Umrah Badal: Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Who Cannot

There is a particular kind of grief that comes with watching a parent grow too old or too ill to make a journey they always wanted to make. Or losing someone before they ever got the chance.

Umrah Badal exists because of exactly this. It is the performance of Umrah by one person on behalf of another, with the reward dedicated to whoever cannot perform it themselves. If your mother passed away before she could do Umrah, you can arrange for someone to perform it in her name. The reward goes to her.

That is not a small thing.

Is Umrah Badal actually permissible?

Yes. The basis for proxy Hajj and Umrah comes from authentic hadith.

A woman came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and said her father was elderly and could not ride. The Prophet told her to perform Hajj on his behalf. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Scholars have applied the same principle to Umrah. The majority view is that Umrah Badal is permissible for a deceased person, or someone who is permanently unable to perform it due to illness or physical incapacity.

One important note: most scholars say the person arranging the Badal should have already performed their own Umrah first before performing it on someone else's behalf.

Who can you perform Umrah Badal for?

The most common cases are:

• A deceased parent who never got to perform Umrah
• A parent who is elderly and physically unable to travel
• Someone with a permanent illness or disability that prevents them from making the journey

If you are unsure whether your specific situation qualifies, consult a scholar. The rules can vary depending on whether the person is living or deceased and what their circumstances were.

How Umrah Badal works at Gifts For Haramain

When you book through the Umrah Badal service, a qualified person travels to Masjid al-Haram and performs all the rites of Umrah, starting with Ihram, then Tawaf, Sa'i, and Taqsir, with the clear intention that this Umrah is being performed on behalf of your named loved one.

You receive video proof. You can see the Tawaf. You can see the Haram. You know it was done.

The service is $295 and is performed in Makkah with full Shariah compliance.

What is the difference between Umrah Badal and Hajj Badal?

Hajj Badal is proxy Hajj. It must be performed during the specific days of Dhul Hijjah and is considered an obligation for those who were capable but passed away before fulfilling it. If applicable, it should ideally be arranged from the deceased person's estate.

Umrah Badal is proxy Umrah. It can be performed at any time of year. It is voluntary rather than obligatory, but the reward is real and reaches whoever it is dedicated to.

Both are meaningful. Both are available through Gifts For Haramain.

Other ways to send reward to your loved ones

If you want to do more alongside Umrah Badal:

• A wheelchair in Makkah is sadaqah jariyah that earns ongoing reward for whoever you dedicate it to
• Sheep sacrifice in Makkah covers Qurbani, Dam, Kaffarah, Nazar, Sadaqah, and Aqeeqah
• Quran distribution in Makkah and Madinah sends ongoing reward every time a pilgrim reads the copy you gifted

Frequently asked questions about Umrah Badal

Can I arrange Umrah Badal for my mother who has passed away?

Yes. This is one of the most common reasons people book this service. The intention is made in her name during the performance of Umrah and the reward is dedicated to her.

Do I need to have done Umrah myself first?

Most scholars say yes. The person performing the Badal should have fulfilled their own Umrah obligation before performing it on someone else's behalf.

Will I get proof that it was done?

Yes. Video proof of the Umrah being performed in Makkah is provided so you have a record and a lasting memory.

Is this Shariah compliant?

Yes. The service is performed according to the conditions of Umrah as established in Islamic jurisprudence.

Can I arrange Umrah Badal for a living parent who cannot travel?

It is permissible for someone with a permanent incapacity. If the situation involves illness or mobility issues that may not be permanent, consult a scholar before booking.

When can Umrah Badal be performed?

Umrah can be performed at any time of year, so there is no restriction on timing. You can book at any point and the service will be arranged accordingly.

To arrange Umrah Badal in Makkah with video proof, visit the Umrah Badal service page.