In 2024 alone, over 18.5 million Muslims performed Umrah and Hajj, and a growing number did so not for themselves but for others. This rising act of kindness is known as “Umrah on behalf of others” or Umrah Al-Badl.
In Islam, it’s not just allowed; it’s a highly rewarding deed. Many Muslims today wonder: Can I perform Umrah for my parents, for someone sick, or even for someone who has passed away? The answer is yes, under certain conditions. This practice reflects care, sacrifice, and love for those unable to perform Umrah due to health, age, or death.
This blog will guide you about what performing Umrah for someone else involves, what conditions must be met, and how you can do it step by step.
Umrah Badal – Umrah on Behalf of Others
Umrah Badal (or Umrah Al-Badl) means performing Umrah instead of someone who cannot do it themselves. The person you are doing it for may be alive but physically unfit, or they may have passed away.
Islam allows this beautiful gesture in both cases as long as certain rules are followed. This concept shows the kindness and brotherhood taught in Islam. Helping someone fulfill their religious obligation when they cannot is seen as a noble act that pleases Allah.
What Are the Conditions for Umrah Badal?
The Person Must Be Unable to Perform Umrah
The most important rule is that the person you’re performing Umrah for must truly be unable to perform it themselves. This includes people who are elderly, permanently ill, or have serious medical conditions. If someone is temporarily sick or just busy, it’s not enough. Islam allows performing Umrah for someone else only when the excuse is genuine and long-term.
The Intention Must Be Clear
You must start with the intention (niyyah) of doing this Umrah for a specific person. You need to make that intention before starting. This step makes the entire act valid. Without intention, the Umrah won’t count for the other person.
You Must Be an Adult and of Sound Mind
Only a Muslim who is mature (past puberty) and mentally stable can perform Umrah on behalf of others. Children or people who don’t fully understand the rituals cannot act as a proxy.
Rituals Must Be Performed Correctly
You must follow all the steps correctly, from wearing the Ihram to entering the state of the Ihram with the proper intention, doing the Tawaf around the Kaaba, completing the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finally, cutting or shaving your hair.
Do Not Repeat It Unless Necessary
One Umrah on behalf of others is usually enough. Performing it multiple times for the same person isn’t required unless they had a strong excuse, or it was requested specifically.
You Should Have Performed Your Own Umrah First
It’s highly preferred that you complete your own Umrah before doing one for another person. This is because your obligation comes first. Once done, you can perform Umrah for someone else as an act of charity and love.
Who is Eligible for Umrah Al-Badl?
Chronically Ill and Disabled
People who have long-term illness or disability that prevents them from traveling or physically performing Umrah are eligible. For example, someone with paralysis, serious heart disease, or extreme physical weakness can have Umrah performed on their behalf.
Elderly People
Many elderly people want to go to Umrah but can’t handle the travel, walking, and heat. In such cases, a younger family member can perform Umrah for them. It’s an act of love and care that blesses both parties.
Deceased Individuals
You can do Umrah on behalf of someone who has died, especially if they wanted to go during their lifetime but couldn’t. This is a great way to honor them and help fulfill their unfulfilled intentions.
Parents or Close Relatives
Even if they didn’t request it, you can still perform Umrah for your parents or close family if you feel they deserve that blessing. Islam encourages honoring parents, one of the highest forms of love and reward.
Clear Intention and Past Experience
Again, the person performing Umrah must have a clear intention and have already performed it. This is not just a journey; it’s a spiritual responsibility.
Steps for Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else
If you’re wondering how to do Umrah on behalf of others, here is a step-by-step guide explained clearly:
Intention (Niyah)
Make a sincere intention in your heart. Say: “I intend to perform Umrah on behalf of [name of the person].” You can do this silently or whisper it to yourself before entering Ihram.
Entering the State of Ihram
Before reaching the Miqat (designated boundary), wear the two white sheets of Ihram and make the intention. Once in Ihram, avoid forbidden acts (such as cutting nails, wearing perfume, etc.).
Tawaf Around the Kaaba
When you reach the Haram in Makkah, perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times. Do it slowly and with focus. Each round starts at the Black Stone and ends there.
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, perform Sa’i, which is walking seven times between Safa and Marwah. This is a memory of Hajra’s search for water for her son Ismail, which must be done in the same spirit of trust in Allah.
Make Dua and Supplications
Throughout the process, pray for the person you’re doing Umrah for and ask Allah to accept it on their behalf. This is a spiritual gift, so keep your heart connected.
Shaving or Cutting Hair
To complete the Umrah, shave your head or cut your hair short (for men) and cut a small portion of your hair (for women).
Final Thoughts
Performing Umrah on behalf of others is a powerful act of kindness in Islam. It connects hearts, brings people closer to Allah, and allows blessings to flow across generations.
It’s important to follow the rules, understand the purpose, and act with love and sincerity. If you’re planning to perform Umrah for someone, start by performing your own, then make a strong intention for the other person. If you’re looking for guidance, Three N Travel & Tourism LLC, a trusted Umrah service company in Dubai, offers Umrah packages from Dubai to help you perform Umrah easily and correctly, for yourself or someone else.
