CHAPTER 8 – THE CHILD'S PILGRIMAGE
From Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was in Rawha when he encountered a caravan and greeted them. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Who are these people?” They replied that they were Muslims. Those from the caravan then asked, "And who are you?" Those with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, responded, “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.” A woman immediately, in haste, pulled a child from her riding enclosure (mahf) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, will this infant perform Hajj?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, "Yes, it will. And there is reward for you as well." [524]
**Note:**
*Mahf:* A box-like structure used to transport women on camels.
Hajj is not obligatory for infants. If they perform it, it is considered a voluntary (nafl) act of worship. The parents will receive a reward for this.
Rawha: A place name between Mecca and Medina.