Introduction: Understanding the Concept of Umrah e Badal
In Islam, every act of worship carries deep spiritual meaning. One such act is Umrah e Badal — performing Umrah on behalf of someone else (Umrah niyabat). Many Muslims, especially from India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, wonder whether Umrah e Badal can be done for a living person or if it is only for the deceased (Umrah for marhoom).
This article by Qurbani Easy explains the Shari’ah rulings (Fiqh views) on Umrah e Badal, the eligibility conditions, and what scholars have said about performing Umrah on behalf of a living person. Along with that, we’ll also explore how Indian Muslims from regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Hyderabad, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir can understand this practice within the light of Islamic teachings.
1. What is Umrah e Badal?
Umrah e Badal (عمرہ بدل) means Umrah performed by one person on behalf of another. The one performing it is called the Wakil (وکیل) or proxy pilgrim, while the person for whom it is done is known as the Muakkil (مُوَکِّل).
This practice is derived from the same principle as Hajj e Badal, where a Muslim performs Hajj for a deceased or incapable person who cannot perform it themselves.
In Islamic terminology, this act is also called proxy Umrah, deputed Umrah, or Umrah niyabat.
2. Can Umrah Be Performed for a Living Person? (Main Question)
The main question is — can Umrah e Badal be done for a zinda (living) person?
According to major Islamic scholars and Fiqh schools, the ruling depends on the reason behind doing it:
a) If the living person is unable to perform Umrah due to old age or permanent illness
Then, yes — Umrah e Badal can be performed for them.
This is based on an authentic Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) where a woman said to the Prophet ﷺ:
“O Messenger of Allah, my father is an old man and cannot sit firmly on his mount. Can I perform Hajj on his behalf?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied: “Perform Hajj on behalf of your father.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1513)
Scholars have extended this permission to Umrah as well, since both Hajj and Umrah are acts of pilgrimage (Ibadah Badaniyah).
So, if a living person is too weak, ill, or physically unable to travel, then another Muslim who has already performed his/her own Umrah may perform Umrah e Badal for them.
b) If the living person is healthy and capable
Then, Umrah e Badal is not permissible.
Because worship in Islam is a personal obligation (Ibadah Mahdah), and no one can perform it for someone who is fully able to do it themselves.
This is supported by the verse:
“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.”
(Surah An-Najm, 53:39)
Hence, performing Umrah on behalf of a healthy living person without a valid reason is not allowed according to Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali scholars.
3. Conditions for Performing Umrah e Badal
Before performing Umrah e Badal, one must fulfill the following Shari’ah conditions (Umrah ki shara’it):
- The performer must have completed their own Umrah first.
- Permission (Ijazat) from the person for whom Umrah is being performed is necessary if they are alive.
- The Wakil (agent for Umrah) should have sincere niyyah (intention) only for that person.
- The name of the Muakkil should be mentioned during the intention:
- Example: “O Allah, I perform Umrah on behalf of [name] for Your sake.”
- For women, the Mahram requirement still applies.
- The Wakil must be Muslim, sane, and adult (baligh).
4. Difference Between Umrah e Badal for Living and Deceased Persons
| Category | Allowed? | Evidence / Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased (Marhoom) | ✅ Yes | Allowed by Ijma (consensus) of scholars |
| Living but sick/old | ✅ Yes | Allowed based on Hadith of Ibn Abbas |
| Living and healthy | ❌ No | Not allowed as per Quran (53:39) |
Thus, Umrah e Badal can only be done for a living person who is permanently unable to travel or perform it physically.
5. Scholars’ Opinions (Fiqh Views)
- Hanafi View:
Umrah e Badal is permissible for the living only if they cannot perform Umrah permanently due to illness or old age. - Shafi’i and Hanbali View:
They also permit proxy Umrah for the incapable living and the deceased, with the condition that the performer has completed their own Umrah. - Maliki View:
Generally, the Maliki scholars restrict Umrah e Badal only for deceased persons. - Modern Fatwa (Darul Uloom Deoband, India):
It is permissible to perform Umrah e Badal for a living person who has no hope of recovery and grants permission to perform Umrah on their behalf.
6. Umrah e Badal and Qurbani: The Spirit of Proxy Worship
Just like hissa Qurbani (where multiple people share one sacrifice), Umrah e Badal reflects sharing spiritual reward and performing ibadah on behalf of others.
At Qurbani Easy, the same trust-based system works — people from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Canada can donate Qurbani online or book my Qurbani online for Eid ul Adha 2026, and the team performs it transparently within India.
Through services like online Qurbani donation, online Sadaqah Qurbani, and Hajj e Badal, the spiritual value of niyabat (performing ibadah for others) is kept alive — all within the ethical and Sharia limits.
7. Common Questions About Umrah e Badal
Q1: Can I perform Umrah e Badal for my parents while they are alive?
Yes, if they are physically unable due to age or sickness. If they are healthy, then it is not permissible.
Q2: Is Umrah e Badal equal in reward to personal Umrah?
The reward depends on intention (niyyah). The performer gains reward for doing good, and the intended person receives the spiritual benefit of Umrah.
Q3: Can women perform Umrah e Badal?
Yes, but only with a Mahram if she is traveling, as per Mahram requirement for females.
8. Regional Connection: Umrah Awareness Across India
Indian Muslims from Hyderabad, Kerala, Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Nagpur, Surat, Kannur, Madurai, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir often support Umrah e Badal and hissa Qurbani through trusted platforms like Qurbani Easy, ensuring that their religious acts are performed according to Shari’ah and distributed among the needy.
9. Why Choose Qurbani Easy for Religious Donations
- 100% transparent Zakat-based Qurbani model (no delivery system).
- All Qurbani 2026 services performed only within India.
- Supports Online Sadaqah Qurbani, Online Africa Qurbani, and Hajj e Badal services.
- Every Qurbani is done with video proof, transparency, and trust.
- Ideal for Indians in Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Istanbul, Toronto, Sydney, and more who wish to donate Qurbani online in India.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of Performing Umrah e Badal
In summary, Umrah e Badal is allowed on behalf of a living person only when they are physically incapable of performing it themselves. Islam emphasizes sincerity, permission, and intention in such worship.
Through Umrah niyabat and hissa Qurbani, Muslims can share blessings with others — both in life and after death — reflecting the true spirit of compassion, community, and sacrifice.
For those who wish to serve the needy and perform acts of worship transparently in India, Qurbani Easy offers a trusted way to book online Qurbani 2026 and donate your share (hissa Qurbani) for the sake of Allah.
📜 FAQ Schema (Structured for SEO)
Q: Can Umrah be done on behalf of a living person?
A: Yes, but only if the person is permanently ill or unable to travel for Umrah.
Q: What is the difference between Umrah e Badal and Umrah for oneself?
A: Umrah e Badal is performed as a proxy Umrah for someone else (living or deceased), while personal Umrah is an individual obligation.
Q: Can a woman perform Umrah e Badal for her parents?
A: Yes, if she travels with a Mahram and her parents are unable to perform Umrah.