Questions often arise about performing Umrah or Hajj on behalf of someone who is still alive but unable to travel due to illness or physical incapacity, especially when loved ones wish to fulfill the ritual on their behalf.

First: The original ruling

In Islamic law, physical acts of worship such as Umrah and Hajj must be performed by the person themselves if they are physically and financially able, and delegation is not valid in such cases.

Second: Physical incapacity

If a person is unable to travel due to a chronic illness or permanent physical condition confirmed by medical reports, scholars permit performing Umrah or Hajj on their behalf.

Third: Financial incapacity

If the person is only financially unable, then Umrah is not obligatory upon them in the first place, and performing it on their behalf is considered voluntary.

Fourth: When it becomes obligatory personally

If the person recovers and becomes physically able, they must perform Umrah themselves, and delegation is no longer sufficient.

Fifth: After death

If the person dies before being able to perform Umrah while it was due upon them, it may be performed on their behalf and will be accepted, by Allah’s will.