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What is the ruling on people donating the expenses of `Umrah for someone who wishes to perform it, thereby making it a continuous charity for the deceased? In this case, the reward of the charity itself goes to the deceased, but can the performer of `Umrah intend it for themselves?
Praise be to Allah.
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.”
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)
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.