Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else: A Complete Guide

Umrah is a special journey that Muslims make to Makkah. It is not the same as Hajj, but it is still very important. People can do Umrah at any time of the year. Usually, Muslims do Umrah for themselves. But sometimes, they do it for someone else. This is allowed in Islam under certain rules.

When you do Umrah for someone else, you are helping them get the rewards and blessings of this holy journey. You can do it for someone who has passed away or someone who is too sick or old to go. This guide shows you how to perform Umrah for someone else. It explains what Islam says about it and how to do it correctly.

 

Islamic Basis for Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else

Islam gives clear guidance on this topic. The main source is the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), called Hadith. There are also opinions from Islamic scholars.

One famous Hadith tells about a woman who asked the Prophet if she could do Hajj for her mother who had died. The Prophet said yes. This shows that it is okay to do Hajj or Umrah for someone else if they cannot do it themselves. Another Hadith tells about a man who wanted to perform Hajj for his brother who had passed away. The Prophet allowed it.

Scholars from all four main Islamic schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) agree. They say you can perform Umrah on behalf of someone else. But they also say that certain conditions must be met. We will talk about those next.

 

Conditions for Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else

There are a few important rules to follow if you want to do Umrah for someone else.

 

Eligibility of the Person Performing Umrah

The first rule is that you must have done Umrah for yourself before you do it for someone else. This is based on what the Prophet said to someone who wanted to do Hajj for his father. He asked, "Have you done Hajj for yourself?" The man said no. The Prophet told him to do Hajj for himself first.

You must also be able to do Umrah both physically and mentally. You need to know the steps and be ready to do them correctly.

 

Eligibility of the Person on Whose Behalf It Is Performed

You can do Umrah for someone who has passed away. You can also do it for someone who is very sick or old and cannot travel. But you cannot do it for someone who is healthy and can go but just doesn't want to. That person should go for themselves.

 

Valid Intentions and Niyyah (Intention)

In Islam, everything starts with the right intention. Before starting the Umrah, make sure you have a clear intention in your heart. This Umrah should be for a specific person. You can say it out loud if you want. The important thing is that you know in your heart who you are doing it for.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else

Doing Umrah for someone else is almost the same as doing it for yourself. The steps are the same.

 

Making the Niyyah (Intention)

Before you start, make the niyyah. Say in your heart or quietly: "O Allah, I intend to do Umrah for [name of the person]. Accept it from me and grant them the reward."

 

Entering the State of Ihram

You must enter the state of Ihram before reaching Makkah. Men wear two white sheets. Women wear modest clothing. You should pray two rak‘ah and then say the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah." Since you are doing it for someone else, you say: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah on behalf of [name]."

 

Performing Tawaf

When you reach the Kaaba, you begin with Tawaf. Walk around the Kaaba seven times. This is done in a counter-clockwise direction. Try to stay focused and remember that you are doing this for someone else.

 

Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, go to the area between Safa and Marwah. Walk between these two hills seven times. This act reminds us of Hajar, the mother of Prophet Isma'il, who ran in search of water for her son.

 

Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Tahallul)

Men should shave their heads or cut their hair short. Women should cut a small portion of their hair. After this, the Umrah is complete.

 

Duas and Supplications: For Yourself and the Other Person

You can make dua during each part of Umrah. Pray for the person you are doing Umrah for. Ask Allah to bless them and accept the Umrah. Also pray for yourself and your loved ones.

 

Differences Between Umrah for Oneself and on Behalf of Others

The steps of Umrah are the same whether you do it for yourself or someone else. But the intention changes. When you do Umrah for yourself, you think about your own connection with Allah. When you do it for someone else, you are a helper. You do the same actions, but the reward goes to the other person.

Still, you also get a reward. Allah is generous. When you help someone in worship, He rewards you too.

It is also a big responsibility. You must do your best and follow all the rules carefully. The person you are helping depends on you.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

Can You Perform Umrah for a Living Person?

Yes, but only if that person is too sick or old to go. If they are healthy and can travel, they should go themselves. You cannot do it for someone who just doesn't want to go.

 

Can Women Perform Umrah on Behalf of Men and Vice Versa?

Yes, there is no problem. A woman can do Umrah for a man, and a man can do Umrah for a woman. The actions are the same. What matters is the intention and doing it correctly.

 

Can You Perform Multiple Umrahs on Behalf of Multiple People?

Yes, but you must do each Umrah separately. You cannot do one Umrah for two people. Each person deserves their own full Umrah.

 

Is a Separate Umrah Required for Each Person?

Yes. One Umrah equals one reward. If you want to help more than one person, you must do separate Umrahs for each. Some people do multiple Umrahs during their trip.

 

Can You Be Paid to Perform Umrah on Behalf of Someone?

Some scholars allow this if it is done with honesty and care. But it is better to do it out of love and kindness, not for money. The reward is from Allah, and it is very great.

 

Practical Tips and Considerations

Before you go, talk to the family if the person is deceased. Let them know your intention. If the person is alive but cannot go, talk to them too.

Choose a good time to perform Umrah. Avoid times when Makkah is very crowded unless it is your only chance.

Stay focused during the Umrah. Remember, you are doing this for someone else. Try to be your best self. Be clean, be kind, and be patient.

After the Umrah, you can tell the family about the experience. You don’t need to give full details, but it may bring comfort to them.

 

Conclusion

Doing Umrah on behalf of someone else is a great act of love and kindness. It shows care for others even when they are gone or unable to do it themselves. Islam allows this beautiful action and rewards those who do it with pure hearts.

If you plan to perform Umrah for someone else, make sure you meet all the rules. Do it with sincerity. Learn the steps and follow them carefully.

May Allah accept your efforts and reward you and the person you are doing it for. Whether they are a parent, a grandparent, a friend, or a stranger, your actions can help them get closer to Allah. That is a gift that truly lasts forever.

Remember, the journey of Umrah is not just about going to a holy place. It is about growing in faith, showing mercy, and helping others find peace with their Creator.