Performing Umrah on Behalf of a Loved One? Sadaqah Ideas to Consider
Performing Umrah can be one of the most meaningful acts of worship a Muslim experiences. For many people, the journey becomes even more emotional when they are travelling with a loved one in mind—especially a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling or someone who has passed away.
Some Muslims also want to combine their Umrah journey with acts of Sadaqah on behalf of a loved one. This can be a beautiful way to remember someone while helping other people at the same time.
Islamic sources establish that charity can be given on behalf of a deceased person. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked whether charity given on behalf of a deceased mother would benefit her, and he answered yes.
If you are planning to perform Umrah on behalf of someone, you may therefore want to consider adding meaningful charitable acts to your journey.
Can You Perform Umrah on Behalf of a Loved One?
Islamic sources provide evidence for performing Hajj and Umrah on behalf of someone who cannot perform them themselves.
In a hadith narrated by Abu Razin, a man told the Prophet ﷺ that his father was very old and unable to perform Hajj or Umrah or travel. The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to perform Hajj and Umrah on behalf of his father. The narration is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and graded authentic by Al-Albani.
Islamic Relief's current Umrah guidance explains that Umrah may be performed on behalf of a relative who is deceased, chronically ill or physically unable to perform it. It also explains that the person performing the Umrah should make the intention for the relative when entering Ihram.
Because details concerning performing Umrah on behalf of another person can involve different scholarly opinions and circumstances, anyone planning this should follow the guidance of a trusted qualified scholar, particularly regarding their own previous Umrah and the exact situation of the person they represent.
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What Is Sadaqah on Behalf of Someone?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity given for the sake of Allah. It can take many forms, including financial donations, providing food or water, helping people in need and supporting beneficial projects.
There is clear evidence for giving charity on behalf of a deceased person. In Sahih Muslim, a person asked the Prophet ﷺ whether his deceased mother would receive a reward if he gave charity on her behalf. The Prophet ﷺ replied in the affirmative.
This provides an important foundation for Muslims who want to remember a deceased loved one through charitable giving.
7 Sadaqah Ideas to Consider During an Umrah Journey
1. Provide Drinking Water
Water is a simple but meaningful form of charity.
During an Umrah journey, you can consider supporting a legitimate water project or providing drinking water where appropriate and permitted.
If you want your charity to have a continuing benefit, you could support a suitable water project that provides access to clean water over a longer period.
Sadaqah does not have to be expensive. The important point is that the donation is made sincerely and through an appropriate channel.
2. Feed Someone in Need
Another meaningful Sadaqah idea is providing food.
You could donate towards meals for people in need, support food assistance projects or contribute to a charitable programme serving vulnerable people.
If you are in Makkah, do not assume that every food donation automatically reaches pilgrims or people inside Masjid al-Haram. Check what the specific charity or project actually provides and where the distribution takes place.
3. Donate a Qur'an Through an Appropriate Project
A Qur'an donation can be another option for someone looking for a lasting charitable act.
You could support a recognised project that provides Qur'ans or Islamic educational resources to people who need them.
When donating, check how the project operates. If your intention is for a deceased parent or another loved one, make that intention sincerely for Allah.
Islamic Relief's scholar-reviewed guidance on Sadaqah for the deceased lists donating towards beneficial projects among the ways Muslims may give charity on behalf of someone who has passed away.
4. Support a Sadaqah Jariyah Project
If you want your charity to potentially continue benefiting people, consider Sadaqah Jariyah.
Sadaqah Jariyah generally refers to ongoing charity whose benefit continues after the initial contribution. Examples can include water projects, education, useful community facilities and other sustainable charitable initiatives.
This can be particularly meaningful when remembering a deceased loved one.
Instead of making your charitable act only about one day, you can choose a project intended to provide benefit over an extended period.
5. Help an Elderly or Vulnerable Person
Sadaqah does not always require making an online payment.
Helping someone who is struggling, assisting an elderly person or offering practical support can also be an act of charity.
During a pilgrimage journey, you may encounter people who need assistance. However, it is important to respect local rules and avoid creating inconvenience or unsafe situations.
A small act of kindness can be meaningful when done sincerely.
6. Donate on Behalf of Your Loved One
If you are performing Umrah for someone who has passed away, you may also choose to make a separate charitable donation on their behalf.
For example, you might contribute towards:
Food assistance
Clean water
Education
Qur'an-related projects
Support for vulnerable families
Sustainable charity projects
Community facilities
Sahih Muslim records that charity given on behalf of a deceased person can benefit them.
This means your Umrah journey can become an opportunity to combine personal worship with generosity towards others.
7. Make Du'a for Your Loved One
Charity does not have to be the only way you remember someone.
Make sincere Du'a for your loved one during your journey. Ask Allah to forgive them, have mercy upon them and accept your good deeds.
