Do you know the importance of the Umrah pillars? A thorough knowledge of Umrah pillars is essential before embarking on the holy journey. Here is a complete guide to the cornerstones of Umrah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is the blessed journey Muslims from all over the world take to the Holy Kabah in Makkah. Unlike the Hajj, which happens on specific dates, people can go for Umrah at any time of the year. It is a wonderful way of spiritual cleansing. It is the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), followed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As the ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims yearn to perform Umrah to rekindle their connection with Allah.
Explore the Rukun Umrah
Rukun Umrah refers to the pillars of Umrah without which one cannot perform the religious journey. Therefore, it is very important to be careful about rituals and duties regarding Rukun Umrah as their mistakes can impact the worship’s acceptability. Here are the pillars of Umrah.
Ihram
When performing Umrah, the pilgrim must assume Ihram. It is a state of physical and spiritual purity that marks the beginning of the holy journey. The pilgrims make niyyah to perform Umrah. Men wear plain white clothes while women modest, loose-fitting, plain clothes. One cannot cut hair or trim nails in Ihram. Similarly, using scented products is not allowed in Ihram. When the pilgrim enters Ihram, sexual activity is prohibited for him.
Ihram is the most important pillar of Umrah. It illustrates many important teachings of Islam. Firstly, it reinforces unity and brotherhood among Muslims regardless of caste, color, and creed. The plain white cloth signifies modesty and simplicity as traits most favored by Allah. It symbolizes the purification of the soul as the pilgrim seeks to earn Allah’s pleasure through the sacred journey.
Tawaf
Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Holy Kabah. The pilgrims begin their Tawaf from the Hajr-e-Aswad. The circuit begins by touching Hajr-e-Aswad. If they cannot touch it due to the crowd, they can point at it from afar. The pilgrims complete one circuit, called Shawt in an anti-clockwise direction ending at Hajr-e-Aswad. Seven such circuits complete one Tawaf. Tawaf shows devotion and submission of the believers to their Creator. While performing Tawaf, the believer feels close to Allah as they recite duas and supplications. The Muslims realize that only Allah is All-Powerful. We are nothing, but his humble subjects. We beg and implore Him for His mercy. Tawaf gives surreal peace and contentment.
Saee
Saee is running between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Saee begins by reaching Safa Hill and then coming down to Marwah Hill. They perform this act seven times. Saee commemorates the patience and submission of Hajrat Hajra to Allah’s will. When Allah commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to leave Hazrat Hajra and infant Ismail (AS) in the deserts of Arabia, she did not flinch. However, when young Ismail (AS) cried out of hunger, she ran desperately between the hills searching for some sign of relief. Allah listened to the prayers of these desperate souls. The water of Zamzam sprang from the feet of Hazrat Ismail (AS). Allah loved the sacrifice of Hazrat Hajra so much that he made it obligatory for all Muslims to perform during Umrah.
Tahallul
The last pillar, Tahallul refers to shaving or trimming of hair. After completing Umrah, the pilgrims perform Tahallul. Men shave their heads while women cut a lock of hair. The purpose is to purify oneself by submitting oneself completely to Allah’s will. By shaving the head, one symbolizes shedding off wrongdoings and entering a new state of piety. It is the assertion one makes to live life completely according to Islamic teachings.
Sacred Journey
Umrah is a sacred journey involving several rituals and steps. All the steps symbolize core Islamic values including brotherhood, humility, and submission to Allah. An understanding of these rituals will ensure that the pilgrim performs Umrah correctly and benefits from the journey.
