Can a Non-Muslim Pay for Someone’s Hajj?

Question

Can a non-Muslim sponsor the expenses of someone’s Hajj, and does this affect the validity of the pilgrimage?

Bottom Line

Hajj remains valid if sponsored, regardless of who pays. What matters is the performance of Hajj itself, not the source of funds.

Quick Answer

Islam does not require that a pilgrim use only his or her own money. If someone else, Muslim or non-Muslim, covers the expenses, the Hajj is still valid. What counts is fulfilling the rites correctly and sincerely for Allah.

Key Takeaways

• Hajj is valid whether the expenses are paid by the pilgrim or by someone else.
• Scholars have confirmed that sponsorship does not affect validity.
• Examples include sponsorship from family, rulers, or winning a prize for Hajj.
• The condition is performing Hajj according to the rules, not who funded it.

Detailed Answer

The essence of Hajj is devotion, not financial independence. A person may perform Hajj at their own expense or with the help of others. The Standing Committee explained that if someone performs Hajj with costs covered, whether by family, friends, a ruler, or even through winning a prize  the Hajj is valid so long as the rites are performed properly, Qur’an 3:97

Consider this: a woman whose host covered her expenses was told her Hajj was fully valid. Similarly, a child whose father paid for his pilgrimage, or someone who performed Hajj through state sponsorship, is counted as having fulfilled the obligation.

Imam Ghazali reminds us that outward forms should never distract from inward sincerity. Whether the money is yours or a gift, the measure of Hajj is whether your heart turns fully to Allah.

What This Means for You

If someone offers to sponsor your Hajj, even a non-Muslim, accept it without worry. Your duty is to perform the pilgrimage correctly and with sincerity. The reward and acceptance rest with Allah, not with the source of funding.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Aal ‘Imran 3:97: Hajj is obligatory upon those who can find a way to it.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: Numerous narrations on the pillars and conditions of Hajj.

Secondary Sources

3. Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah, 11/34–40: Sponsorship and rulings on Hajj expenses.
4. Ibn Kathir, Tafseer (commentary on Qur’an 3:97).