Umrah remains a voluntary pilgrimage (a sunnah of the Holy Prophet SAWW) that is undertaken by millions of Muslims traveling through their Umrah packages from across the globe to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Entirely a spiritual journey, umrah’s performance holds immense rewards for the pilgrims. The word “Umrah” is of Arabic vocabulary which means to “visit”. Therefore, in the Islamic context, Umrah is referred to as a minor pilgrimage. Though not an obligation, umrah’s performance holds equivalent rewards to the obligatory hajj pilgrimage.
When to perform umrah?
Unlike the obligatory hajj pilgrimage which has specific dates for its performance i.e. 8th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar), Umrah can be performed by a pilgrim at any time of the year because it is a sunnah pilgrimage. Therefore, there’s no specific time for its performance as one can travel for it as per his/her ease of travel and convenience. However, the only exception in this regard is the day of Hajj.
In simple words, one can travel for Umrah throughout the year but excluding the days of the hajj pilgrimage.
Rituals of Umrah
The primary rituals of Umrah are only four;
- Assuming the state of Ihram from the Meeqat region.
- Performing Tawaf of the Holy Kaabah.
- Undertaking Sayee of Safah and Marwah Hills.
- Shaving/Trimming the Head (Halq/Taqsir).
Meaning of Umrah
The primary meaning as well as the purpose of Umrah is not only to demonstrate one’s love and devotion to the creator Allah Almighty, but also seek spiritual purification and forgiveness from him. All in all, allowing the pilgrims to draw closer to their faith while experiencing a sense of renewal in the perspective of this worldly life.
Closeness to Allah Almighty
Umrah pilgrimage remains an intimate quest to draw a believer nearer to Allah and find solace in his boundless mercy. Every step taken during Umrah, from wearing the Ihram clothes to shaving the head; signifies a profound desire to connect with Allah Almighty. This pursuit of nearness to Allah elevates the soul by illuminating the path of righteousness.
Seeking Forgiveness
Serving as a spiritual guide, Umrah incites believers towards making repentance and asking for forgiveness from Allah Almighty. As pilgrims engage in acts of worship and reflect upon themselves, the weight of past sins is gently lifted from their weary shoulders (if intended rightfully). Therefore, becoming a catalyst for divine forgiveness and bestowing a fresh start for the believer on the journey toward spiritual purity.
Increases Taqwa
Umrah’s performance instills a deep sense of Taqwa in the believers. The pilgrims are not only given a heightened sense to differentiate between right and wrong but also the realization of one’s actual purpose in this worldly life happens. Therefore, increasing the Taqwa of the believers by instilling the traits of gratitude, righteousness, and honesty in them
Forges Unity
Uniting individuals from every corner of the globe, pilgrims stand under the true concept of ‘one nation’; dressed in simple white clothes without any discrimination of rich or poor, ordinary or VIP, language or ethnicity, background or nationality.
In this harmonious symphony of faith, pilgrims from diverse cultures join hands and circle the Kaabah, shoulder to shoulder, as a profound sense of unity envelops their souls.
Therefore, these heartfelt prayers and compassionate interactions forge an unbreakable bond of unity, brotherhood, and sisterhood among them.
Spiritual Revitalization
Umrah pilgrimage serves as a catalyst for spiritual revitalization; a sanctuary where weary souls find respite and nourishment. The rhythmic rituals, peaceful ambiance, and collective devotion work in combination to give a pilgrim a renewed spiritual perspective.
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So, these are among the fundamental benefits that lie in the meaning of Umrah for believers. All in all polishes the personalities of the pilgrims with the traits of gratitude, closeness to Allah Almighty, patience, and brotherhood.
