Every form of Ibadah is attached along with its virtues in the religion of Islam, including the pilgrimage of Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has linked a number of Hadiths (Ahadith) about Allah’s bounties, wonderful blessings and rewards of performing the pilgrimage of Umrah, throughout a Muslim’s life. Shared below are some of the most authentic Ahadith defining and discussing the virtues of Umrah.
As reported by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (R.A) that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said in a Hadith (which was approved by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that:
العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا
The Translation of the Hadith: “(The performance of the pilgrimage) Umrah is expiation for the sins committed during it and the preceding Umrah.”
The above stated Hadith not only focuses and sheds light on the importance of Umrah in the life of a Muslim, but it also motivates them to perform is as much as possible, whenever the circumstances are favorable.
As reported by Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A) that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said in a Hadith (which was approved by Imam(s) Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that:
عُمْرَةٌ فِي رَمَضَانَ تَعْدِلُ حِجَّةً أَوْ حِجَّةً مَعِي
The translation of the Hadith: “(Performing the pilgrimage of) `Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to (going for) Hajj.” Or said: “Equivalent to performing Hajj with me (Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)).”
This is another virtue of Umrah which signifies the importance of performing Umrah during Ramadan. It comes with special rewards and blessings.
As narrated by Ibn Umar (R.A), reported in Ibn Majah, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
الغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، وَالحَاجُّ، وَالمُعْتَمِرُ وَفْدُ اللَّهِ، دَعَاهُمْ فَأَجَابُوهُ وَسَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ
The translation of the Hadith: “The one in fight for Allah’s cause, the [one in] Hajj, and the one in ‘Umrah are delegates of Allah; He called them and they responded Him; and they will ask of His bestowals and He will grant it for them.”
It can also be understood by the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) that the dua (prayer) of the Muslim who is performing Umrah, is expected to be answered.
As related by Sayyidatuna Aisha (R.A) and reported by Al-Tabarani and Al-Baihaqi, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). said:
مَنْ خَرَجَ يَؤُمُّ هَذَا البَيْتَ مِنْ حَاجٍّ أَوْ مُعْتَمِرٍ، كَانَ مَضْمُوناً عَلَى اللهِ إِنْ قَبَضَهُ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الجَنَّةَ، وَإِنْ رَدَّهُ؛ رَدَّهُ بِأَجْرٍ وَغَنِيمَةٍ
The translation of the Hadith: “Whomever leaves his home only for the purpose of Hajj or ‘Umrah, and dies, it becomes guaranteed upon Allah to grant him the Paradise, if He takes away his soul. And if He returns him; He’ll return him with rewards and gains”.
This is another motivating virtue of Umrah. The reward for a Muslim who passes away while performing Umrah is Jannah.
Making Special Dua (supplications), Wishes, or Requests While performing Umrah:
Each and every human being has special demands and needs. One of the biggest blessings for Muslims is that they can ask Allah to grant our desires. Only He could fulfill our wishes and understand out true intentions. Pilgrimages like Umrah and Hajj are the Golden opportunity for Muslims to place their requests. As Umrah is a special occasion which is held at a special place, in such a case the wishes are unconditionally granted or the chances of prayers getting answered become higher. Muslims should make the most use out of Umrah and beg Allah for mercy and should ask Him to show us the right path.
As related in a hadith by Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) and reported by Ibn Majah, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
الغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالحَاجُّ وَالمُعْتَمِرُ وَفْدُ اللَّهِ، دَعَاهُمْ فَأَجَابُوهُ وَسَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ
The translation of the Hadith: “The one in fight for Allah’s cause, the [one in] Hajj, and the one in ‘Umrah are delegates of Allah; He called them and they responded Him; and they will ask of His bestowals and He will give it to them.”
If a Muslim has special needs, requests or demands, irrespective of how impractical and impossible they seem, he/she should not hesitate to make full use of Umrah and should ask Allah for help and mercy.
Many of the people who have performed Umrah have reported that their special needs were fulfilled after they prayed for them during Umrah. The ideal way of making a dua (prayer) is with all your heart, with humility and intensity. Cry, if you feel like. There is no shame in crying in front of Allah. He is the one who listens and He is the ultimate authority and nothing is impossible for Him.
