Islamic FAQ: Badal Umrah, Badal Hajj & Sadaqah in Makkah
Quick Answer
Badal Umrah and Badal Hajj mean that a Muslim who has already performed their own Umrah or Hajj performs it on behalf of someone as a proxy or subsidiary who has died or is permanently unable to travel. The reward of the rites is credited to the person represented. This page answers 57 questions on rulings, eligibility, cost, proof, refunds and donations, with scholarly and hadith references.
At a Glance
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Badal Umrah |
$199 · HD video + digital certificate within 72 hours |
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Ramadan Badal Umrah |
$299 · limited slots, book early |
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Badal Hajj |
From $3,750 · performed in Dhul Hijjah · Hady (sacrifice) included |
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Performed by |
Certified scholars based in Makkah |
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Proof |
HD video of the rites + digital certificate in the person’s name |
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Booking |
100% online, from any country no visa or travel |
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Rating |
4.95★ across 290+ verified reviews |
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Company |
Proxy Umrah, trading brand of Proxy Umrah Hajj UK ltd, UK company no. 16837981 |
1. The Basics
What is Badal Umrah?
Badal Umrah, also called proxy Umrah, is Umrah performed by one Muslim on behalf of another who has died or is permanently unable to travel. The performer makes the intention (niyyah) in that person’s name, completes every rite in Makkah, and the reward of the Umrah is credited to the person represented.
What does "Badal" mean?
“Badal” is Arabic for “substitute” or “replacement”. In fiqh the practice is described as niyabah — acting on someone’s behalf in Hajj or Umrah. Badal Umrah, Umrah Badal, Omra Badal and proxy Umrah are different names for the same act of worship performed by a substitute.
Is Badal Umrah permissible in Islam?
Yes, according to the majority of scholars, for someone who has died or is permanently unable to travel. The evidence is the hadith of Laqit ibn Amir, in which the Prophet ﷺ told a man to perform Hajj and Umrah on behalf of his elderly father (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i). The Maliki school is more restrictive and links it to a will.
What is the evidence for proxy Umrah and Hajj?
Four narrations are commonly cited: the woman of Khath’am asking about her aged father (Sahih al-Bukhari 1513); the woman of Juhaynah whose mother vowed Hajj and died (Sahih al-Bukhari 1852); the woman asking about her deceased mother’s Hajj (Sahih Muslim 1149); and Laqit ibn Amir’s elderly father (Abu Dawud 1810; At-Tirmidhi 930).
Does the reward reach the person it is performed for?
Yes. The Saudi Standing Committee (Al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah) states that the reward of the Hajj or Umrah rites goes to the person on whose behalf they are performed, whether or not the performer is paid. The performer may also hope for a great reward for sincerity, and extra voluntary prayers or Quran recitation they do remain theirs.
Is Umrah obligatory, and can a proxy perform it?
Scholars differ: the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider Umrah obligatory once in a lifetime for those able, while the Hanafi and Maliki schools consider it a strongly recommended Sunnah. For someone who has died or is permanently unable to travel, a proxy Umrah is accepted and rewarded by Allah.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage performed on fixed days of Dhul Hijjah and is a pillar of Islam, obligatory once for those able. Umrah is the shorter “lesser pilgrimage” — Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq or Taqsir and can be performed at any time of year. Hajj adds Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.
What is the difference between Badal Umrah and Badal Hajj?
Badal Umrah is a proxy Umrah: a few hours in Makkah, bookable any time of year. Badal Hajj is a proxy Hajj: several days, only in Dhul Hijjah, covering Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina. The rulings on Hajj are stricter because Hajj can be an obligation owed by the person, especially someone able who died without performing it.
2. Who Can It Be Done For?
Who can Badal Umrah be performed for?
Badal Umrah can be performed for a Muslim who has died, or for a living Muslim who is permanently unable to perform Umrah because of old age, an illness with no hope of recovery, or a lasting disability. Temporary reasons a short illness, a visa delay or a busy schedule do not qualify.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of my deceased mother or father?
Yes. Umrah for a deceased parent is the most common reason people arrange Badal Umrah. The performer makes the niyyah in your parent’s name and the reward is credited to them. The Prophet ﷺ approved Hajj and Umrah being performed for a parent, and scholars regard it as ongoing kindness toward them.
Do I need permission from a deceased person to arrange Umrah for them?
No. For someone who has passed away, no prior consent is required your sincere intention and the performer’s niyyah are sufficient. Hanafi scholars note that voluntary Hajj or Umrah performed for the deceased is valid and its reward reaches them, even though they were unaware of it.
Do I need a living person's permission before arranging Umrah for them?
