Which is more befitting: performing Umrah or purchasing a burial plot, in the event that one possesses a sum sufficient for only one of them?
Purchasing a grave is permissible, and it was done by Uthman, Aisha, and Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. Its permissibility is confirmed in places where graves are scarce. However, despite its permissibility, it is not recommended, and a servant does not know when or where they will die: (And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die). Performing Umrah is more deserving and better, because it expiates sins and banishes poverty, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: (Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they banish poverty and sins as a blacksmith's bellows banish the dross of iron). If Umrah has not been performed previously, then Umrah becomes obligatory, and it is not permissible to delay it for the sake of purchasing a grave.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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