What is the ruling on a person who appoints someone to perform Hajj on his behalf while he is able to perform Hajj himself?

Question : We conclude this session, Shaykh Muhammad (may Allah preserve you), with this question: A man who is physically and financially capable said to one of his brothers, “I want you to perform Hajj on my behalf.” Is this permissible for him?

Answer : If it is the obligatory Hajj, it is not permissible without any doubt. As for if it is a voluntary Hajj, the scholars have differed on this matter; some permitted it and some did not. The view closest to me is that it is not permissible, because if a person is capable of an act of worship and the Shari'ah does not allow delegation in it, the default is that he must do it himself, because acts of worship are based on what is prescribed, and the purpose of worship is for a person to worship his Lord with his own effort so that he benefits and gains good from that worship. One who delegates another to do it on his behalf certainly does not benefit as one who performs the act himself benefits, in terms of turning to Allah, humbling oneself before Him, asking for needs, and other such things. Therefore, we advise one who has surplus wealth and does not want to perform Hajj to help those who want to perform Hajj, whether the one who wants to perform Hajj is doing the obligatory Hajj or a voluntary one. However, repeating the Hajj in the case of the obligatory one is better without a doubt. May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you.