Umrah on behalf of someone else : How to Do It and Is It Possible?
Learn how to perform Umrah on behalf of someone else, like a deceased loved one. It's also called badal Umrah. Discover the correct steps, conditions, and rewards of offering a badal Umrah, following Islamic guidance.
11/24/20251 min read
Is it allowed to do Umrah on behalf of someone who has died?
Yes — this is called a badal Umrah. The Umrah can be performed for:
Yourself
A sick or incapacitated person
A deceased person
Proof from the Hadith
Al-Bukhari reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that a woman of Juhayna came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
“My mother had vowed to do the pilgrimage to Mecca, but she died before fulfilling it. Can I do it on her behalf?”
He replied: “Yes, do it for her.” He added: “If your mother had had a debt, would you have paid it for her? Honour your debts, for the debts to Allah are more worthy of being honored.”
Important condition:
You must have already completed your own Umrah before doing one on behalf of someone else.
How to perform a badal Umrah?
Make a clear intention (niyyah):
→ “I perform Umrah in the name of [name of the deceased].”Perform the rituals normally, just like for your own Umrah.
Dedicate (offer) the reward of the Umrah to the deceased.
Notes:
Any Muslim can perform this badal Umrah — whether they are related to the deceased or not.
The reward goes to the deceased — it is considered a sadaqa jariya (continuous charity).
The rituals themselves are exactly the same as for a personal Umrah — only the intention changes.
Regarding Hajj (Pilgrimage)
It’s the same principle: you should do your own Hajj first, then perform the Hajj on behalf of the deceased.
There is a hadith where The Prophet (peace be upon him) heard a man say, “Labbayk for Shabramah,” and he said, “Who is Shabramah?” He said, “He is my brother or a relative of mine.” He said, “Did you perform Hajj for yourself?” He said, “No.” He said, “Perform Hajj for yourself, then perform Hajj for Shabramah.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah).
Conclusion
Performing Umrah for a deceased close one is not only possible, but also recommended, according to the texts. It’s considered a form of sadaqa jariya that continues to benefit the deceased — and a pious act that shows your loyalty and care towards them.