Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr, an imam at Egypt’s Ministry of Awqaf, responded to comments made by media presenter Nashet El Deihy regarding performing Umrah when its expenses are borrowed, stressing that the acceptance of worship is ultimately known only to Allah.

Mohamed Abu Bakr Comments on Nashet El Deihy’s Umrah Statements

In a post shared on his social media account, Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr criticized the statements attributed to Nashet El Deihy regarding Umrah, arguing that making definitive claims about whether an act of worship will be accepted is not appropriate.

He emphasized that Umrah is an act of worship through which Muslims seek closeness to Allah and noted the deep spiritual importance that visiting Mecca and Medina holds for many Muslims.

Is Umrah Accepted If It Is Paid for With Borrowed Money?

Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr stressed that it is not appropriate to categorically declare that an Umrah will not be accepted simply because its expenses were obtained through borrowing.

He explained that the acceptance of deeds ultimately belongs to Allah, and that people should exercise caution when making religious statements before a broad audience.

He also referred to the Quranic concept of ability or financial and practical capability in connection with pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of seeking qualified religious guidance when discussing such matters.

Mohamed Abu Bakr: Umrah Is an Act of Worship

According to Abu Bakr, Umrah is a form of worship and should not be unnecessarily presented as something prohibited without clear religious evidence.

He further stressed that no individual can definitively determine whether another person's worship has been accepted, because such matters belong to Allah alone.

Umrah Funded Through Charitable Organizations

Abu Bakr also addressed the issue of charitable organizations helping people perform Umrah. He described charitable assistance as potentially falling under cooperation in righteousness and social solidarity, provided that the organization's funds are used in accordance with its governing rules and legitimate purposes.

He stressed the importance of consulting qualified scholars before making definitive religious statements, particularly when addressing issues that concern large numbers of people.

Mohamed Abu Bakr’s Message to Nashet El Deihy

Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr called on Nashet El Deihy to reconsider his statements regarding Umrah and urged greater caution when discussing religious rulings publicly.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of verification and consulting qualified scholars before issuing opinions on matters of worship, particularly because religious rulings require careful consideration of the relevant texts and legal principles.

Is it permissible to perform Umrah with borrowed money?

In principle, borrowing money to perform Umrah may be permissible if the loan itself is lawful and the borrower can repay it, while also considering the relevant requirements of financial ability.

Can someone declare that another person’s Umrah will not be accepted?

No. The ultimate acceptance of worship is known to Allah, and people should not definitively declare that another person's worship has been rejected without valid evidence.

Can charitable organizations help people perform Umrah?

Charitable assistance may be permissible when it falls within the organization's lawful objectives and complies with the rules governing its funds.

What does ability mean in relation to pilgrimage?

Ability generally relates to having the necessary physical, financial, and practical capacity to perform the pilgrimage, with details depending on the specific act of worship and the individual's circumstances.

Why should religious questions be referred to qualified scholars?

Because religious rulings require knowledge of relevant texts, jurisprudential principles, and how those principles apply to specific circumstances.