What is Umrah? History, Importance, Rewards & More
Performing Umrah at least once in life is a deeply meaningful wish for Muslims. It is a journey that brings people closer to Allah and gives them time away from their daily routine to focus on worship. But before starting this journey it is important to know what to expect.
A Muslim can plan the journey according to the available Umrah season and travel arrangements. The rituals must still be performed in the correct order.
If you are going for Umrah for the first time then knowing every single step before reaching Makkah can make the journey easier. This guide explains what Umrah is and how to perform it step by step.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worship that involves visiting the Kaaba in Makkah and performing specific rituals. A person enters the state of Ihram before reaching Makkah. Then they perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. After that they perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. The final step is to shave or trim the hair.
Umrah is different from Hajj. Because it does not have a set period during the year. It is also shorter and has fewer rituals.
Main Differences Between Hajj and Umrah
Here are the main differences of Hajj and Umrah:
- Hajj is compulsory once in a lifetime for able Muslims whilte Umrah is optional (Sunnah).
- Hajj can only be performed during specific days of Dhul Hijjah and Umrah can be done any time of the year.
- Hajj takes about 5-6 days with several rituals andUmrah takes only a few hours.
- Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Umrah is not.
- The reward and status of Hajj are much greater than Umrah.
Read our in-depth guide on the difference between Hajj and Umrah.
Purpose of Umrah
The main purpose of Umrah is to worship Allah, ask for forgiveness, and clean the heart from sins. Those who perform Umrah with sincerity have their past sins and mistakes forgiven, helping them feel closer to Allah and refresh their faith at any time of the year.
History of Umrah
The history of Umrah goes back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). Allah commanded Ibrahim (A.S) and his son Ismail (A.S) to build the Kaaba. They established the sacred house as a place of worship for people. The pilgrimage to the Kaaba continued through generations. Over time some people introduced practices that were not part of the original worship of Allah.
When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) came he restored the worship of one Allah and taught Muslims how to perform the pilgrimage according to Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) performed Umrah several times during his lifetime. His Umrahs became an important example for Muslims who perform Umrah today.
Importance of Umrah in Islam
Umrah is an important act of worship for Muslims. It gives a person an opportunity to worship Allah in the sacred city of Makkah. It is also a time to make dua and ask Allah for forgiveness. The Umrah journey needs patience.
Pilgrims may have to walk for long periods. They also share the same spaces with thousands of other people. Showing patience and good manners is therefore an important part of the journey.
Umrah also gives Muslims time away from their normal routine. A pilgrim can spend this time in prayer and remembrance of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) also spoke about the virtue of performing Umrah.
Rewards of Umrah
Umrah is an important act of worship and carries great reward for those who perform it sincerely. Here are the rewards of Umrah:
- Forgiveness of sins between two Umrahs
- Opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness
- Chance to receive Allah’s mercy
- Opportunity to make sincere dua
- Strengthening one’s connection with Allah
- Improvement in worship and devotion
- Reward for performing Umrah with sincere intention
- Reward for following Islamic teachings during the journey
Explore more benefits and rewards of Umrah.
Who Can Perform Umrah?
Anyone who is a Muslim can perform Umrah. There is no fixed age; both men and women can go for Umrah. Women aged 18 and older can travel and perform Umrah alone without a mahram. Children can also go with their parents. There is no need to wait for a special time because Umrah can be performed any time of the year.
When is the Best Time to Perform Umrah?
The month of Ramadan is the best time to perform Umrah because it equals the reward of Hajj. However, according to the weather, the perfect time is November to January. Other good times include the months of Rajab and Shawwal.
What are the Main Requirements For Umrah?
Here are the important requirements for Umrah:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity and an Umrah visa or Tourist visa.
- One recent digital photo with a white background for E-visa.
- The meningitis (ACYW135) vaccine is required, along with other vaccines like seasonal flu or COVID-19.
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking with accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
How to Perform Umrah: Quick Guide
There are four main steps of performing Umrah:
- Enter Ihram and make the intention for Umrah.
- Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba.
- Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa.
- Shave or trim the hair known as Tahallul.
All of these steps have their own rules.
Read our full guide on how to perform Umrah.
How Long Does Umrah Take?
The actual Umrah rituals can often be completed within a few hours. The exact time is not the same for every pilgrim. Sometimes crowds can make Tawaf and Sa’i take longer. Prayer times can also affect how quickly you move through the rituals.
Your walking speed also matters. Older people and those travelling with children may need more time. It is better not to rush the rituals. Give yourself enough time to move safely through each part of the journey.
What to Wear During Umrah?
During Umrah, men and women wear special simple clothes called Ihram. Men wear two plain white cloths with no stitching, no socks, and no head cover, plus simple sandals.
Women wear normal loose and modest clothes in any color, covering their whole body except the face and hands. Both men and women should not apply perfume while in Ihram. This simple dress shows that everyone is equal in front of Allah, no matter how rich or poor they are.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
First time pilgrims can make mistakes when they are unfamiliar with the rituals. When you know these common mistakes it can help:
- If you are travelling to Makkah for Umrah. Then you need to enter Ihram before passing your designated Miqat.
- Keep track of your seven rounds. Do not assume that walking around the Kaaba once means you have completed Tawaf.
- The Black Stone is sacred. Reaching it does not give anyone permission to hurt another pilgrim. So gesture towards it and continue walking in rushy condition.
- There is no need to search for a different fixed dua for every round. Make sincere dua and remember Allah.
- Sa’i has seven trips. Start at Safa and finish at Marwa.
- Do not cut or shave the hair before completing Sa’i. Hair cutting is the final step that allows you to leave Ihram.
How to Travel for Umrah from the USA?
You can travel from the USA for Umrah with International Hajj. We provide different Umrah packages with all essential services, such as flights, hotels, visas, and transportation. Feel free to contact us today and share your travel needs. We will be happy to assist you.
Final Words
Umrah is a special act of worship that takes place in Makkah. Its main rituals are simple to understand when they are learned in the correct order. Enter Ihram and make the intention first. Then perform seven rounds of Tawaf around the Kaaba. Perform seven trips between Safa and Marwa after Tawaf. Finally shave or trim the hair.
Take time to learn the rules of Ihram and the details of each ritual before travelling. Also check the latest travel requirements and official guidance before your journey. The purpose is worship. Take your time and avoid making the journey harder for yourself or for other pilgrims.
