Question:
Is the obligation of hajj applicable to a blind person?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Among the obligatory conditions of hajj is capability (الاستطاعة). Hence, if this condition is unfulfilled by a mukallaf, then the obligation on him is abrogated. This is clear through the statement of Allah SWT:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّـهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.”
Surah al-Baqarah (286)
This verse explains that Allah SWT do not burden His slaves with something that they are incapable to do and due to His love and compassion, there are facilitations for worship for those who are unable to perform it. They are only asked to do things within their capacity and it is not something that is impossible for them to perform. (Refer Tafsir al-Maraghi, 2/672-673)
According to the above question, it is not obligatory for a blind person to perform hajj. The reason is, due to the disability of a blind person, it would be difficult for him to perform the requisites of hajj without any help from another person. Hence, considering this, the obligation of hajj is abrogated for a blind person.
However, it will be obligatory for him (a blind person), if he is able to provide a helper and pay for the helper throughout his journey and hajj. The reason is, although he is incapable on his own, he is able with the help of others. Hence, the obligation of hajj on him is not abrogated.
Conclusion
Hajj is the worship of utmost importance in Islam where it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hence, the obligation of hajj is on every Muslim if the obligatory conditions of hajj are fulfilled.
For a blind person, hajj is not obligated for him due to his disability. However, the ruling will return to obligatory if they are able to provide a helper for himself throughout the worship of hajj.
Lastly, let us pray that we are distanced and protected from anything that could lead to the wrath of Allah SWT and that we always live in His blessings. Ameen.
Wallahua’lam.