Many Muslims around the world ask an important question before traveling to Makkah:
“Can I perform Umrah for my parents, a deceased relative, or someone unable to travel?”
The answer is yes. In Islam, performing Umrah on behalf of another person is known as Umrah Badal. It is a meaningful act of worship that allows someone to perform Umrah for a loved one who has passed away or is physically unable to complete the journey themselves.
As searches for Umrah Badal, Umrah for deceased parents, and how to perform Umrah on behalf of someone else continue increasing, many Muslims want authentic guidance based on Islamic teachings. This guide explains the meaning, conditions, process, and important rulings regarding Umrah Badal in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Performing Umrah on behalf of another person is called Umrah Badal. It means you perform the rituals of Umrah with the intention (niyyah) that the reward is for someone else.
The intention is the most important part. Although you are physically present in Makkah performing Tawaf and Sa’i, the spiritual reward is intended for the person you represent.
Yes, Umrah on behalf of someone else is permissible according to authentic Islamic teachings.
There are authentic narrations where companions asked Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about performing Hajj on behalf of parents who could not travel, and the Prophet ﷺ allowed it. Islamic scholars extended this ruling to Umrah as well.
However, Umrah Badal should not be treated casually. It comes with conditions and responsibilities to ensure the worship remains valid and sincere.
You may perform Umrah on behalf of someone who passed away without performing Umrah. Many Muslims perform Umrah Badal for parents, spouses, and loved ones as a form of ongoing charity and remembrance.
If a person is alive but permanently unable to travel because of old age, serious illness, or disability, Umrah may be performed on their behalf.
Many Muslims especially search for:
The answer is yes, provided the Islamic conditions are fulfilled.
Conditions for Performing Umrah Badal
Before performing Umrah on behalf of someone else, several conditions must be met.
Deceased
Permanently unable to travel physically
If someone is financially unable but physically capable, scholars generally encourage helping them perform their own Umrah instead.
The intention for Umrah Badal should be made when entering Ihram.
You may say:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah ‘an [name].”
(O Allah, here I am performing Umrah on behalf of [name].)
How to Perform Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else
The process of Umrah Badal is exactly the same as regular Umrah. The only difference is the intention.
During the journey, many pilgrims also make extra duas for the person they represent.
Yes, multiple Umrahs may be performed during one trip for different individuals. However:
Every Umrah should be performed with sincerity, patience, and proper understanding.
Yes. Islamic teachings allow both men and women to perform Umrah on behalf of each other.
A woman may perform Umrah for her father, husband, or brother, and a man may perform Umrah for his mother or other female relatives. The validity depends on correct intention and proper performance, not gender.
Some common mistakes include:
Performing Umrah for others before completing one’s own Umrah
Forgetting the intention at the start of Ihram
Rushing through rituals
Treating Umrah as a routine task rather than worship
Umrah Badal should always be approached with sincerity, humility, and proper Islamic understanding.
Spiritual Rewards of Umrah Badal
Performing Umrah on behalf of another person is considered a beautiful act of kindness and worship.
For deceased loved ones, it becomes a meaningful way to continue benefiting them after death. For parents, it reflects gratitude, service, and love.
At the same time, the person performing the Umrah is also rewarded for their sincerity and effort.
Yes, you can perform Umrah on behalf of someone else in Islam, provided it is done with correct knowledge, sincerity, and intention.
As you walk through the sacred streets of Makkah, perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, and make dua near the Haram, remember the person you are representing and pray sincerely for them.
Umrah Badal is not only a journey of worship, it is also a journey of love, remembrance, and devotion.
