The Ruling on Performing 'Umrah on Behalf of a Deceased Person and Where to Enter Ihram

Question:
He says: We came from Oman and entered ihram from Dhu al-Hulayfah and performed 'Umrah, praise be to Allah. We have deceased relatives. Is it permissible for us to perform 'Umrah on their behalf, and from where should we enter ihram?

Answer:
Yes, it is permissible for you to perform 'Umrah on behalf of your relative or on behalf of any Muslim. However, you must not enter ihram from Makkah; rather, you must go out to the Haraam, to al-Tan'eem, al-Ja'ranah, or 'Arafah. You go out of the sacred precinct and enter ihram for 'Umrah for yourself or for someone else. But staying in Makkah is better than going out to perform 'Umrah.
Because one prayer in al-Masjid al-Haram, one prayer in the sacred precinct, is worth a hundred thousand prayers in any other place. So it is better for you to stay in al-Masjid al-Haram, perform i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) in it, recite the Qur'an, perform tawaf (circumambulation) of the House, and pray the five daily prayers. This is better than going to perform 'Umrah. If you come a second time from your country and intend it for that person, that is better and more complete.