Can Umrah Be Performed on Behalf of Others?

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Can Umrah Be Performed on Behalf of Others?

Introduction to Umrah

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to the holy city of Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory for every financially and physically capable Muslim once in a lifetime, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that holds immense spiritual significance. It is also known as the "lesser pilgrimage," and though it is not a substitute for Hajj, it carries great rewards and blessings.

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual upliftment. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, making it more accessible than Hajj, which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar.

The Importance of Umrah

Performing Umrah holds immense spiritual value, as it allows believers to cleanse themselves of sins, strengthen their faith, and seek closeness to Allah. Some of the key benefits of performing Umrah include:

  • Forgiveness of sins: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for whatever sins committed between them." (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
  • Strengthening of faith: Visiting the sacred sites of Islam and performing Umrah rituals bring a renewed sense of devotion and submission to Allah.
  • Spiritual purification: The act of Umrah serves as an opportunity for repentance and renewal of faith.
  • Fulfillment of Sunnah: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to perform Umrah whenever possible.

Can Umrah Be Performed on Behalf of Others?

Many Muslims wonder whether Umrah can be performed on behalf of someone else, such as a deceased loved one or a person who is physically incapable of undertaking the journey. According to Islamic teachings, can indeed be performed on behalf of another person under certain conditions.

When Is It Allowed to Perform Umrah on Behalf of Others?

Islamic scholars agree that Umrah can be performed on behalf of another person in the following situations:

  • For a Deceased Person: If a person has passed away and did not perform Umrah during their lifetime, their family members or others can perform it on their behalf.
  • For Someone Who Is Physically Unable: If a person is chronically ill, disabled, or too old to travel, another person can perform Umrah on their behalf.
  • With the Intention of Reward: Some individuals perform Umrah intending to gift its spiritual benefits to another person, such as a parent, spouse, or relative.

Who Can Perform Umrah on Behalf of Others?

Islamic scholars have set some guidelines regarding who can perform Umrah on behalf of someone else:

  • The person performing Umrah must have already completed their own Umrah at least once.
  • They must have sincere intentions to perform Umrah solely for the benefit of the other person.
  • The person they are performing Umrah for must be deceased or unable to travel due to permanent illness or disability.
  • A person cannot perform Umrah on behalf of a healthy person who is financially or physically capable of doing it themselves.

Steps to Perform Umrah on Behalf of Others

The process of performing Umrah for someone else follows the same steps as a personal Umrah:

  • Making the Intention (Niyyah): Before entering the state of Ihram, one must intend to perform Umrah on behalf of the other person.
  • Wearing the Ihram: Entering the sacred state of Ihram from the Miqat boundary.
  • Reciting Talbiyah: Declaring submission to Allah by reciting the Talbiyah.
  • Performing Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times.
  • Performing Sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwah seven times.
  • Cutting or Shaving the Hair: Men shave or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion.

The Umrah is now complete, and the reward is intended for the person on whose behalf it was performed.

Features of Umrah

  • Flexible Timing: Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed throughout the year.
  • Spiritual Cleansing: A means of erasing past sins and attaining Allah’s blessings.
  • Short Duration: It can be completed in a few hours, making it convenient for many pilgrims.
  • Reward Equivalent to Jihad: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that performing Umrah during Ramadan holds the same reward as performing Hajj.

FAQs About Performing Umrah on Behalf of Others

Yes, performing Umrah on behalf of deceased parents is permissible and is considered a great act of charity.

No, each Umrah must be performed for one person only.

Only if they are physically unable to perform it themselves.

For deceased individuals, no permission is required. For living individuals, their consent is recommended.

Yes, there are no restrictions on gender for performing Umrah on behalf of another person.

Minor mistakes do not invalidate the Umrah, but serious errors may require a corrective action.

No, Umrah is an Islamic act of worship and is only performed for Muslims.

Yes, but each Umrah should be performed separately.

Conclusion

Performing Umrah on behalf of others is a noble act in Islam. Whether for a deceased loved one or a physically incapable individual, it allows them to reap the spiritual benefits of this blessed pilgrimage. If you are considering performing Umrah for someone else, ensure you follow the guidelines set by Islamic scholars.

At Al Dawah Travels, we specialize in arranging Umrah packages tailored to your needs. If you wish to perform Umrah for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, contact us for expert guidance and assistance.