When a loved one passes away or becomes unable to perform Umrah themselves, many Muslims wonder about making the sacred intention on their behalf. Understanding how to properly form the umrah niyat for someone else is essential to ensuring this blessed act of worship is accepted and brings spiritual benefit to the person you wish to honour.
What Is Umrah Niyat for Someone Else?
The niyat, or intention, forms the foundation of all Islamic acts of worship. When performing Umrah on behalf of another person, the niyat must be clearly made for that specific individual rather than for yourself. This practice, known as Umrah Badal or proxy Umrah, allows the spiritual rewards to be transferred to the person you intend to benefit, whether they are deceased, elderly, chronically ill, or otherwise unable to complete the pilgrimage.
The umrah niyat for someone else differs from a personal Umrah intention in one crucial aspect: you must name or clearly identify the person in your heart and mind when entering the state of ihram. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ confirmed this practice when a companion asked about performing Hajj for a family member who had passed away, and the Prophet ﷺ approved of fulfilling this religious obligation on their behalf.
Who Can You Make Umrah Niyat For?
Islamic scholarship recognizes several categories of people for whom you can validly make the umrah niyat for someone else:
- Deceased parents or relatives: One of the most common and blessed forms of Sadaqah Jariyah
- Elderly individuals: Those who are physically unable to travel or perform the rites
- Chronically ill Muslims: People with disabilities or long-term health conditions that prevent pilgrimage
- Living family members: With their permission, you may perform on their behalf
The Correct Wording for Umrah Niyat on Behalf of Others
When you reach the Miqat (the designated boundary for entering ihram), you should make your intention clear. While the niyat is primarily in the heart, many pilgrims verbalize it for certainty. The basic format in Arabic is: “Labbayka Allahuma Umratan ‘an [name of person]” which translates to “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah on behalf of [person’s name].”
You may also say this in your own language, as sincerity and clarity of intention matter more than specific Arabic wording. For example: “O Allah, I intend to perform this Umrah on behalf of my mother [name].” The key element is clearly identifying the person in your intention before beginning the Talbiyah and entering into the sacred state of ihram.
Conditions for Valid Proxy Umrah Intention
Islamic scholars have established certain conditions that must be met when making umrah niyat for someone else to ensure the act is valid and accepted:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Your own Umrah status | You must have already performed Umrah for yourself at least once |
| Physical capability | You must be physically able to complete all the rites properly |
| Clear intention | The niyat must be specifically made for the named individual |
| Permission (for living persons) | If performing for someone alive, you should have their consent |
| Proper knowledge | You should understand the rites and perform them correctly |
Can Someone Else Make Umrah Niyat on Your Behalf?
Just as you can perform Umrah for others, others can perform it for you. Many Muslims who are unable to travel to Makkah due to health, age, financial constraints, or other valid reasons choose to arrange Umrah Badal through qualified services. This allows experienced pilgrims to make the umrah niyat for someone else while you remain in your home country.
This arrangement is particularly meaningful as a gift of Umrah for parents who have passed away, providing them with ongoing spiritual benefit. The person performing the Umrah on your behalf will make the complete intention in your name and carry out all the required rites, with the full reward going to you or your loved one.
The Spiritual Significance of Proxy Umrah Intention
Making umrah niyat for someone else represents one of the most beautiful expressions of love and devotion in Islam. For deceased loved ones, it serves as Sadaqah Jariyah, continuous charity that benefits them in the afterlife when they can no longer perform good deeds themselves. The Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.
Performing Umrah on behalf of a parent fulfills multiple aspects of this teaching. It demonstrates the ultimate form of honouring your parents, even after their passing, and provides them with immense spiritual rewards. For living individuals who are unable to perform Umrah, it offers them the opportunity to receive the blessings of visiting the sacred sites and completing the pilgrimage rites through a proxy.
Arranging Professional Umrah Badal Services
If you cannot travel to perform Umrah yourself, or if you wish to honour multiple family members, professional Umrah Badal services provide a reliable solution. These services coordinate with experienced pilgrims, often honoured guests of Allah who reside near the Haramain, to perform Umrah with proper intention on behalf of your loved ones.
When you book Umrah Badal through a reputable service, you can be confident that the umrah niyat for someone else will be made correctly, all rites will be performed according to the Sunnah, and you will receive confirmation once the Umrah has been completed. This provides peace of mind and allows you to fulfil this important religious act even when circumstances prevent you from traveling personally.
Taking the Next Step
Whether you are planning to perform Umrah yourself on behalf of a loved one or wish to arrange for a qualified pilgrim to do so, understanding the proper umrah niyat for someone else ensures this act of worship is performed correctly. The intention you make at the Miqat carries profound spiritual weight and transfers the blessings of this sacred journey to the person you wish to honour. If you would like to arrange proxy Umrah for a deceased parent, elderly relative, or someone unable to travel, our experienced team can guide you through the process and coordinate this meaningful service with care and respect.
About this service
umrabadal.com is run by a team with members based in Makkah who have direct daily access to Masjid al-Haram. Every Umrah Badal comes with video proof.