What is the meaning of Umrah and what is its ruling for a resident of Mecca and others, and is it permissible to perform it on behalf of the deceased?
Linguistically, Umrah means: visitation. Technically, it is: visiting the House of Allah to perform specific rituals. Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able to perform it, according to the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of thought. There is no difference in obligation between a Meccan resident and someone from outside Mecca, according to the relied-upon opinion.
There are three scenarios for a person regarding Umrah: 1. Being able to perform it financially and physically, but delaying it until death: What is sufficient for someone to perform Umrah on their behalf is taken from their estate. 2. Being able to perform it financially but physically unable (due to old age or illness): They should appoint someone to perform Umrah on their behalf. If they die before appointing someone, what is sufficient for someone to perform Umrah on their behalf is taken from their estate. 3. Being unable to perform it financially and physically, or being physically able but without financial means: It is not obligatory for them. However, if a relative performs Umrah on their behalf, that relative will receive a reward.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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