Assalaamu alaykum. I have a question regarding ‘Umrah. My mother-in-law wants to perform ‘Umrah during this Ramadan. She is financially stable and can pay for it herself. I (her daughter-in-law) want to pay for it. She did her Hajj two years ago (my husband bought his parents the tickets) and performed ‘Umrah twice already. She wants to go again; can I pay for it even though I am her daughter-in-law? I want to do a good deed because I have gone through some difficulties. Is this the right thing to do? Please guide me and tell me. I will give zakah as well, which I do every year. Please let me know as soon as possible. Best regards.

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.

It is permissible for you to pay the ‘Umrah expenses for your mother-in-law, even if she is rich, and you will be rewarded for this, Allah willing. However, if you spend that amount on the Muslims who are needier, then you will get a greater reward and this will be more pleasing to your Lord.

Many Muslims in the world suffer from poverty, hunger, and displacement. They are more deserving than spending the money on those who want to perform ‘Umrah, especially if they are solvent.

In any case, it is not permissible to pay for the ‘Umrah expenses from the money of zakaah because the recipients of zakaah are determined by the Shariah, and expenses for ‘Umrah are not included among them.

Allah knows best.