Islam provides comprehensive accommodations for elderly and disabled হাজীগণ, reflecting আল-কুরআনic principle that 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear' (2:286). All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence unanimously agree that performing তাওয়াফ, সাঈ, and other হজ্জ rites while riding (in a wheelchair, on a mount, or being carried) is valid when the হাজী has a genuine need. নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) himself performed তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah during his Farewell হজ্জ while riding his camel, demonstrating the permissibility of non-ambulatory তাওয়াফ.
For elderly হাজীগণ who can travel to মক্কা মুকাররমা but cannot walk the তাওয়াফ circuits or সাঈ laps, using a wheelchair is fully permissible and their তাওয়াফ is as valid and rewarding as that of a walking হাজী. The wheelchair may be pushed by a companion, a hired attendant, or a family member. The same applies to সাঈ between Safa and Marwah, the journey to আরাফাত, মুযদালিফা, and মিনা, and the stoning of the জামারাত — all may be performed from a wheelchair with assistance. If the হাজী cannot throw the pebbles themselves due to a physical limitation, they may appoint someone to throw on their behalf while they are present.
For হাজীগণ who are entirely unable to travel to মক্কা মুকাররমা due to permanent disability, old age, or terminal illness, all four schools permit appointing a proxy (na'ib) to perform হজ্জ on their behalf. The proxy must have completed their own ওয়াজিব হজ্জ first. The cost of the proxy's হজ্জ is borne by the person appointing them. If a person's condition is temporary (expected recovery), they should wait rather than send a proxy. The key principle is that Islamic law maximizes access to this fundamental act of worship while providing dignified alternatives for those who genuinely cannot perform it themselves.