Can You Delegate Umrah for a Deceased Family Member

Question

Can I appoint someone to perform `Umrah on behalf of a deceased loved one?

Bottom Line

Yes, appointing someone for `Umrah is a beautiful act of charity and a gift for your loved one.

Quick Answer

`Umrah may be performed on behalf of a deceased person, or someone alive who is unable due to chronic illness or old age. Appointing a deputy is allowed, and payment may be given if the person is reliable. The deputy must perform it themselves and not pass the task to another without consent.

Key Points

• Performing `Umrah for the deceased is valid.
• Delegation is also allowed for those who are permanently unable to perform it.
• Payment is permissible if the person is righteous and knowledgeable.
• The deputy cannot transfer the task without the approval of the one who appointed them.
• Facilitating the process and covering costs is a well-rewarded good deed.

Detailed Answer

Appointing someone for `Umrah is a recognized practice in Islam, and scholars have outlined its rulings and conditions clearly.

Ruling on Delegating

It is permissible to perform `Umrah on behalf of a deceased Muslim or a living person who cannot perform it due to old age or chronic illness. This is a righteous deed, and the reward reaches the deceased or the one intended.

The Prophet ﷺ was asked about performing Hajj for a deceased relative, and he permitted it. By analogy, `Umrah follows the same ruling. In one narration:

“Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf.” Sahih al-Bukhari, 1852; Sahih Muslim, 1149

Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn stressed choosing someone who is both knowledgeable and trustworthy; delegating to less informed individuals may lead to invalid rituals Fatawa 21/154. Imam an-Nawawi also notes in al-Majmūʿ that delegation is valid for those genuinely unable to perform Hajj or `Umrah themselves al-Majmūʿ 7/120.

Payment and Trustworthiness

Payment to someone for performing `Umrah is permissible if they are trustworthy and knowledgeable. Delegating without the appointee’s consent is not allowed and may lead to unlawful gain.

If you facilitate the process by covering transfer fees or arranging the deputy, that effort is also rewarded because guiding others to good deeds holds merit:

“Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.” Sahih Muslim, 1893

What This Means for You

You can appoint someone to perform `Umrah for your deceased relative, just ensure they are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and act personally. Your efforts in arranging or assisting are also rewarded.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 22:77 – Command to bow, prostrate, and do good so you may succeed.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (1852) – Hadith on performing Hajj for a deceased relative.
• Sahih Muslim (1149) –Hadith confirming the delegation of Hajj for the deceased.
• Sahih Muslim (1893) – Whoever guides to goodwill will have a reward like the doer.

Secondary Sources

• Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn, Fatawa 21/154  – On the conditions of appointing someone for Hajj/`Umrah.
• Imam an-Nawawi, al-Majmūʿ 7/120 – Validity of delegation for those unable to perform the pilgrimage.