How Umrah Unites Muslims Beyond Borders and Cultures
Muslims around the world consider Umrah to be an essential spiritual practice. It is also a gathering of Muslims of all different races, nationalities, cultures, and dialects. Every Muslim, regardless of his or her background, comes to Makkah to worship Allah. The connections that exist between Muslims at Umrah and their collective worship experience illustrate how Umrah is a means of providing Muslims unity and a deeper understanding of the journey’s purpose as well as global oneness with other believers.
A Shared Destination, A Shared Purpose
Lauded every year as one of the five pillars of Islam, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah. Muslim men and women arriving at the holy sites from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America all don the same style of Ihram garments. This shows their status as equals before Allah. When the same style of Ihram garments is worn, there is no longer a distinction among people based on social status as it is removed through the framework of the Umrah journey and the associated rituals. All Muslims therefore share the same mission in seeking to please Allah.
Breaking Cultural and Language Barriers
During the period of performing Umrah, Muslims frequently stand next to fellow pilgrims who they may never see again or meet again in the future. Due to this, language does not separate people in the same way it does outside of the pilgrimage. Small gestures, smiles, and collective prayers unite Muslims across many cultures and religions. These simple gestures create an environment conducive to the development of a strong bond of spiritual connection. Additionally, they remind pilgrims that their faith is stronger than the cultural barriers and linguistic divisions between them.
The Power of Collective Worship
The most beautiful part of Umrah is collective worship. The experience of praying together in Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid An-Nabawi has the incredible ability to unite Muslims from a variety of cultures and backgrounds in peace and harmony. When thousands of people pray together by bowing and prostrating at the same time, there is a great feeling of belonging that is created. This has the effect of strengthening the spiritual bonding during Umrah between Muslims while at the same time reminding them they are part of a global Muslim ummah.
Equality and Humility in the State of Ihram
The Ihram state has been created to encourage the state of humility and equality. Pilgrims wearing simple clothing have taken off their social status, wealth, and appearance. This uniformity reminds all Muslims that they are created equal before Allah. Pilgrims are brought together by the state of humility while continuing to grow closer in their understanding of how Umrah connects them as Muslims, allowing them to strip away their worldly differences and focus on the faith and values they share.
Learning Through Shared Experiences
All Muslims throughout the world will experience learning from their fellow Muslims through shared experiences on the pilgrimage. Many times, during Umrah, pilgrims have the time and opportunity to share their stories, customs and perspectives, which broadens their understanding of the global Muslim community. The most experienced Pilgrims, typically older in age, would share their wisdom while the younger would assist the older, creating a respect and compassion for each other. Both the experiences and interactions of the pilgrims throughout their journey will deepen the spiritual bond between Muslims at the time of Umrah, and they will continue to create an enduring bond long after they have left Mecca.
Strengthening the Sense of Ummah
“Ummah” means “all Muslims as one community throughout the world.” The idea of ummah comes alive during this Umrah. Witnessing the entire world worshiping at the same time leaves an enduring memory. Milling about are Muslims from all over the world, forming the ummah. Muslims witness their own extended family members, and this fills them with the spirit to implement the same values of “brotherhood” in their own countries.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Journey
The sense of unity that is achieved when one performs Umrah does not end there because one can retain the friendships developed during the Umrah experience. Furthermore, the moral acquired during the Umrah experience spreads more tolerance and compassion when one gets back into their normal life. Such a fact shows the deep Spiritual bond achieved when one performs Umrah.
Umrah is a beautiful display of unity in diversity. By assembling all Muslims in worship, humility, and common goals, Umrah is a display of how Muslims are unified despite their geographical and cultural diversities. Muslims come together through common rituals and interactions, which enhance spiritual binding through Umrah and show how Muslims remember, through their faith, that faith is the greatest bond.
