What is Umrah
As-salamu alaykum dear readers,
Today, we will be discussing one of the most important and sacred journeys a Muslim can embark upon – the blessed Umrah.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Hajj, which is obligatory upon all financially and physically able Muslims, Umrah is a non-compulsory pilgrimage but is still highly recommended by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Umrah involves performing a series of rituals that symbolize the core of Islam, such as unity, devotion, and submission to Allah. Muslims undertake Umrah throughout the year, but the best time to perform it is during Ramadan.
The journey of Umrah begins by donning the Ihram – a special clothing that consists of two white unstitched pieces of cloth for men and ordinary clothes for women. Once you enter the state of Ihram, certain restrictions apply, such as not cutting your hair or nails, not using perfume or scented soap, and refraining from any physical or sexual intimacy with your spouse.
After reaching Makkah, the first point of interest is the Grand Mosque, which houses the majestic Kaaba – the holiest site in Islam. Muslims perform the Tawaf, which means circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Next, they make their way to the hills of Safa and Marwa and complete the Sa’i – walking back and forth seven times between these two hills.
The Umrah is concluded by shaving the head of men and cutting women’s hair by a certain length, breaking the Ihram, and engaging in any activities previously restricted.
The Umrah is a spiritually uplifting journey, bringing Muslims closer to Allah and reinforcing their faith. It is an opportunity to experience a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst fellow Muslims and appreciate the diversity of the Muslim world.
We should maintain sincerity, humility, and gratitude throughout the Umrah and seek Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. May Allah accept our Umrah and make it a means of attaining piety and nearness to Him.
JazakAllah Khair for reading and may Allah bless us all.