Yes, children of any age can perform الحج and it is valid, but it does not count as their واجب الحج which becomes due after puberty. The parent or guardian assists the child with all rites and earns reward for facilitating the الحج.
Yes, children of any age — including infants — can perform الحج, and their الحج is valid عند all four schools of Islamic jurisprudence. This is based on the authentic hadith in which a woman lifted up her child to النبي Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and asked, 'Is there الحج for this one?' He replied, 'Yes, and you will have a reward.' However, it is important to understand that a child's الحج, while valid and rewarding, does not fulfill the واجب الحج that becomes binding upon reaching puberty. Once the child reaches the age of puberty and meets the other conditions of obligation (financial and physical ability), they must perform الحج again as their فرض (واجب) الحج.
For children who have reached the age of discernment (mumayyiz, generally around seven years old) and can understand the rituals, they enter الإحرام themselves with their guardian's permission and perform the rites as an adult would — الطواف, السعي, standing at عرفة, and so on — with guidance and assistance from their parent or guardian. If they are unable to complete certain rites (such as stoning the الجمرات due to the dangerous crowds), their guardian may perform those acts on their behalf. For children below the age of discernment (infants and toddlers), the parent or guardian makes the intention for الإحرام on the child's behalf, carries them during الطواف and السعي, and ensures they are present at عرفة and the other stations. The child's الإحرام garments follow the same rules as adults for boys; girls wear their normal modest clothing.
Practically speaking, taking children on الحج requires careful planning. The physical demands of الحج — long walks in extreme الحرارة, massive crowds, sleep deprivation during the مزدلفة night, and the multi-day stay in منى tents — are challenging even for healthy adults. Parents should honestly assess whether bringing young children is feasible given the specific conditions. Consider the child's age, temperament, health, and your ability to care for them while completing your own rites. Many scholars advise that while taking children is rewarding, it should not come at the expense of the parents' ability to focus on their own worship and complete their rites properly. A stroller suitable for rough terrain is essential for toddlers, and extra supplies (diapers, formula, snacks, الأدويةs) should be packed generously.
A woman lifted up a child and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, is there الحج for this one?' He said: 'Yes, and you will have a reward.'
A woman lifted up a child and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, is there الحج for this one?' He said: 'Yes, and you will have a reward.'
Source: الإمام النووي, Sharh صحيح مسلم; ابن قدامة, Al-Mughni, vol. 3, Chapter on الحج of Minors
A woman lifted up a child and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, is there الحج for this one?' He said: 'Yes, and you will have a reward.'
Sahih Muslim #1336 (sahih)