Umrah Travel Rescheduling in Banda Aceh

Ijārah ‘Alā al-Amāl and Contractual Certainty under Sharia Economic Law

Abstract

This article examines the rescheduling of Umrah departures by travel agencies in Banda Aceh and evaluates the practice through the framework of ijārah ‘alā al-a‘māl, a Sharia contract for remunerated services. The study employs a qualitative socio-legal approach that combines normative analysis of Islamic contract law with empirical findings from interviews, documentation, and observation at PT Katana Travel & Tour and PT Dar Tauhid Haramain. The findings show that rescheduling operates primarily as a contract-preservation mechanism when pilgrims cannot depart on the agreed date because of personal, health, administrative, ticketing, visa, or force-majeure-related constraints. The two agencies apply different notification thresholds: PT Katana Travel & Tour accepts requests at least two weeks before departure, whereas PT Dar Tauhid Haramain requires approximately two months. The financial consequences depend substantially on whether the agency has already committed the pilgrim’s funds to airlines, hotels, visas, or other third parties. The principal Sharia concerns arise from uncertainty over additional charges, changes in the service package, availability of replacement departures, and the continuing allocation of contractual rights and obligations. The article argues that rescheduling is compatible with ijārah ‘alā al-a‘māl when it is based on informed mutual consent, transparent and verifiable cost allocation, a sufficiently certain replacement service, and documented amendments to the original agreement. The study contributes by reframing rescheduling from a purely administrative adjustment into a substantive modification of a Sharia-governed service contract.