Islamic Relief's scholar-reviewed guidance on charity for the deceased also includes Du'a for forgiveness among the ways of remembering someone who has passed away.
Umrah and Sadaqah Are Two Different Acts
It is useful to understand that performing Umrah on behalf of someone and giving Sadaqah on their behalf are not automatically the same act.
Umrah is a specific act of worship involving Ihram and the prescribed rites.
Sadaqah is voluntary charity that can take different forms.
A person may perform Umrah on behalf of an eligible loved one and separately give Sadaqah on their behalf.
Keeping this distinction clear helps avoid making religious claims that are broader than the evidence supports.
Can You Give Sadaqah for a Deceased Parent?
Yes, there is strong hadith evidence supporting charity on behalf of a deceased parent.
In Sahih Muslim, a person asked about giving charity on behalf of his deceased mother, and the Prophet ﷺ confirmed that she would benefit from it.
Another narration reports that a person asked about giving charity on behalf of his deceased father, and the Prophet ﷺ also affirmed it.
Therefore, someone travelling for Umrah may choose to make a charitable donation on behalf of a deceased mother, father or another loved one.
What About a Living Loved One?
The question can be different when the person is alive.
The hadith of Abu Razin provides evidence for performing Hajj and Umrah on behalf of an elderly father who was physically unable to perform them himself.
For other circumstances, such as someone who is temporarily ill or simply unable to travel at a particular time, the details may differ.
If you are unsure whether you can perform Umrah on behalf of a particular living relative, ask a qualified scholar before beginning the pilgrimage.
Choose Your Charity Carefully
If you are donating while in Makkah or arranging Sadaqah from another country, take a few minutes to check the organisation or project.
Look for information about:
Where the donation is distributed
Who benefits from it
What type of project you are funding
Whether the organisation explains its process clearly
Whether the donation is actually intended for the location you want to support
How the charity handles donor funds
Do not assume that a donation labelled generally as "Makkah charity" necessarily means the money or goods will be distributed inside Masjid al-Haram.
Read the project description carefully.
You Do Not Need a Large Budget
One of the beautiful aspects of Sadaqah is that it does not have to be financially overwhelming.
A person may choose a small donation that fits comfortably within their means.
You can give food, support water access, contribute towards education, help someone directly or donate towards a suitable ongoing project.
The goal should not be to compete with other pilgrims or make your charity part of a public display.
Instead, focus on sincerity and the intention behind your action.
Make Your Umrah Journey About More Than Yourself
An Umrah journey naturally involves personal worship, reflection and spiritual preparation.
Adding charitable actions can also encourage a person to think about the needs of others.
If you are performing Umrah on behalf of a loved one, you might create a simple personal checklist:
Make the appropriate intention for your Umrah.
Learn the rites before travelling.
Make sincere Du'a for your loved one.
Give a small amount of Sadaqah on their behalf if appropriate.
Consider a longer-term Sadaqah Jariyah project.
Help someone during your journey where appropriate.
Continue charitable giving after returning home.
This can help turn the experience into something that influences your everyday life after Umrah as well.
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Final Thoughts
Performing Umrah on behalf of a loved one can be an emotional and meaningful experience. When that journey is accompanied by sincere charity, it can also become an opportunity to help other people.
Islamic sources establish the permissibility of performing Umrah on behalf of someone who is unable to perform it in circumstances described in the Sunnah, while authentic hadith also establish giving Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased.
Whether you provide food, water, Qur'ans, support for an ongoing project or another form of charity, keep your intention focused on seeking Allah's pleasure.
You do not need to make your Sadaqah large or complicated. A sincere act, given within your means and through a trustworthy channel, can be a beautiful way to remember someone you love while helping others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of my deceased parent?
Islamic sources and current scholar-reviewed guidance recognise performing Umrah on behalf of a deceased relative. The person performing the Umrah should make the appropriate intention for the person they are representing.
Can I give Sadaqah on behalf of someone who has died?
Yes. Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet ﷺ approved giving charity on behalf of a deceased mother.
What Sadaqah can I give during Umrah?
You can consider food, water, support for vulnerable people, Qur'an-related projects or suitable Sadaqah Jariyah projects. Always check how and where a particular charity distributes donations.
Is Sadaqah the same as performing Umrah on behalf of someone?
No. Umrah and Sadaqah are separate acts of worship. A person can perform Umrah on behalf of an eligible loved one and separately give Sadaqah on their behalf.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of a living parent?
There is hadith evidence for performing Hajj and Umrah on behalf of a father who was extremely old and physically unable to perform them. For other circumstances, ask a qualified scholar about your specific situation.
Is Sadaqah Jariyah suitable for a deceased loved one?
Sadaqah Jariyah is commonly understood as ongoing charity whose benefits continue over time. Water, education and other sustainable projects are examples discussed in scholar-reviewed guidance.
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