Umrah is an Arabic word that means “to visit a populated place.” It refers to the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, which is located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. In terms of Sharia law, Umrah involves crossing the Miqat in the state of Ihram, performing the Tawaf around the Kaaba, doing the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming one’s hair (Taqsir).
Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, but it is not recommended to perform it during the days of Hajj (from the 9th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah). Performing Umrah at least once in a lifetime is considered a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an emphasized Sunnah). Regardless of when it is performed, it carries great rewards and blessings.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Umrah four times in his life during four different journeys. It is better to perform only one Umrah during a single trip. However, many people perform multiple Umrahs during one trip, but no evidence suggests the Prophet did so. The Prophet used to perform only one Umrah during a trip, and hence, we should follow the same practice of performing only one Umrah in a journey.
There is a difference of opinion among the four schools of thought regarding whether performing Umrah at least once in a lifetime is obligatory. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools, Umrah is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah. However, according to the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, Umrah is considered obligatory (Fard).
The virtues of Umrah
Although Umrah is not obligatory according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools, it holds great reward. Below are some hadiths and Quranic verses related to Umrah:
“Complete the Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 196)
Abu Huraira (R.A.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “The reward of one Umrah expiates the sins committed between it and the next.” (Bukhari: 1683, Muslim: 3355)
Umrah removes poverty. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R.A.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins just as the furnace removes impurities from iron, gold, and silver.” (Tirmidhi: 810)
Abu Huraira (R.A.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “The pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are the representatives of Allah. If they call upon Him, He will respond to them, and if they seek His forgiveness, He will forgive them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Although there is no specific time for performing Umrah, it is considered a highly virtuous act during the month of Ramadan. As Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A.) said, the Prophet (S.A.W.) told an Ansari woman to perform Umrah in Ramadan because performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj.
Therefore, we should always try to perform Umrah during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Types of Umrah
Although Umrah has only one basic form, it can be performed in different ways depending on the purpose and timing. These are described below:
Umrah al-Tamattu (Complete Umrah): This is the most common form of Umrah outside the months of Hajj. Pilgrims perform all the required rituals, including Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul.
Umrah al-Qiran (Combined Umrah and Hajj): This refers to the type of Umrah performed by those who combine Umrah and Hajj in the same year. Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj and perform both sets of rituals together.
Umrah al-Ifrad (Solo Umrah): This form of Umrah is for those who only wish to perform Umrah without combining it with Hajj. Pilgrims enter Ihram, perform the rituals, and then leave Ihram after completing the Umrah, without performing Hajj later.
Conditions for Performing Umrah
To perform Umrah, certain conditions must be fulfilled. These conditions are as follows:
Islamic belief: First and foremost, one must be a Muslim and have full belief in Islam. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca or Medina.
Maturity and Wisdom: A person must be mentally mature and capable of understanding the responsibilities of Umrah. Generally, children and mentally ill individuals are not allowed to perform Umrah or Hajj.
Physical and Financial Capability: A person must be physically able to endure the physical exertion required for Umrah. There is a great deal of physical effort involved in the pilgrimage. Additionally, a person must be financially able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and other necessary expenses.
Ihram State: Before beginning the pilgrimage, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram. The various rituals associated with Ihram are covered in other articles.
Best Time for Performing Umrah
Umrah can be performed at any time during the year, but there are certain times when performing it is more rewarding.
Ramadan: Performing Umrah during Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year. The Prophet (S.A.W.) mentioned that performing Umrah during this month brings the greatest reward. The reward for performing Umrah during Ramadan is multiplied, and many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during this blessed month.
Sacred Months: Performing Umrah in the months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah is also highly encouraged.
Summary of Umrah
Umrah is a significant spiritual journey in Islam, serving as a means for Muslims to seek forgiveness from Allah and draw closer to Him. While it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah carries immense rewards. There is no specific time for performing Umrah, but certain months offer greater rewards for this pilgrimage.
The rituals of Umrah include Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul, all of which must be performed in a specific manner.
To perform Umrah, one must be Muslim, mature, wise, physically and financially capable. There are various types of Umrah, including Tamattu, Qiran, and Ifrad, each with its own requirements. Those who are physically and financially able should perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime.
