The Significance of Performing Umrah in Islam
Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage in Islam, which has special spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Umrah is a minor or lesser pilgrimage, a religious journey Muslims undertake to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is not obligatory like Hajj, but Umrah is highly recommended in Islam and holds significant spiritual importance for believers. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, but Hajj is only performed on specific days.
Why do Muslims Perform Umrah?
Spiritual cleansing and Renewal
Umrah is seen as a means of spiritual Renewal and cleansing. The rituals include Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i, symbolising the believer’s dedication to purification, forgiveness, and a closer connection with Allah. To enjoy this more intimate connection with Allah, plan your Umrah today and get budget Umrah packages according to your budget.
Proximity to the house of Allah
Performing Umrah allows Muslims to visit the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, located within the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah.
Seeking blessings and rewards
All Muslims believe that the secret journey brings a lot of rewards and blessings. The pilgrimage allows Muslims to get spiritual merit and seek forgiveness for their sins. This sacred journey also helps accumulate good deeds and draw them closer to Allah.
Answering the call of Allah
Umrah is a response to Allah’s call. Muslims go on this pilgrimage as an act of obedience while answering the invitation to visit Allah’s sacred place. The intention behind performing Umrah is to fulfil religious duties and draw nearer to Allah sincerely.
Expressing gratitude and devotion
All Muslims perform Umrah to express their gratitude and devotion to Allah. The pilgrimage is an act of worship that allows Muslims to show their submission and dedication to Allah by showing appreciation for His endless blessings.
Following the example of Prophet Muhammad PBUH
Hazrat Muhammad SAW was engaged in the pilgrimage multiple times during his lifetime, that’s why Muslims perform Umrah in emulation of Prophet Muhammad. All Muslims follow the Sunnah of the Prophet and want to strengthen their bond with the teachings of Islam.
The primary purpose of performing Umrah, which can be performed at any time of the year except during the days of Hajj, is to clean the soul. Umrah can also be seen as protection from the burdens of life and poverty.
Guidelines while Performing Umrah
During the state of Ihram, pilgrims should Avoid actions that can lessen the blessings of this secret journey. Acts that should be avoided during your Umrah include,
- Fighting or quarreling with others
- Wear perfumes, shampoos, scented soaps, lotions, wipes, etc.
- Cutting nails or removing hair
- Swearing, cursing, talking about sinful matters, and using foul language
- Any sexual activity
Firstly, pilgrims go to the holy city of Mecca, where the Kaaba is located. By entering Muthaaf, pilgrims have to perform Tawaf. The Tawaf means circling the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise. Pilgrims should touch or kiss Hajr e Aswad, present in the first corner of the Kaaba where the Tawaf starts.
At Maqam Ibrahim, pilgrims perform two rakats of Salah. This stone is the one that Hazrat Ibrahim stood while making the Kaaba as it is present in the front doors of the Kaaba.
Worshippers should ensure they are praying because Maqam Ibrahim is between them And Kaaba. In congested places, this prayer can be played anywhere in Masjid ul Haram. After completing all these prayers, pilgrims must drink Zamzam water from any water points and leave for Sa’ee.
The act of Sa’ee includes the actions of Hajar, who was Ibrahim’s wife. She rushed seven times between Safa and Marwa to see if there was some water for her infant child. If you live in the UK and want to perform Umrah in Ramadan, you must check out affordable Ramadan Umrah packages. Pilgrims should perform all the rituals with zeal and zest to get the proper reward. For men, shaving the head is unnecessary, but it is Sunnah. At this stage, women have to cut only an inch of hair.
Umrah is a spiritual journey that is beyond rituals. This journey is a profound expression of purification, devotion, and a desire for spiritual closeness to Allah. Muslims worldwide perform Umrah to seek forgiveness, fulfil their religious obligations, and participate in a timeless tradition that the Prophet Muhammad established.
