Umrah Meaning in Islam: Why Muslims Perform it
Umrah is often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims and involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Makkah, where the Ka’aba stands as the epicentre of Islamic faith and the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals.
Umrah is one of the holy pilgrimages of Islam, which is carried out each year by millions of Muslims, as opposed to Hajj, whose completion is a mandatory requirement for all Muslims who fulfil the stipulated requirements.
Umrah is a discretionary pilgrimage, and yet it is of high importance to Muslims. The pilgrimage is the representation of the devotional process, purification and spiritual renewal. This article will be helpful for the pilgrims of the UK who are planning to perform Umrah.
Meaning of Umrah
The word Umrah is derived from the Arabic word “Itimaar”, which means “to visit a place”. It means visiting the Kaaba, doing Tawaf, and Sai between Safa and Marwah, in Islamic terms.
In the Quran, Allah says: Allah tells Muslims to complete both Hajj and Umrah for His sake.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, Umrah is a way to remove Sins between two Umrahs.
This tells the divine importance and purpose of Umrah clearly. Many Islamic travel agencies from uk are providing umrah packages which include tickets, visa, accommodation and food.
Umrah Definitions According to Scholars
Different Islamic scholars have shared the definition of umrah in their own words, but all agree on the same meaning.
According to Ibn Qudamah, umrah is a form of worship that includes entering ihram, doing tawaf, sai, and shaving or trimming hair. Scholars also explain that even if it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended.
Some say it is sunnah, and others say it becomes fardh once in a lifetime if a person has money and health.
The Purpose of Umrah
The purpose of Umrah is not just to perform rituals. It is a way for Muslims to feel spiritually fresh. Many people undertake the Umrah when they feel lost in life, when they want to change their habits, or when they need inner peace.
The simple clothes of ihram, the walk in Masjid Al Haram, the dua near the Kaaba, all these things help Muslims feel close to Allah. That is why people from all over the world, rich or poor, young or old, do umrah. For many, it is the first significant step towards improving their life.
Why Muslims Perform Umrah?
Maine Muslims still go on umrah today, even if it’s not obligatory; the reason is not just one, some go because they want to clean their sins.
Some go because they feel stressed and want peace, and some go because they just love to see the Kaaba and pray in Masjid Al Haram. The significance of Umrah is still very strong even in today’s busy life.
Spiritual Benefits of Umrah by Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad told us in many Hadith that Umrah removes sins. In one Hadith, he said, “One Umrah to another is forgiveness for what is between them.
So if someone does Umrah now and again, later the small sins between those two are forgiven. Also, he said that if you do Umrah in Ramadan, it is like doing Hajj with him.
This shows how big the reward is. That’s why many people wait for Ramadan to do Umrah. People also feel peaceful after doing Umrah when they pray in front of the Kaaba and make Dua; their hearts become soft. You feel close to Allah.
Umrah: A Life Goal for Muslims
For many Muslims, going for Umrah is a dream. They save money for many years. They always pray, ya Allah, give me a chance to visit your house.
When they finally go, and they see the Kaaba for the first time, many cry. It is a moment that they will never forget. Some people say, “I want to go at least once in my life. For them, it is not just a journey. It is a goal, a wish from the heart.
So the purpose of Umrah is not only a reward. It is also to feel peace, to ask forgiveness, and to refresh your Iman. To perform the Umrah, every Muslim must first secure a valid Umrah visa.
Importance of Umrah in the Modern World
Now life is very fast. We are always busy with work, social media, and problems. Sometimes that heart becomes hard, and people feel empty. So when someone goes for Umrah, they feel they are away from this world.
They don’t worry about money, a job, or a phone. They focus only on prayer, tawaf, and Dua. This time is very important in today’s life. Many people come back with more patience and peace. Even young people who are lost in this world say that Umrah changed them.
Conclusion
Umrah holds great historical significance, offering Muslims a chance to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings.
The rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving, reflect deep devotion, humility, and submission to Allah’s will and guidance. May Allah grant us the opportunity to perform Umrah with sincere intentions, and may He accept our prayers and acts of worship.
