What is required of one who appoints another to perform the stoning of the pillars on their behalf?

Question:
While we were performing the obligatory Hajj, my sister’s husband performed the stoning of the pillars on our behalf, claiming that we are women and cannot face the men. Is this permissible? And if it is not permissible and it has already happened, do we owe an expiation?

Answer:
If he performed the stoning on your behalf because of your inability due to severe crowding, or because of your weakness due to illness or lack of strength, then there is no harm, if Allah wills, and there is no blame on you. However, if it was due to negligence and seeking ease, then you owe a fidyah (ransom payment); each one of you must slaughter a sacrificial animal in Makkah for the poor on account of leaving the stoning. As for if the cause was severe crowding that you feared for yourselves, or if you were ill or physically weak and unable to push through the crowd to enter the place of the pillars, then we hope that the stoning is valid, and praise be to Allah. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.