Umrah, an esteemed Sunnah according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a deeply spiritual act of worship. Each year, millions of pilgrims journey to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah, seeking forgiveness for sins and blessings from Allah. Undertaking this sacred ritual with sincere intentions brings peace and happiness, as it is the only Sunnah Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed twice in his lifetime.
Purpose of Umrah: Seeking Blessings and Renewing Faith
The purpose of Umrah is to seek the blessings of Allah, seek forgiveness, and rejuvenate one’s faith in Islam. Pilgrims receive spiritual rewards, known as Sawab, upon completing the pilgrimage, alongside numerous other benefits.
- Honored Guests of Allah
One of the most profound benefits of Umrah is the privilege of being hosted by the benevolent Allah Himself. Pilgrims often describe experiencing a profound sense of peace and tranquility upon entering Makkah. In Hadith No. 2626, Abu Hurairah narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The guests of Allah are three: The Ghazi (the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajj (the pilgrim who performs Hajj), and the Mu’tamir (the pilgrim performing Umrah).”
- Forgiveness of Sins
One of the most profound benefits of Umrah is the opportunity to seek forgiveness for all sins. Performing Umrah with sincerity allows pilgrims to cleanse their souls. In Hadith No. 2630, Abu Hurairah narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between, and ‘Hajj Al-Mabrur’ brings no reward less than Paradise.”
Removal of Poverty
Umrah offers the benefit of alleviating poverty, as Allah rewards pilgrims with wealth to compensate for their expenditures during this rigorous spiritual journey. According to Ibn Abbas, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
4. Equivalent to Jihad
Umrah holds the noble status of being equivalent to Jihad, one of the most sacrificial acts in Islam. According to Hazrat Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Prophet said, “Whoever leaves his home solely for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah and dies, nothing will be presented to him nor will he have any liability on the Day of Judgment, and it will be said to him, enter into Jannah.
Strengthening Faith
Umrah significantly strengthens one’s devotion and faith (Iman). It serves as a reaffirmation of the pilgrim’s belief in Allah. According to a hadith narrated by Ibn-e-Maajah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The performers of Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah Almighty. If they call Him, He answers them, and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.”
Performing Umrah during Ramadan offers pilgrims the opportunity to choose between two types: Umrah-ul-Tamattu and Umrah-ul-Mufradah. Umrah-ul-Tamattu can be performed during Ramadan but must be completed before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. The spiritual practice itself remains unchanged whether performed during Ramadan or any other time of the year. The benefits of Umrah during Ramadan are abundant.
Umrah strengthens one’s relationship with Allah through every aspect of its worship, starting from the intention to perform Umrah to completing the rituals. By dedicating oneself to Allah and seeking forgiveness in His house, Umrah spiritually purifies individuals of their past sins. Consulting Islamic scholars to resolve doubts further strengthens faith in Allah and Islam.
The pilgrimage of Umrah holds immense rewards and benefits for Muslims worldwide. Each year, millions embark on this religious journey to seek blessings and forgiveness from Allah. Moreover, Umrah serves to rejuvenate and reinforce an individual’s faith in Allah and Islam.