What is Umrah?
Umrah is a Pilgrimage made by Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the Ḥajj, which has specific dates. Often called the “lesser” or “minor” pilgrimage, it is a voluntary act of worship. In contrast, the Hajj is mandatory for all Muslims (certain conditions apply). Umrah comprises four important rituals; getting in the state of ihram, circumambulation (seven times) of the Sacred House or Holy Ka’abah (tawaf), “sa`i” or walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah (seven times), and ends with shaving the head or cutting a portion of the hair.
What is the history of Umrah?
In the initial days of Islam, Muslims faced persecution at the hands of disbelievers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) along with his fellow companions were ordered by Allah SWT to migrate to Madinah.
A few years after the migration, the Prophet (PBUH) had a dream, in which he was performing Umrah. Upon seeing the dream, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) decided to go to Makkah to perform Umrah with his companions.
When the disbelievers heard about the Muslims approaching Makkah, they thought they were coming to attack them. Upon reaching the outskirts, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent his representative to explain the actual intent of the Muslims. As a result of talks between the envoys of Muslims and the disbelievers, a treaty was signed, known as the “Treaty of Hudaybiyyah”.
According to the Treaty, Muslims would forgo Umrah this year and return next year to perform it. The Prophet (PBUH) and 2,000 companions then performed the first Umrah next year, 6 years after migrating to Madinah.
What is the purpose of Umrah?
Performing Umrah is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During Umrah, the Pilgrims seek Allah’s forgiveness, make sincere du’a, and do maximum worship of Allah to get closer to Him.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime. He, himself (PBUH) performed it four times in his lifetime.
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah (SWT) said:
The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them.
Sunan Ibn Majah 2892
What is the reward of performing Umrah?
- Forgiveness of Sins: Umrah is an of worship, which helps remove sins, while helping one get on the path of good deeds. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: “(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773)
- Increase in Blessing and Eradicating Poverty: The reward of performing Umrah includes eradicating poverty and gaining blessings in one’s wealth: “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as hollers remove impurity from iron.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 2630)
- Reward of Jihad or struggle in the way of Allah: The reward for performing Umrah is equivalent to jihad – meaning struggle in the path of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Jihad of an elderly, young, weak and the women is Hajj and Umrah” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 2626)
- Reward of performing Hajj: The most rewarding time of year to perform Umrah is during Ramadan, which equals the reward of performing Hajj: “Umrah performed in the month of Ramadan will equal (in rewards) to that of Hajj or Hajj performed with me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782)
What are the types of Umrah?
- Umrah al-Mufradah – It is independent of Hajj and can be performed at any time during the year, except during the days of Hajj.
- Umrah al-Tamattu – It is performed with Hajj and is normally performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah, before the commencement of Hajj.
How to perform Umrah?
There are four major rituals of Umrah, which include:
- Ihram: Some acts of worship require us to be in a special mental or physical condition. For example, in order to offer Salah, we must be in a condition of purity (we must do wudhu). Ihraam is the Special Condition we adopt, when we go for Hajj or Umrah. ‘Ihraam’ means wearing a ‘specified’ dress and getting into a ‘specific’ condition or state of mind. One has to wear Ihram before entering certain checkpoints/ limits outside the city of Mecca (also known as Miqaat).
- Performing Tawaaf: Circumambulation or going around (seven times) the Sacred House or Holy Ka’abah. It is located inside the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
- Performing Sa’i: Then, a pilgrim must perform Sa’i. This involves walking or running between Safa and Marwa hills seven time. These hills are also located inside the boundary of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. A pilgrim has to complete 7 circuits in total.
- Shaving or Cutting the Hair: The final step is for men to shave their head or equally cut hair from all over their head. While women cut the length of a fingertip.
After this step, the Umrah is complete and the Pilgrims can break from the state of Ihram.
Besides the above mentioned rituals, there are other prayers and sunnah acts to be done while performing Umrah.
What is difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Obligation
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage, while Hajj is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim with the financial means.
Time & Duration
Umrah can be done anytime during the year, except during Hajj days. It usually takes 3-6 hours to complete. While, Hajj is performed on specific days from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. It is longer and has many rituals and activities.
Rituals
Umrah involves entering a state of Ihram, passing the Miqat, performing Tawaf around the Ka’aba, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and then shaving or trimming the hair. Hajj includes these rituals, as well as spending time in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, performing specific prayers, and stoning the pillars representing the Devil.
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