Umrah Badal: Performing Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else

Umrah Badal is the act of performing Umrah on behalf of another person who is unable to perform it themselves. This may be for someone who has passed away, is seriously ill, elderly, disabled, or physically unable to travel to Makkah.

For many Muslim families, arranging Umrah Badal is a meaningful way to seek reward for a loved one and fulfil a religious wish when the person cannot complete the journey personally.

Umrah is a blessed act of worship, and when performed with sincere intention, it can bring comfort, reward and spiritual benefit. Umrah Badal allows someone capable and present in Makkah to perform the rituals on behalf of another Muslim.

What Is Umrah Badal?

Umrah Badal means substitute Umrah or performing Umrah on behalf of someone else. The person performing it makes the intention that the reward and act of Umrah is for the named person.

For example, if a parent has passed away or is too unwell to travel, a family member may arrange for Umrah to be performed on their behalf.

Umrah Badal may be arranged for:

• A deceased mother or father
• A grandparent or relative who has passed away
• An elderly person unable to travel
• A disabled person unable to perform Umrah
• Someone with a serious illness
• A loved one who intended to go but could not

The most important part is sincere intention and ensuring that the person performing Umrah Badal understands the responsibility.

Who Can Umrah Badal Be Performed For?

Umrah Badal can be performed for someone who is genuinely unable to perform Umrah themselves. This usually includes people who have passed away or those who are permanently unable to travel due to health, age or disability.

It is commonly arranged for:

1. Deceased Loved Ones

Many people arrange Umrah Badal for parents, grandparents, relatives or friends who have passed away. It is a beautiful way to remember them and seek reward for them.

2. Elderly Parents

If an elderly parent is too weak to travel, walk or complete the rituals, Umrah Badal may be arranged on their behalf.

3. Sick or Disabled Muslims

If someone has a long-term illness or disability that prevents them from travelling to Makkah, another person may perform Umrah Badal for them.

4. Someone Who Had the Intention But Could Not Go

Sometimes a person had the wish to perform Umrah but passed away before they could travel. Their family may arrange Umrah Badal as an act of love and care.

Why Do People Arrange Umrah Badal?

People arrange Umrah Badal for many spiritual and emotional reasons. It is often done out of love, respect and duty towards parents or family members.

Common reasons include:

• To seek reward for a deceased loved one
• To fulfil the wish of someone who could not travel
• To honour parents or grandparents
• To help someone who is physically unable
• To perform a meaningful act of worship on behalf of another Muslim
• To bring comfort to the family

For many families, Umrah Badal is not only a service but a deeply personal act of love.

How Is Umrah Badal Performed?

Umrah Badal is performed in the same way as a normal Umrah, but the intention is made on behalf of another person.

The main steps include:

1. Making the Intention

The person performing Umrah Badal makes the intention that this Umrah is being performed on behalf of the named person.

2. Entering Ihram

The performer enters the state of Ihram from the correct Miqat and follows the rules of Ihram.

3. Performing Tawaf

Tawaf is performed around the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.

4. Performing Sa’i

Sa’i is performed between Safa and Marwah.

5. Cutting or Shaving Hair

After completing Sa’i, the performer cuts or shaves the hair to complete the Umrah.

When all steps are completed correctly, the Umrah Badal is finished.

Can One Person Perform Umrah Badal for Multiple People?

Generally, one Umrah is performed for one person at a time. If someone wants Umrah Badal for multiple people, separate Umrahs should be arranged for each person.

For example, if a person wants Umrah Badal for both parents, one Umrah should be performed for the mother and another separate Umrah for the father.

This keeps the intention clear and avoids confusion.

Can You Perform Umrah Badal for Someone Who Is Alive?

Yes, Umrah Badal may be performed for a living person if they are genuinely unable to perform Umrah themselves due to serious illness, old age, disability or permanent inability.

If someone is healthy and able to travel, it is better for them to perform Umrah themselves.

Can Umrah Badal Be Performed for Someone Who Has Passed Away?

Yes, Umrah Badal is commonly performed for someone who has passed away. Many families arrange it for deceased parents, relatives and loved ones.

This is often done as an act of sadaqah, love and remembrance.

Who Should Perform Umrah Badal?

The person performing Umrah Badal should be a Muslim who understands how to perform Umrah correctly. Ideally, they should be trustworthy, sincere and already present in Makkah or able to travel there.

A person performing Umrah Badal should:

• Know the correct rituals of Umrah
• Make the correct intention
• Complete the Umrah properly
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Perform the act sincerely
• Respect the importance of the responsibility

Families should choose a reliable provider or trusted person when arranging Umrah Badal.

