Umrah Badal – Proxy Umrah – Perform Minor Pilgrimage on Behalf of Someone
Umrah is the “lesser pilgrimage,” which a Muslim should undertake at least once in their lifetime.
It holds immense significance in Islam, but unlike Hajj, it is not obligatory.
Muslims perform Umrah in Makkah to seek forgiveness and spiritual purification and to draw closer to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the virtues of Umrah and encouraged believers to perform it.
He said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as hollers remove impurity from iron.”
This is why Umrah is often considered a way to expiate your sins and start anew.
What is Umrah Badal?
Umrah Badal, also known as “Proxy Umrah,” is a concept in Islam that allows one person to perform Umrah on behalf of another who cannot do so themselves.
This practice provides an opportunity for people who are too ill or physically incapable to receive the rewards of Umrah without performing it.
The same rules apply to Hajj Badal.
Is Umrah Badal Allowed in Islam?
Yes. Umrah Badal holds a special place in Islamic tradition. It is one of the most compassionate acts that allows a person to perform Umrah on behalf of someone physically incapable of doing it.
However, there are a few rules and regulations that must be followed. For example, the person should make a sincere Niyyah on behalf of another person, have knowledge about the rituals and perform them correctly.
Can Muslims Perform Umrah on Behalf of a Deceased Person?
A woman from the Juhaina Tribe asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but died before fulfilling her dream. Can I perform Hajj on her behalf?”
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? Perform Hajj on her behalf and pay Allah’s debt as He has more right to be paid.”
Hadith from Ibn Abbas R.Anhuma
The same rule applies to Umrah.
Can I Perform Umrah for My Deceased Mother?
Based on the above Hadith, a man or a woman is allowed to perform Umrah on behalf of their deceased mother.
Verses from the Holy Quran and Hadiths Regarding Umrah and Umrah Badal
Following are verses from the Holy Quran and quotes from Hadiths:
“And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah.”
Surah al-Baqarah: 196
*While Umrah is not obligatory, Islamic scholars believe that those capable of performing it must make it an obligation.
“Messenger of Allah, my father is very old, he cannot perform hajj and umrah himself nor can be ride on a mount.”
The Prophet PBUH said: “Perform hajj and umrah on behalf of your father.”
Abu Daud (1810); Al-Tirmizi (930); Al-Nasa’themselves (2621)
A woman from the Khath‘am tribe asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “O Messenger of Allah! Allah has prescribed Hajj for His servants, and it has become due on my father who is an old man, who cannot sit stable on his mount. Shall I perform Hajj on his behalf?”
The Prophet replied, “Yes, you may.”
Al-Bukhari (1513)
How Does Umrah Badal Work?
The person who is unable to perform Umrah should make a clear declaration of their intention to appoint a proxy performer.
This can be done verbally or in writing. I’’s important that the intention is expressed clearly.
The person can either pay for the Umrah package themselves or sign-up for an Pilgrims Umrah Badal service.
Who Performs Umrah Badal on My Behalf?
It’s crucial to choose someone who is a Muslim to perform Umrah on your behalf.
This individual should understand the significance of the pilgrimage, have knowledge about the rituals, and be capable of carrying out them correctly.
Islam does not require the person to be a blood relative. He or she can be a complete stranger.
However, one of the conditions is that the person responsible for performing Umrah Badal must undertake this journey and not pass it on to someone else.
How Much Does Umrah Badal Cost?
The cost of Umrah Badal can vary depending on the service provider or agency you choose.
Different agencies may have different packages and pricing structures.
It’s essential to do some research and choose a reputable and trustworthy service provider.
Typically, the cost of this service will be between $100 and $400. The price goes higher during peak times and Ramadan.
What Are the 2 Types of Umrah?
The two types of Umrah include:
- Umrah al-Mufradah (Single Umrah)
- Umrah al-Tamattu (Combined Umrah)
Umrah al-Mufradah
Umrah Al-Mufradah is the most common type of Umrah, where a pilgrim performs the rituals of Umrah independently.
Individuals can undertake it whenever they wish, except during the Hajj season.
Umrah al-Tamattu
Umrah Al-Tamattu is a form of Umrah is typically performed with the Hajj pilgrimage.
It involves following two sets of rituals – The first for Umrah and the second for Hajj.
Benefits of Using Pilgrims Umrah Badal Service
Umrah Badal is not obligatory but is an additional act of devotion. It demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond their religious obligations to help others.
- Umrah Badal services allow you to assist those who cannot perform Umrah themselves because of physical or financial limitations. The service provides the best charity platform and immense relief to needy people.
- Every step taken during Umrah Badal is believed to earn you spiritual rewards because the person performing it gains blessings, forgiveness, and a closer connection to Allah.
- As an act of kindness, Badal Umrah expresses one’s love for others.
- When done for deceased family members, it showcases the values of generosity in Islam.
- Umrah Badal services offer a certificate of completion to provide proof to the individual on whose behalf the Umrah was performed.
- A knowledgeable Muslim who has performed Umrah themselves performs Umrah Badal.
Does Umrah Change Your Life?
The spiritual significance of Umrah is undeniable and has a transformative effect on the lives of those who undertake it.
It provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to detach from the digital world and other distractions and devote themselves to Allah.
They follow in Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) footsteps when circumambulating the Kabab and Hajra’s (AS) when performing Sa’ee.
They read the Holy Quran to establish a strong connection with Allah.
These rituals teach us many things, such as how walking barefoot can be a great trial but is a sign of humility and makes you realize your physical limitations.
How praying five times a day helps you maintain focus.
Perhaps the most important lesson learned is unity – people dressed the same despite their different cultural backgrounds, praying for their needs.
Does Umrah Cleanse Sins?
“The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones.”
Al-Bukhari
Umrah Badal Niyyah
The Umrah Badal Niyyah is made at Miqat or when one is getting closer to it. Before donning the Ihram, the proxy should say the following:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.
The proxy does not need to say the person’s name they are performing Umrah for out loud. Niyyah is made in the heart. Allah will accept their pilgrimage if they have clear intentions and perform the rituals correctly.
How to Enter the State of Ihram for Umrah Badal
- Doing Wudu or Ghusl: Before entering the state of Ihram, you must ensure you are in a state of ritual purity.
- Wearing Ihram at Miqat: Miqat is the point from where you start your journey to Makkah. This is where pilgrims must wear the white garments – Izar and Rida.
- Make the Intention: Facing the Kaaba, the pilgrim must state their intention of performing Umrah.
Once the pilgrim has worn the Ihram, there are certain rules they have to follow, such as no fighting, maintaining modesty (no perfumes or jewelry), and avoiding sexual intercourse.
Summary – Umrah Badal
One of the most important things to remember while performing Umrah Badal is that you are doing it for someone else.
Throughout your journey, you must sincerely pray for the person on whose behalf you are undertaking the pilgrimage.
Umrah Badal carries profound spiritual and emotional importance for the Muslim performing it and the person for whom it is performed. Often, people ask who can perform Umrah Badal.
Since in Islam, all males and females are brothers and sisters forming a community and portraying unity, anyone can offer this pilgrimage.
Remember, Umrah Badal can only be performed by a person who has performed Umrah for themselves and has knowledge about the rituals — the same stands for Hajj Badal.
In conclusion, Umrah Badal starts with making the Niyyah that you are doing it for another person and performing all the rituals, keeping them in mind.
Your reward in the hereafter will be beyond your imagination for this act of kindness and charity.
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