Question
My mother died without performing ‘Umrah or Hajj and I want to perform ‘Umrah on her behalf. Knowing that I work in Saudi Arabia but have debts, is it permissible for me to borrow money (to do so)? Please advise.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.
May Allah reward you for your keenness on being dutiful to your mother. You should know that if your mother was capable of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah and she did not perform them, money should be taken from her inheritance for performing Hajj and ‘Umrah on her behalf. If she was not capable of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah before her death, then it would be preferable to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah on her behalf.
If you want to perform ‘Umrah on behalf of your mother, you would be rewarded, Allah willing, and if you borrow money to do this, Allah The Almighty will compensate you as this is an act of dutifulness to your mother after her death. However, if you are not sure of being able to repay the debt or this debt will hinder you from repaying the other debts you have, then you should not borrow money and should wait until you repay your own debts. Then, when you have enough money you can perform ‘Umrah on behalf of your mother.
And Allah knows best.