Importance of Umrah pilgrimage for Muslims

Umrah is an important, non-obligatory pilgrimage that is performed by Muslims from all over the world. Since Umrah is the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW), it can be undertaken at any time of the year except for the days of hajj as pilgrims are traveling with Hajj Package Deals for the annual hajj rituals. A lot of people also consider Umrah to be the ‘minor pilgrimage’ to the Hajj. However, the rewards it holds for pilgrims are of exceptional significance.

What rites are observed?

As per the Islamic teachings, the Umrah includes performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba and Sa’i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah hills that are located within the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah (Saudia Arabia).

In order to perform the Umrah, all Muslims necessarily need to assume the state of Ihram. If Ihram isn’t assumed by any Muslim, then his/her Umrah is considered redundant. After the Tawaf and Sa’i rituals are complete, men have to perform a Halq (a complete shave of the head) and women have to perform a Taqsir (a partial shortening of the hair of one inch or more). However, if men desire, it’s also permissible for them to trim instead of shaving.

Here’s a brief description of the importance of the Umrah pilgrimage for Muslims.

Expiation of Sins

Muslims are advised to follow up on the performance of Umrah because it is very rewarding. It’s evident from the hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), wherein the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said; (description) The performance of `Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. Therefore, the performance of umrah rituals is a great opportunity for a pilgrim to supplicate to Allah Almighty and ask for forgiveness.

Purifies one’s soul

If performed with the truest of intentions, for a pilgrim, Umrah can be a way of purifying the mind and soul tarnished by sin and blemished by negativity. Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) Alternate between Hajj and Umrah because both rid a pilgrim of poverty and sins just as the blacksmith’s bellows remove all the impurities from metals like iron, silver and gold.

Prayers are answered

Allah Almighty never rejects the Dua of a person, the Almighty has different ways of answering to it. However, some times are considered to be more sacred to make Dua and umrah remains one of those times. Any Muslim who journeys for Umrah is considered as a pilgrim just like a pilgrim of Hajj until they return home. Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA) the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said; (description) The performers of Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah Almighty; If they call Him, He answers their prayers and if they seek forgiveness from him, he forgives.

That’s how important umrah pilgrimage is for Muslims.