Can I Donate on Behalf of Someone in Makkah from the UK?
Many Muslims living in the UK want to help family members, friends, pilgrims or loved ones connected with Makkah. A common question is: Can I donate on behalf of someone in Makkah from the UK?
The short answer is that a Muslim can make voluntary charity and intend its benefit for another person, but the details depend on whether the person is living or deceased, what type of charity is being given, and whether the donation is actually intended for that person or for a charitable project in Makkah.
Islam strongly encourages charity, generosity and helping others. Modern online donation systems also make it possible for Muslims in the UK to support legitimate charitable projects without travelling to Saudi Arabia.
However, donors should understand both the Islamic principles and the practical requirements of making an online donation safely.
Saudi Arabia has an official system for verifying fundraising licenses, collection channels and marketing channels. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector's Secure Donation Service allows the public to check these details before donating.
This guide explains what UK Muslims should know about donating on behalf of someone in Makkah.
What Does “Donate on Behalf of Someone” Mean?
When a person says, “I want to donate on behalf of my mother,” “I want to give Sadaqah for my father,” or “I want to donate for someone in Makkah,” they may mean different things.
For example, they may want to:
Give charity for a deceased parent
Give voluntary Sadaqah with another person's benefit in mind
Help a living family member who is in Makkah
Support pilgrims on behalf of a loved one
Give Sadaqah Jariyah for someone
Donate Quran copies for the benefit of another person
Provide food or water as charity
Make a charitable donation while dedicating its reward to someone
These situations should not automatically be treated as identical.
The clearest Islamic evidence concerns giving charity on behalf of someone who has died.
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Can I Give Sadaqah on Behalf of a Deceased Person?
Yes. There is strong evidence in authentic Hadith that voluntary charity given on behalf of a deceased Muslim can benefit them.
In Sahih al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbas narrates that the mother of Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah died while he was away. Sa'd asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whether giving charity on her behalf would benefit her. The Prophet ﷺ answered yes, and Sa'd then gave his garden in charity on her behalf.
There is also the well-known narration involving a man whose mother died suddenly. He asked whether giving charity on her behalf would benefit her, and the Prophet ﷺ answered yes. This narration is reported in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Therefore, if a Muslim in the UK wants to give voluntary charity on behalf of a deceased parent or loved one, there is clear Prophetic evidence supporting this practice.
Can I Donate on Behalf of Someone Who Is Living?
This question is slightly different.
If the person is alive, you should distinguish between giving charity for someone else's benefit and giving a donation in their name.
For example, you might tell a charity:
“I would like to donate £50 as a gift for my mother.”
The exact religious ruling can depend on what is intended by the donation.
A person can certainly spend their own money to help another person. However, if the intention is specifically to transfer the spiritual reward of a voluntary act to a living person, there are differences in scholarly discussion.
Because of these differences, if the religious aspect is important to you, it is best to ask a qualified Islamic scholar according to the school of thought you follow.
For a deceased person, the evidence for voluntary charity on their behalf is particularly clear.
Can I Donate for Someone Who Is Currently in Makkah?
Yes, you can financially help someone who is currently in Makkah.
But there is an important difference between:
“I am sending money to help my family member in Makkah.”
and
“I am giving Sadaqah on behalf of my family member.”
If your intention is simply to help a living person with expenses, accommodation, food, transportation or other needs, you are providing financial assistance to them.
If your intention is to perform an act of charity and dedicate its benefit or reward to them, the Islamic ruling may depend on the circumstances.
So, before publishing a donation campaign or making a religious claim, be precise about what you mean.
Can I Donate to a Charity in Makkah on Behalf of My Parents?
Yes, a UK Muslim may choose a legitimate charitable project in Makkah and make a voluntary donation while intending it for a deceased parent.
For example, you might support:
A water project
Food distribution
Quran distribution
Pilgrim assistance
Educational resources
Sadaqah Jariyah
Waqf projects
The important thing is that the donation itself is genuine and goes to an appropriate charitable purpose.
If the donation is specifically being made on behalf of a deceased parent, the Hadith mentioned above provides strong evidence for the practice of voluntary Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased.
How to Donate on Behalf of Someone from the UK
The process can be simple.
Step 1: Decide who the donation is for
For example:
Mother
Father
Grandparent
Spouse
Relative
Deceased loved one
Step 2: Choose the type of charity
You might choose:
Food
Water
Quran
General Sadaqah
Sadaqah Jariyah
Waqf
Pilgrim support
Step 3: Find a legitimate organization
Research the charity before paying.
Step 4: Verify the donation channel
If you are donating through a Saudi organization, check whether the fundraising license and collection channel can be verified through Saudi Arabia's official Secure Donation Service.
Step 5: Make your intention
Your intention is between you and Allah. You do not necessarily need to make a public announcement.
Step 6: Complete the donation
Use the organization's official payment system.
Step 7: Save the receipt
Keep your donation confirmation for your records.
What Types of Charity Can I Give on Behalf of Someone?
There are many forms of voluntary charity.
