Performing Umrah Badal (or Umrah on behalf of another person) is a noble act of worship in Islam. It allows a Muslim to fulfill the spiritual journey of Umrah for someone who cannot perform it due to old age, chronic illness, or death. This guide explains the concept, rulings, process, and conditions of Umrah Badal in a detailed and authentic manner.
Umrah Badal comes from the Arabic term “Badal”, meaning “substitute” or “on behalf of.” It refers to performing Umrah for another person who is physically or legally unable to perform it themselves. This includes:
Elderly individuals who cannot travel due to health limitations.
People with permanent disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Deceased Muslims who did not perform Umrah during their lifetime.
In Islamic teachings, performing Umrah Badal is considered an act of compassion and reward for both the performer (the agent) and the person represented (the principal).
To ensure that Umrah Badal is valid and accepted, the following key conditions must be fulfilled:
The individual performing Umrah Badal must be:
A Muslim of sound mind and maturity (adult).
Someone who has already performed their own Umrah before doing it on behalf of another person.
This ensures sincerity and proper understanding of the rituals.
If the person for whom Umrah Badal is being performed is alive, their explicit permission is required.
Without their consent, the act is not considered valid.
For deceased individuals, consent is naturally not required.
A clear and specific intention (niyyah) must be made before entering Ihram.
The performer should state the name of the person on whose behalf the Umrah is being done, for example:
“Labbaik Umrah’an ‘an [Name of the person].”
This distinguishes the act from a regular Umrah performed for oneself.
The expenses for Umrah Badal can be:
Paid by the person requesting the service, or
Covered by the performer as an act of charity (Sadaqah).
In both cases, the funds should come from lawful (halal) sources.
Each Umrah can only be performed for one person at a time.
It is not permissible to intend for multiple individuals in a single Umrah.
If someone wishes to perform Umrah Badal for more than one person, they must repeat the full rituals separately for each.
Performing Umrah Badal follows the same rituals as a regular Umrah, with one key difference, the intention at the beginning.
Before entering Ihram, the performer says:
“Labbaik Umrah’an ‘an [Name of the person]”
(Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah on behalf of [name]).
This verbal intention distinguishes the Umrah as being performed for someone else.
Wear the Ihram garments (two white unstitched clothes for men, modest attire for women).
Perform Ghusl (ritual purification) and pray two Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer before entering Ihram.
Recite Talbiyah after intention.
Circumambulate the Kaaba seven times, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).
Recite duas and dhikr while maintaining humility and focus.
Walk seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, beginning at Safa.
Reflect on the devotion of Hajar (AS), who ran between these hills in search of water for Prophet Ismail (AS).
Men should shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) their hair completely.
Women should cut a small portion of hair from the end (about an inch).
After this, the Umrah Badal is complete.
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| Category | Eligible for Umrah Badal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased Muslims | Yes | Recommended as an act of charity and remembrance. |
| Elderly or permanently ill | Yes | Must be medically unfit to perform Umrah themselves. |
| Temporary illness | No | They should wait until recovery. |
| Non-Muslims | No | Acts of worship are not valid on behalf of non-believers. |
The concept of Umrah Badal is supported by authentic Hadith and scholarly consensus (Ijma).
A woman asked the Prophet ﷺ:
“My mother vowed to perform Hajj but died before fulfilling it. Should I perform it on her behalf?”
He replied:
“Yes, perform Hajj for her. If your mother had a debt, would you not pay it off?”, (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1852)
By analogy (Qiyas), scholars confirm that Umrah can also be performed on behalf of another, as both involve physical and financial worship. All four major schools, Hanafi, Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Maliki, permit Umrah Badal, provided the performer has already completed their own Umrah.
Both the performer and the represented person receive immense spiritual rewards.
The represented person receives the full reward of Umrah.
The performer earns additional blessings for their intention, effort, and charity.
“When a person guides others to a good deed, he will have a reward like that of the one who performs it.”-(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1893)
This makes Umrah Badal one of the most spiritually fulfilling acts of worship in Islam.
Performing without prior Umrah: You must have performed your own Umrah first.
Incorrect or missing intention: Clearly state the name of the person on whose behalf you perform.
Performing for multiple people at once: Each Umrah must be for one person only.
Misunderstanding eligibility: Only those unable due to death or permanent incapacity qualify.
Ignoring the Sunnah acts: Maintain humility, focus, and proper etiquette throughout.
Planning your first Umrah Journey? Here are the top 10 tips for your first Umrah journey, Which will make your Umrah Journey easy and memorable.
No, each Umrah can only be done for one person. If you wish to perform for multiple people, you must repeat Umrah separately for each.
Yes. Women can perform Umrah Badal if they meet the same conditions and have performed their own Umrah.
Yes, if they are permanently unable to travel due to old age or chronic illness.
Yes, it is permissible to appoint a trustworthy individual or authorized travel agency to perform Umrah Badal, especially for deceased loved ones.
Perform it like a regular Umrah but make the intention for someone else by saying:
“Labbaik Umrah’an ‘an [Name].”
Then complete Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and trimming or shaving the hair.
A sincere niat ensures the Umrah is accepted for the person represented. Both receive rewards, and it’s a great act of charity and devotion.
Umrah: Performed for oneself.
Badal Umrah: Performed on behalf of someone unable due to illness, age, or death.
The reward goes to both the performer and the represented person.
Recite:
At intention: “Labbaik Umrah’an ‘an [Name].”
Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...”
Tawaf & Sa’i: Usual duas for forgiveness and mercy.
Umrah Badal is a beautiful expression of love, faith, and generosity in Islam. By performing Umrah on behalf of those who cannot, we extend their opportunity for reward and forgiveness, while also earning blessings for ourselves.
At Glory Travel & Tours, we assist pilgrims with verified and Sharia-compliant Umrah Badal services, ensuring every step is carried out with sincerity, accuracy, and dedication.
May Allah accept your Umrah and bless your efforts for your loved ones.
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