Yes. Because the performer acts as their representative, a living person who is permanently unable to travel should authorise the proxy before it is arranged. This is the key difference from arranging it for someone who has died. Tell them about the booking and keep their agreement on record.
Does a temporary illness qualify for Badal Umrah?
No. A proxy is accepted only where the inability is permanent or there is no hope of recovery. The Saudi Standing Committee states that proxy worship is not acceptable for a temporary reason — an illness from which recovery is hoped, an unsafe route or a political situation. In those cases, wait and perform it yourself.
Can I arrange Umrah by proxy for myself if I am healthy but cannot travel?
Generally no. Most scholars accept a proxy only for the deceased or the permanently unable; if you are physically able, perform Umrah yourself when the opportunity arises. Scholars differ on voluntary (nafl) Umrah by proxy — some permit it, others such as Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin do not — so consult a qualified scholar about your situation.
Can Umrah be performed for a non-Muslim parent?
No. Scholars require the person represented to be a Muslim, so proxy Umrah or Hajj cannot be performed for a non-Muslim. If your parent is still alive, you can make sincere dua that Allah guides them.
Can I arrange Badal Umrah for the same person more than once?
Yes. Each Umrah is a separate act of worship, and many families repeat it on anniversaries or during Ramadan for a deceased relative. For a living person, a proxy is accepted only while their inability remains permanent.
Can one Umrah be performed for two people, like my mother and father?
No. One Umrah is performed for one person. To cover both parents, two separate Umrahs are needed, each with its own Ihram and niyyah. The Saudi Standing Committee states that Hajj or Umrah cannot be made on behalf of two people at once, though separate Umrahs can be done for different people.
Can Umrah be arranged for someone who died many years ago?
Yes. There is no time limit. Umrah can be performed for a Muslim who died recently or long ago, because the intention names the person and Allah credits the reward to them. The performer does not need to have known them; scholars say it is sufficient to intend it for the person you name.
3. Who Performs It?
Who can perform Badal Umrah on someone's behalf?
The performer must be a sane, adult Muslim who has already performed Umrah for themselves. If they have not, the Umrah counts for them rather than the person represented, based on the hadith of Shubrumah (Abu Dawud 1811). Scholars also advise choosing someone religious, trustworthy and knowledgeable in the rites.
Must the performer have completed their own Umrah first?
Yes, according to most scholars, including the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools and the Saudi Standing Committee. The Prophet ﷺ told a man saying “Labbayk” for Shubrumah to perform Hajj for himself first. Every scholar assigned to our bookings has completed their own Umrah and Hajj [confirm].
Does the performer need to be a relative?
No. It is best for a son or relative to perform it, but hiring a trustworthy, religious person is permissible. Shaykh Ibn Baz said that arranging a proxy for your parents is part of honouring them. Choose someone knowledgeable in the rites and sincere in their intention.
Can a woman perform Umrah for a man, or a man for a woman?
Yes. The Saudi Standing Committee confirms it is permissible for a woman to perform Hajj or Umrah on behalf of a man or a woman, and for a man to do so for a woman, provided the performer has completed their own. This is supported by the hadith of the woman of Khath’am asking about her father.
Is it permissible to pay a service to arrange Badal Umrah?
Yes. Scholars permit appointing a trustworthy, religiously committed person and covering the cost of the rites; Shaykh Ibn Baz said hiring such a person for your parents is fine. Scholars stress that the performer’s intention must be worship and helping a fellow Muslim, not trade — which is why choosing qualified, sincere scholars matters.
Can the scholar pass my Umrah to someone else to perform?
Scholars say a proxy should not delegate the task to another person without the consent of the one who appointed them (Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin). [State your policy, e.g. “Your Umrah is performed personally by the scholar assigned to your booking; we never reassign it without telling you.”]
Who performs the Umrah at Proxy Umrah?
Every booking is performed by a certified scholar based in Makkah who has completed their own Umrah and Hajj [confirm vetting: interviews, certifications, how long they have served]. Because our scholars live in Makkah year-round, no travel is arranged for your booking and the rites begin as soon as your slot is confirmed.
4. How It Works, Proof & Timing
How does Badal Umrah work, step by step?
First, you book online and give the full name of the person. Second, a certified scholar in Makkah enters Ihram with the niyyah in that name. Third, they complete Tawaf, two rak’ahs, Sa’i and Halq or Taqsir. Finally, you receive HD video and a digital certificate, usually within 72 hours.
Which rites does the scholar perform?
The scholar enters Ihram at the Miqat with the niyyah for the person represented, performs seven circuits of Tawaf around the Kaaba and two rak’ahs behind the Maqam of Ibrahim, completes seven rounds of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, then shaves or trims the hair (Halq or Taqsir) to leave Ihram.
