Hajj stands as one of Islam’s five pillars, a pilgrimage Muslims must undertake at least once if physically and financially able. But what happens when someone cannot complete this sacred journey due to illness, disability, or death? The concept of Badal Hajj provides a solution, and the Muslim Pro app now offers a structured way to fulfill this obligation.
Badal Hajj represents an act of devotion where one Muslim performs the Hajj pilgrimage on behalf of another who cannot complete it themselves. According to Islamic scholarship, this practice applies to specific circumstances—for the deceased who never performed Hajj but left sufficient wealth, for individuals with permanent medical conditions preventing travel, or for those of advanced age with no prospect of improvement.
The practice reflects Islam’s inherent compassion while upholding religious duties. It acknowledges human limitations while honoring divine commands, allowing the community to help one another meet spiritual obligations.
“Badal Hajj is a sacred practice where Hajj is performed on behalf of someone unable to go themselves—due to age, illness, or having returned to Allah,” states the Muslim Pro app description. This approach creates a bridge between obligation and circumstance, ensuring the fifth pillar of Islam remains accessible to all Muslims regardless of physical capability.
Importantly, Islamic scholars note that when performed for the deceased, the cost should not exceed one-third of their estate unless explicitly permitted in their will—a stipulation emphasizing both religious duty and financial responsibility.
How Muslim Pro Facilitates Badal Hajj
The Muslim Pro app, which began as a prayer time calculator and has expanded to serve 170 million users across 190 countries, now includes Badal Hajj services among its offerings. The platform connects users with “trusted, licensed partners” to perform the pilgrimage on behalf of their designated beneficiaries.
For $1,500, users can arrange for Badal Hajj through the app’s straightforward process. The service includes verification features often unavailable through informal arrangements: a certificate of completion, photo or video evidence where permissible, and confirmation that the pilgrimage occurs during the official Hajj days.
The company limits availability to 150 slots per Hajj season, creating urgency for those wishing to secure this service. This limitation likely reflects both the specialized nature of the service and the app’s commitment to quality control and verification.
Verification and Trust in Religious Services
One significant challenge in arranging Badal Hajj traditionally has been verification—how does one confirm that the pilgrimage was actually performed as promised? Muslim Pro addresses this concern directly through documentation.
The app provides users with verified “proof of completion and an official certificate confirming that this sacred obligation has been fulfilled.” This documentation serves both practical and emotional purposes, giving families peace of mind that their religious obligations have been met.
Such verification represents a technological solution to a traditional concern. Just as Muslim Pro’s original prayer time feature addressed the need for accurate prayer times in locations without mosques, this service addresses the need for trustworthy Badal Hajj arrangements without direct personal connections in Saudi Arabia.
The Spiritual Context: Honoring Loved Ones
Beyond the practical aspects, Muslim Pro frames Badal Hajj as a meaningful spiritual act with lasting significance. The app describes it as “an act of birr al-walidayn and sadaqah jariyah that carries lasting blessings.”
These Arabic terms carry deep meaning in Islamic tradition. Birr al-walidayn refers to righteousness toward parents—a fundamental virtue in Islam. Sadaqah jariyah refers to ongoing charity, a form of giving that continues to accrue blessings even after death.
By contextualizing Badal Hajj within these concepts, Muslim Pro emphasizes the deeper spiritual significance beyond mere obligation. The service becomes not just about checking a religious box but about honoring relationships and creating lasting spiritual good.
Digital Solutions for Traditional Religious Practices
Muslim Pro’s Badal Hajj service exemplifies how digital platforms can bridge traditional religious practices with modern convenience. The app has consistently expanded from its original purpose—providing prayer times—to addressing various needs of Muslims worldwide.
CEO Nafees Khundker previously described Muslim Pro’s vision “To be the digital home for all things Muslim, which is basically combining faith, technology, and also the whole lifestyle for Muslim,” Khundker informs. Whatever a Muslim needs in their daily life, we want to be there to provide those services.”
The Badal Hajj feature aligns with this vision, addressing a specific religious need through technology. It exemplifies how digital platforms can facilitate rather than diminish traditional religious practices, making them more accessible across geographic and practical barriers.
And perhaps most importantly of all, Muslim Pro adds that “Multiple Badal Hajj can be performed for the same person over different years.” However, one person can only perform one Badal Hajj per year according to muslimpro.com.
“Not everyone can afford or physically manage the journey of Hajj, but Allah’s mercy makes a way,” its website states. “Badal Hajj is not just a ritual; it’s a gift. A chance to honor our elders, uplift our loved ones, and fulfill the commands of our faith even in their absence.”
