Performing Umrah on behalf of others is an act of devotion often undertaken by pilgrims who wish to share spiritual rewards with their loved ones. While general rulings often restrict proxy Umrah to the deceased or the physically incapacitated, specific situations—such as legal or bureaucratic barriers like visa denials—create unique circumstances. This article explores the permissibility of performing Umrah for a healthy relative who is unable to enter Saudi Arabia due to visa restrictions, and the method for performing multiple Umrahs.
Rulings on Proxy Umrah Due to Visa Restrictions
Scholars address the dilemma of individuals who are healthy and alive but are prevented from performing the pilgrimage due to external factors, such as the inability to obtain a visa.
In this context, prominent scholars state that a pilgrim is permitted to offer Umrah on behalf of such relatives. Just as a Muslim may perform Umrah for themselves as many times as they wish, they are also allowed to perform it on behalf of others in this situation. Therefore, if a mother is unable to secure a visa, her child is permitted to perform the rites on her behalf.
The Method of Performing Umrah
The procedure for Umrah is straightforward and consists of specific rituals:
- Ihram: Entering the sacred state with the intention of Umrah before crossing the designated boundary (Miqat).
- Tawaf: Circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times.
- Sa’y: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Halq or Taqsir: Finally, shaving or clipping the hair to conclude the rituals.
Performing Multiple Umrahs from Makkah
If a pilgrim wishes to perform a second Umrah—whether for themselves or on behalf of another person—while currently staying in Makkah, they do not need to return to the original Miqat outside the country or region.
Instead, they must exit the Haram boundary to the Miqat designated for the people of Makkah (commonly known as Al-Hill, such as Masjid Aisha in Taneem) to enter into Ihram there. If the pilgrim travels to another city outside the sacred precinct, they would then assume Ihram from the location customary for the people of that city.
