Abstract : The implementation of Badal Hajj constitutes a legal concession (rukhsah) in Islamic law, permitting the performance of Hajj on behalf of individuals who have passed away or are permanently incapacitated and thus unable to fulfil the obligation of Hajj. However, in contemporary practice, its implementation faces various challenges related to the integrity of executors, procedural transparency, and weaknesses in enforcement and monitoring mechanisms. This study aims to examine the key issues arising in the implementation of Badal Hajj and to propose a more systematic and integrity-driven framework for its execution. This research adopts a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with seven informants who possess direct experience and involvement in the implementation of Badal Hajj, including former students of Umm al-Qurā University, Malaysian Hajj personnel, and individual executors. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings identify four principal issues in the current implementation of Badal Hajj: (i) a crisis of trust concerning the integrity and qualifications of executors, (ii) remuneration rates that are inconsistent with the actual cost of Hajj, (iii) exploitation and fraud through unrealistically low pricing and the involvement of non-transparent intermediaries, and (iv) the absence of structured regulation and systematic monitoring by authoritative bodies. Furthermore, the study reveals differing perceptions regarding the backgrounds of Badal Hajj executors: executors from Indonesia are often associated with doubts about proof of performance and potential fraud. At the same time, those from Patani are perceived as more trustworthy by some respondents due to their religious education and closer cultural ties with Malaysian society. Based on these findings, a proposed framework for implementing Badal Hajj is developed, emphasising three core elements: validity, transparency, and accountability. The element of validity refers to the establishment of clear criteria for executors, including adequate knowledge of Hajj rituals and their prior completion of Hajj. Transparency involves disclosing information on execution quotas, direct access between the principal and the executor, and the mandatory documentation of the essential rites of Hajj. Meanwhile, accountability requires the establishment of formal regulations, a centralised registration system for executors, and audit and monitoring mechanisms by authoritative institutions such as Tabung Haji and religious bodies. In conclusion, improvements to the Badal Hajj implementation system are essential to ensure this act of worship is performed in a valid, transparent, and accountable manner, while safeguarding the public from any forms of misconduct and exploitation.

ABSTRAK

Pelaksanaan badal haji merupakan satu bentuk rukhsah syarak yang dibenarkan bagi individu yang meninggal dunia atau mengalami keuzuran berterusan sehingga tidak mampu menunaikan ibadah haji. Walau bagaimanapun, dalam realiti semasa pelaksanaannya berdepan dengan pelbagai cabaran yang berkaitan dengan integriti pelaksana, ketelusan proses, serta kelemahan aspek penguatkuasaan dan pemantauan. Kajian ini bertujuan menilai isu-isu utama yang timbul dalam pelaksanaan badal haji serta mengemukakan cadangan kerangka pelaksanaan yang lebih sistematik dan berintegriti. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual bersama tujuh orang informan yang mempunyai pengalaman dan penglibatan langsung dalam pelaksanaan badal haji, termasuk bekas pelajar Universiti Umm al-Qurā, petugas haji Malaysia, serta pelaksana badal haji secara individu. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan kaedah analisis tematik. Dapatan kajian mengenal pasti empat isu utama dalam pelaksanaan badal haji semasa, iaitu: (i) krisis kepercayaan terhadap amanah dan kelayakan pelaksana, (ii) kadar upah yang tidak sejajar dengan realiti kos haji semasa, (iii) eksploitasi serta penipuan melalui tawaran harga yang terlalu rendah dan penglibatan agen perantara yang tidak telus, dan (iv) ketiadaan regulasi serta pemantauan yang tersusun oleh pihak berautoriti. Selain itu, dapatan kajian turut menunjukkan wujudnya persepsi berbeza terhadap latar belakang pelaksana badal haji, di mana pelaksana dari Indonesia sering dikaitkan dengan keraguan terhadap bukti pelaksanaan dan kemungkinan penipuan, manakala pelaksana dari Patani dilihat lebih dipercayai oleh sebahagian responden kerana faktor latar belakang pendidikan agama dan hubungan budaya yang lebih rapat dengan masyarakat Malaysia. Berdasarkan dapatan kajian, satu kerangka pelaksanaan badal haji dicadangkan yang menekankan tiga elemen utama, iaitu keabsahan, ketelusan dan akauntabiliti. Elemen keabsahan merujuk kepada penetapan kriteria pelaksana yang sah, berpengetahuan dalam manasik haji, serta telah menunaikan haji bagi dirinya sendiri. Elemen ketelusan pula melibatkan pendedahan maklumat berkaitan kuota pelaksanaan, akses langsung antara pewakil dan pelaksana, serta kewajipan dokumentasi terhadap pelaksanaan rukun dan wajib haji. Sementara itu, elemen akauntabiliti menuntut kewujudan regulasi rasmi, sistem pendaftaran pelaksana secara berpusat, serta mekanisme audit dan pemantauan oleh pihak berautoriti seperti Tabung Haji dan institusi agama. Kesimpulannya, penambahbaikan terhadap sistem pelaksanaan badal haji amat diperlukan bagi memastikan ibadah ini dilaksanakan secara sah, telus dan berintegriti, di samping melindungi masyarakat daripada sebarang bentuk penyelewengan dan eksploitasi.