The Generality of Being Prevented from Completing Hajj and the Condition at the Time of Ihram

Question:
And if you are prevented, is this specific to the elderly, or is it general? Because I have heard from some students of knowledge that the phrase "if you are prevented" is built on a passive verb with no stated agent, which implies generality.

Answer:
It is so, and I confirm your position regarding the generality. The correct view is that it is general, applying to both the enemy and illness. Whether it is the enemy or illness, anything that prevents one from reaching the House is being prevented (ihisar). Even though the reason for the revelation of the verse was the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) being prevented by the enemy, this does not restrict the ruling, for the consideration is the generality of the wording, not the specificity of the reason. Here is a matter: if one intends to enter the state of ihram but fears that he will not be able to continue—because he is ill, or because there are existing obstacles he fears will prevent him from continuing—he should make a condition at the time of ihram. He says, "If I am prevented by a preventer, then I will exit the state of ihram where I am prevented." If he makes this condition, he may exit the state of ihram and nothing is required of him, because he made a condition with his Lord, the Exalted. Yes.