1. Food
You can support meal or food-distribution projects.
A food donation can provide an immediate benefit to someone who needs it.
2. Water
Water projects are another common form of charitable giving.
You may find projects involving drinking water, water facilities or water distribution.
However, do not assume that every campaign claiming to provide water in Masjid al-Haram has permission to operate there.
Verify the project carefully.
3. Quran Donation
You can support Quran-related charitable projects where the organization clearly explains how copies are distributed.
This can be particularly meaningful when the project provides Quran copies or educational materials to people who need them.
4. Sadaqah Jariyah
A donor may choose a long-term project intended to provide continuing benefit.
Examples can include:
Water facilities
Educational resources
Quran learning
Waqf projects
However, not every donation is automatically Sadaqah Jariyah. The nature of the project matters.
5. General Sadaqah
You can also make a general voluntary donation to a legitimate charitable organization.
If you are donating on behalf of a deceased loved one, the authentic Hadith regarding Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah provides clear evidence for voluntary charity on behalf of the deceased.
Can I Donate Quran on Behalf of a Deceased Parent?
Many Muslims choose to give Quran-related charity on behalf of deceased parents.
The underlying principle is that voluntary charity can be given on behalf of a deceased person.
However, a specific Quran-distribution campaign should be checked carefully.
For example, ask:
Where will the Quran copies be distributed?
Who will receive them?
Is the organization authorized?
Are the copies actually being distributed in Makkah?
Does the campaign provide translations?
Is the project currently active?
Avoid campaigns that make unsupported claims such as guaranteeing a specific spiritual reward or claiming that every Quran will automatically be placed inside Masjid al-Haram.
Can I Give Water Charity on Behalf of My Parents?
Yes, a water charity project can be chosen as a form of voluntary charity on behalf of a deceased parent.
The Prophet ﷺ confirmed that charity on behalf of a deceased mother could benefit her.
If you choose a water project, however, make sure you understand what the charity actually provides.
A campaign might involve:
Water bottles
Drinking-water distribution
Water coolers
Community water facilities
Long-term water infrastructure
These are different projects, so read the campaign description carefully.
Can I Give Sadaqah Jariyah on Behalf of a Deceased Parent?
Yes, many Muslims choose long-term charitable projects when giving Sadaqah on behalf of deceased parents.
The idea is to support something that continues to provide benefit.
For example, a suitable project may involve:
A water facility
Islamic education
Quran learning
Waqf
Other useful charitable infrastructure
Islamic Relief UK notes that Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah can be performed on behalf of another Muslim and cites the authentic narrations concerning charity on behalf of the deceased.
Nevertheless, do not assume that a charity's marketing label alone makes a project Sadaqah Jariyah. Examine the actual nature of the project.
Can I Donate on Behalf of Someone in Makkah From the UK Online?
Yes, online giving makes this practically possible when the organization accepts donations from UK donors.
You can potentially make the donation from:
A computer
A mobile phone
A UK bank account
A debit card
Another supported payment method
The important issue is whether the organization is legitimate and whether the donation can legally and safely be accepted.
If the organization is Saudi-based, check its fundraising authorization where possible.
Saudi Arabia's Secure Donation Service specifically allows the public to verify donation collection licenses, collection channels and marketing channels.
How UK Donors Can Avoid Charity Scams
Online giving is convenient, but donors should be careful.
A website may look professional without being legitimate.
Before donating, check:
Charity registration
If you are donating through a UK charity, check its registration details.
Official website
Type the charity's website address yourself or access it through a trusted source.
Project details
Read exactly what the donation will fund.
Donation authorization
For Saudi fundraising campaigns, verify the appropriate license or collection channel where possible.
Payment information
Be cautious if you are asked to transfer money to an individual's personal bank account.
Receipt
Make sure you receive confirmation of the donation.
Avoid pressure
Do not allow emotional pressure to prevent you from checking the organization.
Can UK Donors Claim Gift Aid?
If you donate through a qualifying UK charity, Gift Aid may be available.
HMRC guidance states that Gift Aid donations must be made from the donor's own money and that the donor must have sufficient UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax liability to cover the amount the charity claims.
Gift Aid can increase the value of an eligible donation.
For example, a qualifying £100 donation can allow a charity to claim an additional £25 under the standard Gift Aid rate.
However, do not assume that a direct donation to a Saudi organization qualifies for UK Gift Aid.
If Gift Aid is important to you, ask the UK charity whether your particular donation qualifies.
Does the Person Need to Know About the Donation?
Not necessarily.
If you are giving voluntary charity on behalf of a deceased person, there is obviously no need for them to know.
If you are helping a living person, the situation is different.
If the donation is intended as financial assistance, they may need to know so they can receive or use the funds.
If you are making a charitable donation and intending the reward for someone, you can make the intention privately.
A sincere charitable intention does not need to be publicly announced.
What Is the Best Charity to Give on Behalf of Someone in Makkah?
There is no single “best” charity for every person.
