The Ruling on the Ihram of a Distinguishing Child and a Non-Distinguishing Child

Question:
A child asked his family, while they were at the miqat, to dress him in the clothes of ihram. They did so. When they arrived in Makkah, he did not perform the 'Umrah; rather, they removed his ihram clothes and dressed him in regular clothes. What is obligatory for his family in this case?

Answer:
If this child is a distinguishing child—if he is distinguishing and intended the ihram—he is required to perform the 'Umrah, because he is distinguishing and intended the ihram, and he entered the state of ihram by removing the sewn garments. His guardian is required to perform the 'Umrah for him by doing the tawaf, the sa'y, and shortening the hair or shaving it. As for a child who is below the age of distinction, one below the age of distinction does not have an intention, but his guardian is the one who intends on his behalf. If his guardian intended the 'Umrah for him, he is required to complete the 'Umrah with him. However, if the guardian did not intend the 'Umrah for him, but merely dressed him in the clothes without the intention that he would perform 'Umrah, then he owes nothing.