible for someone who has not yet performed Hajj for himself to sponsor another person to perform Hajj?
- Is Hajj still obligatory for a kidney patient who undergoes regular hemodialysis treatment?
- What is the ruling on jumping the Hajj queue by paying an insider, and is it sinful?
- Is it permissible to take a loan in order to perform Hajj, and is such a Hajj valid?