What is the Ruling on Donating for a Deceased Person’s `Umrah Expenses?

It has been previously mentioned that it is permissible to donate money for a needy person to perform `Umrah or pilgrimage, as discussed in question (346822).

Donating money for someone to perform `Umrah is considered an act of kindness and, therefore, a form of charity.

Muslim (1005) narrated from Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), who said: “Every act of kindness is a charity.”

Definition of Charity:

It is stated in Al-Mawsu`ah Al-Fiqhiyyah Al-Kuwaitiyyah (26/323):

“Charity, linguistically, refers to anything given for the purpose of drawing closer to Allah Almighty, not as a favor.”

Technically (Islamically): It is the act of granting ownership to others during one’s lifetime without expecting compensation, with the intention of drawing closer to Allah Almighty.

Al-Hattab (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “A gift, if it is given purely for the reward in the Hereafter, is a charity. A similar statement was made by Al-Ba`li Al-Hanbali in Al-Mutli` `ala Abwab Al-Muqni`.” (End quote)

Charity on Behalf of the Deceased:

Giving charity on behalf of the deceased is unanimously agreed upon as permissible, and it is hoped that both the donor and the deceased will receive the reward.

Sheikh `Abd Al-`Aziz ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Charity on behalf of the deceased is legislated, beneficial, and useful for the deceased. It is confirmed in Al-Bukhari and Muslim that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was asked about it. A man said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died; will she receive a reward if I give charity on her behalf?’ He replied: ‘Yes.’

Thus, charity benefits the deceased, and a similar reward is hoped for the donor, as he is a benefactor and a volunteer.” (End of quote from Fatawa Nur ‘ala Ad-Darb, 14/312).

For further benefit, please refer to the answers to questions (42384) and (219751).

Conclusion:

It is legislated for a Muslim to donate money for a needy person to perform `Umrah, and the donor can dedicate the reward of this money to a deceased Muslim.

However, it should be noted that this charity is not classified as “continuous charity” (Sadaqah Jariyah). A continuous charity refers to an “endowment” that is not consumed or spent, such as the building of a mosque or endowing books of knowledge. Continuous charity creates a renewable, ongoing benefit.

Assisting a pilgrim or a performer of `Umrah with money is a form of charity for the deceased and benefits them, Allah willing, but it is not a continuous charity.

Allah knows best.