If the parents are unable to perform Hajj, and the child wishes to perform Hajj on their behalf, which one should he prioritize, his father or his mother?

The questioner : With whom does he begin?

The Shaykh : He begins with the mother. If we imagine a couple who have not performed Hajj and are excused, as we mentioned, and the son was righteous and performed Hajj for himself, then he wished to perform Hajj for one of his parents first, the one to be prioritized is the mother. This is based on the hadith in al-Bukhari and Muslim where a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, whom should I be the most dutiful to?” He said: . He said: “Then whom?” He said: . He said: “Then whom?” He said: . He said: “Then whom?” He said: . So the father is in the second position. Therefore, if the son is able to perform Hajj for one of them, let him begin with his mother. Then, if the father is also able to perform it, it does not concern you if he is unable due to weakness, illness, poverty, or the like. His time may come and he may not have been able to do it; there is no blame on him. Rather, it is upon the person, as He (Glorified and Exalted is He) said: , and .