What is Umrah? - History and Significance

Mecca, the oldest and the most sacred place in Islam is situated in the western Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia and serves as an important place for Muslims all around the world. But why is it so significant? It is because it is believed to be the location where the Holy Book of the religion of Islam, known as the Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Furthermore, every year, countless numbers of Muslims from all over the world visit Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in order to perform the Holy pilgrimage of Umrah and Hajj. Umrah is a heartfelt expression of devotion, love, and appreciation to Allah that can be performed at any time of the year. Like many Islamic traditions, it is steeped in a rich narrative and history that enhances its significance and meaning.

So if you are curious about what is umrah in Islam, its origin, significance, importance, and many other things, you are in the right place. Get ready to explore the significance and beauty of this beloved pilgrimage.

Umrah can also be called a 'lesser' & 'minor' pilgrimage. It refers to a method of devotion practiced by Muslims that entails pilgrims traveling to the fortunate city of Makkah, in which the venerated Ka'aba serves as the epicenter of Islamic religion and the main point of prayer, and executing a series of blessed rituals.

So, what is Umrah in Islam? Umrah is a significant religious journey for every Muslim, cherished as a Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to renew faith and purify the spirit. Pilgrims ask forgiveness, make du'as, and strive to become closer to Allah.

In the year 6 AH of the Islamic calendar, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and approximately 2000 of his companions set out for their first Umrah pilgrimage, following a period of immense struggle and sacrifice for the Muslim community. Tensions between Muslims and nonbelievers in Makkah remained high after the Hijra (migration) when the Prophet moved to Madinah to escape persecution from the Quraysh tribe.

Years after the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had a vision of performing the Umrah rituals. This inspired him to return to Makkah with his companions. However, upon learning of the Muslims' approach, the Quraysh feared that they intended to attack. To address their concerns, the Prophet sent a messenger to clarify that their intention was solely to perform Umrah.

Despite this, the Quraysh prevented their entry at Hudaybiyyah, insisting they return the following year. In a display of respect for the sanctity of the Ka'aba, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) chose not to enter Makkah by force. Instead, he engaged in diplomatic discussions that led to the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, which established a 10-year period of peace and allowed Muslims to visit the Ka'aba for three days each year.

According to the treaty’s terms, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions were able to perform the Umrah in the following year, 7 AH, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between Muslims and the Quraysh tribe and solidifying the importance of Umrah in Islamic tradition.

What is the purpose of Umrah? Well, Umrah allows Muslims to get all of their misdeeds forgiven and to win significant benefits. Prophet Muhammad regarded it as among the most efficient forms of prayer, and we get immense benefits from obeying his Sunnah and completing Umrah.

The reward of doing Umrah is equal to jihad, meaning to strive in Allah's way. It is regarded as being among the most honorable and cherished actions by Allah, and performing Umrah allows us to achieve the same benefits as Jihad but without risking our lives.

Umrah entails stating your intention and donning Ihram. Then, the next step is to enter Masjid al-Haram as well as perform Tawaf.

Following that, the subsequent step is to offer two Rak'ah at Maqam Ibrahim and sip Zamzam water.

After that, one must execute Sa'i, which entails walking or sprinting through Safa and Marwa, making seven circles in total.

Finally, the last step is for males to shave their heads, while women trim the size of a fingertip to remove the condition of Ihram.

While both Umrah as well as Hajj requires visits to Makkah's holy sites. There are noticeable distinctions between the two.

• Responsibility

Umrah serves as an entirely optional pilgrimage as well as a voluntary form of devotion. However, Hajj on the other hand is a component of Islam's five pillars and is required of all able-bodied Muslims who have the financial resources to make the pilgrimage.

• Duration and Time

There are two distinct types of pilgrimage to Umrah. First, Umrah is permitted at all times of the year, with the exception of Hajj. Second, it may be performed in less time than Hajj, usually within three to six hours.

• Umrah al-Mufradah

This type of umrah is conducted independently of the pilgrimage to Hajj and can take place at any time of year, excluding the Hajj days.

• Umrah al-Tamattu

This type of umrah is conducted in combination with Hajj and is often completed in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, specifically prior to the start of Hajj.

Hajj, meanwhile is performed on specified days of the month of Dhul Hijjah, ranging from the eighth to the twelfth or the thirteenth. It is a lengthy pilgrimage lasting several days and includes a variety of rituals and events.

• Customs

Umrah rituals consist of entering the condition of the Ihram, which is a holy state of purity as well as dedication; passing the Miqat, which is the boundary from which pilgrims must enter the Ihram; doing Tawaf, which is circumambulating around the Ka'aba; walking among the mountains of Safa and Marwa; and, lastly, shaving one's head (Halq) or cutting one's hair (Taqsir).

However, Hajj includes a number of extra ceremonies. These involve going to Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah, offering particular prayers and supplications, as well as stoning the pillars symbolizing Shaytaan (Rami).

A lot of travelers choose to plan their Umrah journey through a package provider since a tour operator provides a package that includes necessary travel services including visas, lodging, and flights. It essentially means that the package provider is responsible for all aspects of planning an Umrah journey.

If you plan to undertake your Umrah trip independently, you'll need to secure a visa, which can be conveniently obtained online. Since Makkah does not have its own airport, you will need to fly into the nearest airport in Jeddah and then arrange transportation to Makkah. Additionally, you should plan your travel between Makkah and Madinah, as well as any other significant Islamic historical sites you wish to visit. Furthermore, it's essential to choose and reserve suitable accommodation online that is conveniently located near Haram Sharif for easy access to the holy site.

To perform Umrah, certain prerequisites must be met, starting with the most essential requirement: being a Muslim. Additionally, individuals must have reached puberty, known as “baligh.” While Umrah can be performed before this age, it is only officially recognized afterward.

Mental well-being is also crucial; one must possess sound mental faculties. Financial stability is equally important, as pilgrims should have sufficient funds to cover travel, accommodation, and other necessities during their pilgrimage. It's essential to ensure that dependents are taken care of while you are away. While it’s not mandatory to be debt-free, it is advisable to create a repayment plan for any existing debts before embarking on the journey.

From a physical standpoint, one must be healthy and capable of traveling to Makkah and performing the rituals of Umrah, whether on foot or using a wheelchair. Lastly, having reliable transportation and enough money to cover travel expenses is essential, along with ensuring that the journey is safe and free from foreseeable hazards.