Umrah on behalf of others is a great act of worship where one performs the rituals of Umrah for someone else who is unable to perform it themselves due to a legitimate excuse, such as old age, illness, or death. While the concept is simple, there are common mistakes that people make when performing Umrah on behalf of others. These mistakes can affect the validity of the Umrah or diminish its spiritual value. In this article, we will highlight these mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure the acceptance of this noble act of worship.
Mistake:
Some people forget or neglect to clearly specify their intention before starting the Umrah. They do not explicitly intend that this Umrah is on behalf of a specific person.
How to Avoid:
The intention must be clear and specific in the heart before entering the state of Ihram.
It is recommended to say: “Labbayk Umrah on behalf of [person's name],” whether the person is alive or deceased.
Mistake:
Performing Umrah on behalf of someone without learning about the religious rulings regarding it, such as the conditions required for both the person performing the Umrah and the one on whose behalf it is performed.
How to Avoid:
Make sure to understand the conditions, such as the fact that the person on whose behalf the Umrah is performed must be unable to perform it themselves.
The person performing the Umrah must have first performed Umrah for themselves.
Mistake:
Some people assign the task of performing Umrah on behalf of others to people who are not religiously qualified or do not know how to perform the rituals correctly.
How to Avoid:
Choose a trustworthy person who knows the rules of Umrah well.
Ensure that the person is sincere, has the physical ability, and possesses the necessary knowledge to perform the Umrah correctly.
Mistake:
Some people believe they can perform multiple Umrahs on behalf of others in one trip, which might contradict the Sunnah.
How to Avoid:
Stick to the Sunnah and perform only one Umrah on behalf of others in each trip.
If there is a need to perform more than one Umrah, it is preferable to travel again for each one.
Mistake:
Failing to specify the person in the intention or forgetting to mention their name.
How to Avoid:
Clearly specify the name of the person in the intention.
It is better to mention the person's name during the Talbiyah, such as: “Labbayk Umrah on behalf of [person's name].”
Mistake:
Dealing with companies or individuals who lack credibility or experience, which might lead to the Umrah not being performed correctly.
How to Avoid:
Choose accredited companies with a good reputation.
Ensure that the company provides official documentation or guarantees that the Umrah will be performed correctly.
Mistake:
Some people performing Umrah on behalf of others neglect the proper etiquettes and rules, such as modesty, humility, or engaging in remembrance and supplication.
How to Avoid:
Be diligent in adhering to the etiquettes of Umrah, as if performing it for oneself.
Make sincere prayers for the person on whose behalf the Umrah is being performed.
Mistake:
Some people mistakenly think that they can delegate the task of performing Umrah on behalf of others even though they are physically and financially capable of performing it themselves.
How to Avoid:
A person who is physically and financially capable should perform Umrah for themselves.
Umrah on behalf of others is limited to those who are unable to perform it due to a legitimate excuse.
Mistake:
Neglecting to pray for the person during or after completing the Umrah.
How to Avoid:
Take time to make supplications for the person on whose behalf the Umrah is performed.
Pray for their acceptance, forgiveness, and mercy.
Mistake:
Performing the Umrah rituals incorrectly due to ignorance or negligence.
How to Avoid:
Learn how to perform the rituals correctly before starting.
Read books of jurisprudence or watch reliable instructional videos.
Umrah on behalf of others is a great act of worship that allows a Muslim to earn reward both for themselves and for the person on whose behalf it is performed. However, avoiding common mistakes and adhering to the religious requirements and etiquettes is crucial to ensure the acceptance of the Umrah. One should ensure sincere intention, choose the right person, and follow the rulings of Sharia to ensure the Umrah is accepted by Allah. Through proper guidance and preparation, these mistakes can be avoided, and the Umrah on behalf of others can be performed in the best possible manner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the conditions for performing Umrah on behalf of others?
Is it permissible to perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, it is permissible to perform Umrah on behalf of another person, whether they are alive or deceased and unable to perform it themselves.
What is Umrah on behalf of others?
Umrah on behalf of others is when a person performs Umrah for another, whether they are alive or deceased.
Can you perform Umrah on behalf of a living person?
Yes, it is permissible to perform Umrah on behalf of a living person, provided they are unable to perform it themselves due to illness or permanent incapacity.