The Ruling on Delegating Acts of Worship

Question:
The topic of the discussion is religious innovations. Does delegation end them? Some people say: Is it one of the innovations?

Answer:

Delegation is of two types: acts of worship in which delegation is allowed, and acts of worship in which it is not. Delegation in stoning the pillars, or in slaughtering the sacrificial animals, slaughtering the hady, is permissible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delegated; he delegated to 'Ali, so 'Ali slaughtered some of his hady (peace and blessings be upon him). And the Companions stoned on behalf of their small children, because they were not able to stone.
As for delegation in the sense that someone prays on his behalf, or fasts on his behalf, no, there is no delegation in these. He fasts himself, and he prays himself. The one who is unable to perform Hajj, if he is unable due to old age, the one who is unable lets someone perform Hajj on his behalf, and there is nothing wrong with that.