Q: Someone has been living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1406 A.H. His mother asked him to take her to perform Hajj and he did so in 1410 A.H. He finished all the needed papers and paid all the travel expenses from Egypt. Then in 1415 A.H., she asked him to take her to perform `Umrah during Ramadan and to perform Hajj again and he did. She performed `Umrah during Ramadan and remained with her son until Hajj season. During that time, he did everything she wanted and bought her presents for people back home. Then in 1417 A.H., she asked him to take her to perform Hajj for the third time, but he told her that he could not afford it due to his decreasing income and the increasing demands of his children. Upon hearing that, the mother became angry with her son and told him that she would not be pleased with him until he let her perform Hajj. The man is asking: Is there any blame on him (Part No. 25; Page No. 260) and is she entitled to make such a demand?

A: The mother has performed obligatory Hajj and `Umrah and then performed another voluntary Hajj, and this is a great merit. She has fulfilled her obligation and even increased and there is no blame on her. She should not ask her son for more than he can give and must consider his financial condition and his inability to afford her Hajj expenses. There is no blame on the son in not complying with her request, as long as he cannot. This is not considered undutifulness to her, since he is excused as he is not able to afford the expenses of his mother's journey to perform Hajj. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. And He says, So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can This man should seek to gain his mother's pleasure and should be dutiful to her and treat her kindly. He can promise her to take her to perform Hajj once he can afford it and he will be rewarded for helping his mother perform `Umrah and obligatory and voluntary Hajj.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.