Why Trust Is Important When Arranging Umrah Badal

Umrah Badal is an act of worship, so trust is very important. The family arranging it should feel confident that the Umrah will be performed correctly and sincerely.

Before arranging Umrah Badal, it is good to check:

• Who will perform the Umrah?
• Are they in Makkah?
• Do they understand the rituals?
• Will the intention be made clearly?
• Will confirmation be provided after completion?
• Is the service transparent?
• Is the provider reliable?

A trustworthy service should explain the process clearly and avoid making exaggerated promises.

Umrah Badal for Parents

Many Muslims arrange Umrah Badal for their mother or father. This is one of the most common reasons for requesting the service.

Parents make many sacrifices for their children, and arranging Umrah Badal can be a way to show love and honour them after death or during serious illness.

Common requests include:

• Umrah Badal for mother
• Umrah Badal for father
• Umrah Badal for both parents
• Umrah Badal for deceased parents
• Umrah Badal for elderly parents

If arranging for both parents, it is best to request separate Umrahs for each parent.

Umrah Badal as a Gift of Reward

Umrah Badal can be arranged as a gift of reward for a loved one. It is not a physical gift, but a spiritual act done with love and sincere intention.

Many people arrange it during:

• Ramadan
• Dhul Hijjah
• After a loved one passes away
• On behalf of parents
• As a family request
• During special Islamic months
• When remembering someone dear

The reward belongs to Allah, and the intention should be sincere.

Difference Between Hajj Badal and Umrah Badal

Hajj Badal and Umrah Badal are similar in meaning because both are performed on behalf of someone else. However, Hajj and Umrah are different acts of worship.

Hajj Badal refers to performing Hajj on behalf of someone who cannot perform it. Umrah Badal refers to performing Umrah on behalf of someone.

Hajj is performed at a specific time of the Islamic year, while Umrah can be performed at most times throughout the year.

How to Arrange Umrah Badal

Arranging Umrah Badal is usually simple if you use a trusted person or service.

The process may include:

1. Provide the name of the person
2. Confirm whether the person is deceased or unable to travel
3. Make the payment if using a service
4. The performer makes intention on behalf of the named person
5. Umrah is performed in Makkah
6. Confirmation is provided after completion

Some services may also provide a certificate or written confirmation.

What Information Is Needed for Umrah Badal?

Usually, you only need basic details such as:

• Name of the person
• Father’s name if required
• Whether they are deceased or alive but unable
• Your contact details
• Any special request or dua

The intention should be clear when the Umrah is performed.

Umrah Badal Certificate

Some providers offer an Umrah Badal certificate after completion. This certificate may include the name of the person, date of completion and confirmation that Umrah was performed on their behalf.

A certificate is not the main purpose of Umrah Badal, but it can give the family reassurance and written confirmation.

Important Reminder About Intention

The most important part of Umrah Badal is intention. It should be done sincerely for the sake of Allah, not only as a formality.

The person arranging it should have a clean intention, and the person performing it should understand that they are completing an act of worship on behalf of another Muslim.

Common Questions About Umrah Badal

Is Umrah Badal allowed?

Many Muslims arrange Umrah Badal for deceased loved ones or people who are permanently unable to perform Umrah themselves. If you are unsure about your personal situation, you should ask a qualified scholar.

Can I arrange Umrah Badal for my mother?

Yes, Umrah Badal can be arranged for a mother who has passed away or is unable to perform Umrah due to permanent illness, disability or old age.

Can I arrange Umrah Badal for my father?

Yes, you can arrange Umrah Badal for your father if he has passed away or cannot travel due to genuine inability.

Can Umrah Badal be done in Ramadan?

Yes, Umrah Badal can be performed in Ramadan if someone is available to perform it. Ramadan is a blessed time, and many people request Umrah during this month.

Can one Umrah be for two people?

It is better to perform one Umrah for one person. For two people, two separate Umrahs should be arranged.

Do I need to be in Makkah to arrange Umrah Badal?

No, you can arrange it through a trusted person or service if they are able to perform it correctly in Makkah.

Final Thoughts

Umrah Badal is a meaningful act of worship performed on behalf of someone who cannot perform Umrah themselves. It is often arranged for deceased parents, elderly relatives, disabled loved ones or those who are seriously ill.

For families, it can bring comfort and hope, knowing that a blessed journey has been performed on behalf of someone they love.

When arranging Umrah Badal, choose a trustworthy person or service, make the intention clearly and remember that the purpose is to seek the pleasure of Allah.

With sincerity, trust and correct performance, Umrah Badal can be a beautiful way to honour a loved one and ask Allah to grant them reward and mercy.