Every year millions of Muslims embark on the holy journey of Umrah. What is the importance of Umrah in Islam? Why do people yearn to perform Umrah again and again? What benefits do Muslims gain by performing it? Let us read to find out.
What is Umrah?
It is also known as the lesser pilgrimage. While Hajj is performed during specific dates in the month of Dhul Hjjah, It can be performed at any time of the year, other than the Hajj dates.
Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah and perform certain rituals to perform Umrah. Firstly, the pilgrims assume Ihram and make an intention to perform. Upon reaching the holy Kabah, they start circulating seven times around it, reciting supplications. Upon the completion of tawaf, they offer two rakah prayers at the station of Ibrahim (AS) and drink Zamzam. Now the pilgrims perform Sai which is running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. After that, men shave their heads. However, unlike Hajj, it is not compulsory in to shave the head.
pilgrimage performance takes about three to six hours on average. After completing this, pilgrims can either rest or spend time in Haram in remembrance of Allah.
What is the History Behind Umrah?
The history of pilgrimage dates back to 629 AD when prophet Muhammad (PBUH) left Madinah with 2000 followers to perform this. He embarked on the holy journey a year ago as well but the pagans of Makkah refused to allow him to enter Makkah on the pretext that he was coming for bloodshed. After negotiations, a peace treaty at Hudaibiyyah was signed. It was agreed, among other conditions, that Muslims would return to Madinah this year. They will come in the next year to perform Umrah. Hence, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the first-ever Umrah which lasted for three days.
What is the Significance of Umrah?
Allah created this world as a temporary abode. However, we get so engrossed in worldly affairs that we forget the real purpose of coming to this world. This disturbs our soul which yearns to connect with the Creator. Hence, Allah made pilgrimage a wonderful form of worship that not only helps us earn great rewards but also guides us to the Right Path.
Purification of Soul
Umrah is a journey for the purification of one’s soul. It cleanses your heart of all the malice and ill feelings. It is a wonderful opportunity to repent in front of Allah and sincerely apologize for all the wrongdoings. It is a journey of transformation. You can vow in front of your Creator to become a better person after completing pilgrimage.
Establish Connection with Allah
Umrah is a beautiful way to connect with Allah. When you have that connection, nothing else in the world matters. It is a source of surreal contentment and peace. It helps strengthen a person’s faith. You start believing sincerely that everything, good or bad is from Allah. This relieves you from the stress of things not going the way you planned. When you show such strong faith and conviction, Allah rewards you by fulfilling your wishes
Strengthen Unity and Brotherhood
Umrah is a congregational worship that strengthens unity and brotherhood among Muslims. This is very important in today’s world as Muslims around the world are scattered. pilgrimage allows Muslims to forget their differences and unite as Allah’s humble servants.
Strengthen Family Bonding
In today’s world, everyone is busy with their lives. Even family members find it difficult to sit and spend time together. Umrah allows the family to spend quality time together. Parents can offer invaluable lessons of humility, gratitude, empathy, and self-reflection.
What are the Rewards of performing Umrah?
When you perform Umrah, you see miraculous transformations in your life. Here are some of the rewards of performing pilgrimage.
Forgiveness from Sins
Umrah wipes off your sins and gives you a chance to make a fresh new start. Let go of the burden of past mistakes by sincerely repenting to Allah. Allah forgives those who beg for a chance and vow not to repeat their mistakes.
Poverty Eradication
According to ahadith, pilgrimage eradicates poverty and rewards a person with material blessings. If you experience job or finance-related problems, all your problems will go away when you perform Umrah.
Reward Equal to Jihaad
Jihaad is one of the most glorious acts in Islam. Jihaad means to strive in the way of Allah. Umrah is worship that requires a physical and financial commitment. You go through physical hardships when performing this. Especially when you perform pilgrimage with children, women, or the elderly, it is even more virtuous. Hence, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the reward of Umrah is equal to that of Jihaad.
