Performing Umrah on behalf of others is a charitable act often sought by pilgrims wishing to share the spiritual rewards of the journey with loved ones, yet Islamic jurisprudence establishes strict conditions for its validity. While the desire to perform an extra pilgrimage for a spouse or relative is noble, the ruling depends heavily on the physical capability of the person on whose behalf the act is being performed.
Conditions for Proxy Umrah (Al-Niyabah)
Scholars emphasize that the validity of performing Umrah on behalf of a living person hinges on specific criteria. The only valid reason for undertaking this act for a living individual is their complete inability to perform it themselves due to a chronic illness or a permanent physical disability.
This ruling is grounded in the juristic opinion that regards Umrah as an obligatory duty (Wajib); thus, it is permitted to help others fulfill this mandatory obligation if they are physically incapacitated. However, according to the scholarly opinion that regards Umrah as a supererogatory (voluntary) act of worship, performing it on behalf of another living person is not permitted.
Multiple Umrahs in One Journey
There is a divergence of opinion among Muslim jurists regarding the permissibility of performing more than one Umrah during a single journey. Some scholars discourage it, while others permit it.
However, even if one follows the opinion that allows performing multiple Umrahs in the same trip, the restriction regarding the beneficiary remains. A pilgrim cannot perform an Umrah on behalf of a spouse or relative who is still alive and does not suffer from a chronic disease or disability. If the individual is healthy and capable of traveling, the obligation or opportunity to perform Umrah rests solely with them.