Can I choose where Ihram is entered?
Yes. By default the scholar enters Ihram from Masjid Aisha (Taneem), the usual point for those already in Makkah. On request, Ihram can be entered from Masjid al-Ji’ranah instead. [Confirm both options are currently offered.]
Can I request a specific dua?
Yes. You can add a dua request when booking and the scholar will make it for your loved one during the Umrah, including at the Kaaba [confirm]. Personal supplication is encouraged during Tawaf and Sa’i, and mentioning the person by name is part of the intention for the rites.
How long does Badal Umrah take?
The rites take a few hours in Makkah once the scholar begins. From booking to receiving your video and certificate, the process takes up to 72 hours (3 days). Ramadan bookings may take slightly longer because scholar slots are limited and demand is higher that month.
How do I know my Badal Umrah was actually performed?
You receive HD video of the scholar performing the rites in Makkah, plus a digital certificate with the person’s name and the date. We never issue a certificate without video. You can also request a live check-in [confirm], and our Work Proof page shows real examples of completed performances.
Can I watch my Umrah live?
Yes. An optional live video check-in can be arranged during key moments, such as the start of Tawaf, so you can witness part of the Umrah as it happens. The full HD recording is still delivered afterwards. [Confirm how to request it — at booking, or via WhatsApp.]
What do I receive after the Umrah is completed?
You receive an HD video of the performance and a digital certificate in the name of the person represented, showing the date of completion. Where included in your booking, you also receive confirmation of the Quran donated in their name at Masjid al-Haram [confirm current offer]. Everything is sent electronically, wherever you are.
5. Badal Hajj
What is Badal Hajj?
Badal Hajj is the full Hajj performed by a certified scholar on behalf of someone who has died or is permanently unable to perform it. The scholar completes every rite in that person’s name during Dhul Hijjah: Ihram, standing at Arafah, Muzdalifah, stoning at Mina, the sacrifice (Hady), Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i.
Who can Hajj be performed for?
Hajj can be performed for someone who has died, or for a living person permanently unable to perform it because of old age or an illness with no hope of recovery. According to the Saudi Standing Committee, it is not valid for someone who is able, or for a person excused only by poverty or a temporary obstacle.
If someone died without performing Hajj, should Hajj be done for them?
If they were able but died without performing it, the Saudi Standing Committee and the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools say Hajj should be performed for them from their estate, and it fulfils the obligation. Hanafi and Maliki scholars link this to a will, but accept voluntary Hajj for the deceased, with its reward reaching them.
Can a healthy person send a proxy for their own obligatory Hajj?
No. Scholars are agreed that a person able to perform the obligatory Hajj cannot appoint someone else to do it for them (Ibn Qudamah, al-Mughni). A proxy is accepted only for the deceased or the permanently incapable. If you are able, perform Hajj yourself.
Does the Badal Hajj performer need to have done their own Hajj?
Yes. Most scholars, including the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools and the Saudi Standing Committee, require the proxy to have performed their own Hajj first, based on the hadith of Shubrumah (Abu Dawud 1811). If they have not, their Hajj counts for themselves, not for the person they represent.
Can one Hajj be performed for two people?
No. One Hajj is performed for one person only. The Saudi Standing Committee states that a single Hajj cannot be made on behalf of two people, though a person can perform Hajj for one person and Umrah for another in the same year, provided they have completed their own.
How much does Badal Hajj cost?
Badal Hajj starts at $4,300. The price covers the full Hajj performed during Dhul Hijjah, the Hady (sacrifice), HD video documentation and a digital certificate, with no hidden add-ons. [Confirm the price and any payment-plan option so this matches your Badal Hajj product page.]
Is the sacrifice (Hady) included in Badal Hajj?
Yes. The Hady is arranged as part of every Badal Hajj booking and is not sold separately. It is a required part of Hajj for those performing Tamattu’ or Qiran, so including it ensures the pilgrimage is complete on your loved one’s behalf.
When should I book Badal Hajj, and how long does it take?
Book as early as possible — ideally two to three months before Dhul Hijjah — because slots are limited and Hajj can only be performed on fixed dates. The rites last several days; your video documentation and certificate are delivered once that season’s rites are complete.
5. Ramadan
Is Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj?
Umrah in Ramadan carries a reward equal to Hajj, according to hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (1782) and Sahih Muslim (1256). Scholars explain this refers to the amount of reward and does not replace the obligation of Hajj. It makes Ramadan an especially meaningful time to arrange Badal Umrah for a loved one.
