What is Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worship and devotion that Muslims perform in a way of pilgrimage to the noblest city in Islam, i.e., Mecca. In Arabic context, the literal meaning of umrah is “visiting a populated place”. In contrast to Hajj, which is a yearly Islamic pilgrimage and the 5th pillar of Islam, Umrah is commonly known as a “minor pilgrimage”.
Every year a large number of Muslims perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Pilgrims select certain Umrah Packages UK according to their requirements and ease.
Types of Umrah
There are basically 2 main types of Umrah in Islam:
Umrah al-Mufradah
Performing this Umrah has no limitations but is not allowed during the month of Hajj. Other than the restricted month, Muslims can perform this beloved Sunnah any time during the year.
Umrah al-Tamattu
This type of Umrah is generally performed during the sacred month of Dul-Hijjah. Usually this Umrah is performed before initiating Hajj.
When to go for Umrah:
Unlike Hajj, the time duration to perform Umrah is not specific. One can go for it whenever he/she is financially, physically, and mentally prepared. Due to no time restriction, every year millions of Muslims from all over the world come to Mecca to get the blessings of Umrah. Time selection for Umrah is completely up to the pilgrim’s choice. Pilgrims can look up special 2025 Umrah packages to meet their needs.
Purpose of Umrah
The sole purpose of Umrah is to get divine favour and blessings. The spirituality of this journey helps to revive the faith of a person with obscure ways. One of the supreme reasons to perform this act is to show love to our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH by following his Sunnah. Umrah is an optimal way to remove sins and refresh one’s soul.
How to perform Umrah?
Intention: Firstly, the pilgrim makes his/her intent of performing this journey of devotion.
Ihram: A condition of sanctification accompanied by a particular set of clothing named Ihram, which is worn by pilgrims. Men’s Ihram includes 2 unstitched white clothes without covering the head, and women’s includes any loose-fitting dress with covering the head completely. After getting into this state of ihram, the pilgrim prays 2 rakahs of Sunnat-ul-ihram. Afterwards, Talbiyh is recited until seeing the Kabbah.
Tawaf: When pilgrims reach Masjid al-Haram, the first thing they do is walk around the Kaaba. In an anticlockwise direction, 7 rounds are taken to complete this ritual, which starts and ends at the Black Stone of Mecca, also known as al-Ḥajar al-Aswad.
Pray: Pilgrims then have to pray 2 rakahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, and if not possible, then can pray anywhere else in the masjid.
Saii: This practice includes walking back and forth on 2 small hills of Safa and Marwa doing 7 rotations. At the start of saii, a related dua is recited.
Taqsir: The last step to complete Umrah includes cutting hair. For women, the hair cutting parameter is at least one inch, but for men, it includes complete shaving of the head.
After the final step, the pilgrim comes out from a state of Ihram.
Significance of Umrah
Alongside a way of restoring one’s faith and emulating the Prophet’s Sunnah, performing Umrah helps to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings. When millions of Muslims gather and pray with solidarity, an essence of brotherhood and unity spreads. Positive psychological impacts of doing this act are also felt by people. As a whole, performing this sacred act is advantageous for many aspects of one’s life.
Tips for Umrah
- Plan the whole journey of the Umrah pilgrimage in advance by contact a trusted Islamic Travel Agency from the UK.
- Selecting the ideal time for your Umrah pilgrimage is essential for the greatest experience. Examine Umrah off-peak and peak seasons.
- Select modest, eco-friendly apparel from a limited selection. Keep an additional ihram on hand in case of emergencies.
- Choose budget-friendly Hajj and Umrah Packages that meet your requirements.
- It’s important to stay hydrated to prevent physical exertion. Make sure your luggage has energy-boosting foods and a refillable drink.
- Make an effort to physically prepare oneself to handle impending challenges.
- Learn completely about rituals and rites to connect more spiritually.
- The best way to avoid extra hassle is to choose accommodation that is easily accessible.
Umrah is an ideal experience which can be experienced in the Saudi Arabia with the Umrah Packages. During the Umrah pilgrimage, you should explore the Saudi Cuisine especially in Mecca and Madinah. You should experience at least in the thrills of flying restaurants in Saudi Arabia after performing the pilgrimage or before. Get more and more knowledge about the Umrah Pilgrimage.