Instead, look for a project that is:
Legitimate
Authorized
Transparent
Relevant to your intention
Clear about its beneficiaries
Clear about how funds are used
If your intention is to support pilgrims, choose a genuine pilgrim-support project.
If your intention is Sadaqah Jariyah, look for a project designed to provide continuing benefit.
If your intention is to give food, choose a transparent food-distribution project.
The purpose of the donation should match the project you select.
Important Difference: Sadaqah vs Zakat
Do not confuse voluntary Sadaqah with Zakat.
Sadaqah is voluntary charity and can be given in many forms.
Zakat is an obligatory form of charity with specific rules about eligibility, calculation and recipients.
If you are donating on behalf of someone and intend it as Zakat, additional rules apply.
Do not simply assume that any Makkah charity project can receive Zakat.
If your donation is Zakat, check whether the organization specifically accepts Zakat and whether the project meets the Islamic requirements for Zakat distribution.
For questions about Zakat eligibility or religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Can I Donate on Behalf of Someone Who Is Performing Umrah?
If someone is currently performing Umrah, you can certainly help them financially or support a charitable project.
For example, you might:
Send money to help with their expenses
Pay for food
Help with transportation
Support them through a legitimate service
Give separate Sadaqah in their honor
But these are not necessarily the same thing.
Helping a person financially is not automatically equivalent to giving Sadaqah on their behalf.
If your intention involves a specific religious ruling, ask a qualified scholar.
A Simple Example
Suppose a UK Muslim wants to make a charitable donation for their deceased mother.
They could:
Choose a legitimate Makkah-related charitable project.
Decide on £50 or £100.
Verify the organization.
Check the Saudi fundraising authorization if it is a Saudi organization.
Make the donation through the official website.
Intend the Sadaqah on behalf of their deceased mother.
Save the receipt.
The authentic narration of Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah shows that the Prophet ﷺ approved giving charity on behalf of his deceased mother.
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| Can I Donate on Behalf of Someone in Makkah from the UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate on behalf of someone in Makkah from the UK?
Yes, you can make a charitable donation remotely through a legitimate organization. If the person is deceased, there is clear authentic evidence supporting voluntary charity on their behalf.
Can I donate on behalf of my deceased parents?
Yes. Authentic Hadith reports that the Prophet ﷺ confirmed that charity given on behalf of a deceased mother could benefit her.
Can I donate Quran on behalf of someone?
You can support a legitimate Quran-distribution project while intending the charity for a deceased loved one. Check the project's actual distribution arrangements.
Can I give water Sadaqah on behalf of my mother?
Yes, voluntary charity such as a water project can be given on behalf of a deceased person, based on the authentic evidence concerning Sadaqah for the deceased.
Can I give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of my father?
You can choose a long-term charitable project on behalf of a deceased father. The project should genuinely be designed to provide continuing benefit.
Can I donate to someone who is alive in Makkah?
You can financially help a living person in Makkah. Whether the act should specifically be described as Sadaqah “on their behalf” is a separate religious question and may require scholarly guidance.
Can I donate online from the UK?
Yes, provided the organization accepts UK donations and the payment channel is legitimate.
How do I verify a Saudi charity?
Saudi Arabia's National Center for Non-Profit Sector provides a Secure Donation Service for checking fundraising licenses, collection channels and marketing channels.
Can I claim Gift Aid?
Potentially, if you donate through an eligible UK charity and satisfy HMRC's requirements. Gift Aid should not automatically be assumed for direct donations to overseas organizations.
Conclusion
Yes, UK Muslims can make charitable donations connected with Makkah without travelling there, and voluntary charity can be given on behalf of a deceased loved one.
The strongest evidence for this comes from authentic Hadith. In Sahih al-Bukhari, Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah asked the Prophet ﷺ whether charity given on behalf of his deceased mother would benefit her, and the Prophet ﷺ confirmed that it would.
This provides an important foundation for Muslims who want to give Sadaqah for deceased parents and loved ones.
You can choose different charitable projects, including food, water, Quran distribution, pilgrim support and long-term Sadaqah Jariyah projects. The key is to make sure the project genuinely matches your intention.
For UK donors, online giving can make the process convenient. However, convenience should never replace verification.
If you donate through a Saudi organization, use available official verification systems. Saudi Arabia's Secure Donation Service allows the public to check fundraising licenses and donation collection channels.
If you donate through a UK charity, check its registration and understand where your donation will be used. If you want to claim Gift Aid, confirm that the donation is eligible under HMRC rules.
One final distinction is particularly important: donating for a deceased person has clear supporting evidence, while donating “on behalf of” a living person can involve different interpretations depending on what exactly is intended.
When in doubt about a specific Islamic ruling, consult a qualified and trusted scholar.
Whether you give £10, £50 or a larger amount, sincere charity can be a beautiful way to remember a loved one and help others. Choose a genuine project, verify the organization, make your intention sincerely for Allah, and keep your giving transparent and responsible.
May Allah accept your Sadaqah, forgive your deceased loved ones, bless your family and make your charity a source of benefit and lasting reward. Ameen.
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