How much is Ramadan Badal Umrah, and when should I book?
Ramadan Badal Umrah is $299 — higher than the standard $199 — because scholar availability is limited during Ramadan while demand rises. Book several weeks before Ramadan begins to secure a confirmed date. The service is otherwise identical: the full rites, HD video proof and a digital certificate.
7. Cost, Trust & Refunds
How much does Badal Umrah cost?
Standard Badal Umrah costs $199 and includes the complete Umrah, HD video proof and a digital certificate, with no hidden fees. Ramadan Badal Umrah costs $299. Badal Hajj starts at $3,750.
What payment methods and currencies are accepted?
Prices are shown in US dollars and payment is made securely online via Stripe and bKash. Customers book from the UK, USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Malaysia and elsewhere.
Is Badal Umrah a scam? How can I verify a provider?
Not if you choose carefully. Look for HD video of the actual rites (a certificate alone proves nothing), named qualified performers, a verifiable company registration, transparent pricing and independent reviews. Every booking with us includes video, and our Work Proof page publishes real examples of completed performances.
Is Proxy Umrah a registered company?
Yes. Proxy Umrah is a trading brand of Proxy Umrah Hajj UK Ltd, a UK-registered company, number 1683791. Our rating is 4.95★ across 290+ verified reviews.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, before the Umrah or Hajj has been performed. If you cancel before the scholar begins, you receive a full refund. Once performed, the service is complete and you receive video and certificate documentation instead. Badal Hajj has additional timing terms; see our Refund Policy for full details.
Can I cancel or change the name after booking?
You can cancel or amend details before the scholar begins the rites; contact us on WhatsApp at +966581435305 or via email-info@proxyumrah.com with your order number. Once the Umrah or Hajj has started, the niyyah has been made in the name given and it cannot be changed.
8. Sadaqah & Donations in Makkah
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing charity whose benefit continues over time. The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person dies their deeds end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them (Sahih Muslim 1631). Donating a Quran, water or a wheelchair in Makkah are common examples.
Can I donate in the name of a deceased relative?
Yes. Charity given on behalf of a deceased Muslim is accepted by scholars and its reward reaches them. When you donate a Quran, water, meals or a wheelchair in Makkah through us, you provide the name and the donation is made in that person’s name, with confirmation sent to you.
What donations can I make in Makkah?
You can donate Qur’ans for worshippers in Masjid al-Haram, drinking water for pilgrims, wheelchairs for elderly or disabled worshippers, prayer mats, Iftar and Sehri meals, food for the pigeons and cats of the Haram, or give to a flexible charity fund used where the need is greatest in Makkah.
Is Badal Umrah the same as Sadaqah Jariyah?
No. Badal Umrah is a one-time act of worship whose reward is credited to the person represented. Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing charity that keeps benefiting people over time. Many families combine both: a proxy Umrah plus a lasting donation such as a Quran or water in Makkah, in the same loved one’s name.
Are donations refundable?
Donations are final once processed because funds are allocated promptly to fulfil the gift. If a donation cannot be fulfilled as described, we will contact you to arrange a suitable resolution. See our Refund Policy for details.
9. Booking From Anywhere
Can I book from the UK, USA, Canada, Bangladesh or Malaysia?
Yes. Booking is entirely online from anywhere in the world. You need no visa, travel agent or local paperwork; a certified scholar already in Makkah performs the rites and proof is delivered electronically. See our guides for the UK, USA, Canada, Bangladesh and Malaysia.
Do I need a visa or to travel to Saudi Arabia?
No. Proxy Umrah and Hajj are performed in Makkah by a scholar who already lives there, so you do not travel, apply for a visa or arrange anything locally. You only provide the name of the person represented and complete the booking online.
Is support available in Bangla or other languages?
We provide support in English, Bengali and Urdu. Support is available on WhatsApp at +966581435305 and by email at info@proxyumrah.com. Booking, proof and certificates are delivered digitally, so you can arrange everything from your phone, wherever you are in the world.
Sources & Further Reading
- Islam Q&A — What Is Hajj by Proxy? (rulings of the Saudi Standing Committee, Ibn Baz, Ibn 'Uthaymin)
- Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah — Hajj on behalf of a deceased person
- SeekersGuidance — rulings on performing Hajj and Umrah on behalf of another
- Islamweb — Conditions of Hajj by proxy
- Islam Q&A — Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj
Arrange Badal Umrah or Badal Hajj Today
Still unsure which service fits your situation? Message us on WhatsApp before booking — we will help you choose between Badal Umrah, Ramadan Badal Umrah and Badal Hajj, and answer any question this page has not covered.