What is the ruling on appointing a proxy for a fee in the rites of Hajj?

The questioner : Shaykh, what is the ruling on acting as a proxy for...

The Shaykh : What?

The questioner : The ruling on acting as a proxy for a fee.

The Shaykh : Acting as a proxy in what...

The questioner : Acting as a proxy in Hajj.

The Shaykh : Yes, acting as a proxy in Hajj.

The questioner : And can a woman act as a proxy for a man?

The Shaykh : Acting as a proxy in Hajj is established by the Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked by a woman who said, "The obligation of Allah upon His servants in Hajj has overtaken my father, who is an old man who cannot remain steady on the mount. Should I perform Hajj on his behalf?" He said: As for appointing a proxy in Hajj for a fee, if a person's intention is the fee, then Shaykh al-Islam (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj to take [a fee] has no share in the Hereafter", meaning he has no portion in the Hereafter. As for one who takes [a fee] to perform Hajj, there is no harm. It is recommended for the one who appoints the proxy to intend to seek assistance through this person he has hired for Hajj, and to also intend to fulfill the obligation of his companion, because the one who appointed the proxy is in need and is pleased when he finds someone to take his place. He should intend by this that he has done him a favor by fulfilling his obligation, and this should be a good intention. Yes.