Umrah is one of the holy journeys due to take place by a Muslim. Being commonly considered the lesser pilgrimage in comparison with Hajj, it is also highly spiritually-wise in the Islamic religion. Whereas Hajj is binding to the Muslims who have the means and capacities to undertake the task, Umrah is encouraged although not binding but the rewards that accrue to it are beyond estimation. Pilgrimage is done in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah of Saudi Arabia and it involves a series of rites and rituals that are aimed at purifying the soul as well as strengthening ties with Allah.
In this article, we are going to reveal the essential aspects of Umrah, its importance and have a closer look at how it is performed to help you see why it is undertaken by so many Muslims annually. This will help you with all the information you need to know in case you are planning to go ahead and perform Umrah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a worshipful pilgrimage to the holy town of Makkah and it can be performed any time of the year. In contrast to its counterpart (Hajj), which occurs on precise dates on the Islamic calendar, Umrah could be completed any time of the year, and constitutes a series of rituals that are meant to cleanse the spirit. To individuals who are interested in making this holy trip, it is very convenient to reserve an Umrah Package that meets the requirements of all needs. Even though it is not compulsory to Muslims, an Umrah act is very spiritual and gives them peace of mind, fulfillment, and they feel near to Allah.
Muslims consider that pilgrimage to Makkah brings so many rewards and pilgrimage is regarded as a means of purification of sins. It is quite a strong chance to reinforce faith and show devotion. People believe that if they go on Umrah then they would be more acquainted with the rites and rituals of the pilgrimage.
The Importance of Umrah
Muslims attach great spirituality in Umrah. It is considered as one of the means of obtaining spiritual awakening and closeness to Allah. The rewards that there are of performing an Umrah are very many with among the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) being quoted to have said,that doing of an Umrah continues to absolve whatever happens between one Umrah and the other. The hadith also explains how Umrah serves as a way of purifying the old sins thus making them attain a spiritual cleanliness position.
It is also a form of supplication to act by performing Umrah. It is believed that Allah is more prone to answering the prayers of people who are sincere in their place in pilgrimage. This enhances the journey to make it more meaningful since the Muslims make a request to Allah to grant them blessings and mercy.
Steps Involved in the Umrah Journey
During Umrah there are several clearly defined stages that all Muslims should go through. Those rituals should symbolically reenact the act of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family, as they strongly believed in Allah. The most important parts of the Umrah are:
- Ihram: Pilgrims are in a state of spiritual purity called Ihram before reaching Makkah. This entails donning other pieces of clothing (two pieces of white material by the males, and plain, modest clothing by the ladies) and making a statement of their purpose of engaging in Umrah. The state of consecration is known as Ihram and represents the desire by the pilgrim to obey the law of Allah and to avoid doing particular things.
- Tawaf: After going to Makkah, the pilgrims are supposed to conduct Tawaf during which there is a circumambulation around the Kaaba seven times in a counter clock-wise direction. In Islam, whose most sacred building is the Kaaba, which is found in the Masjid al-Haram, one of the essential elements of Umrah is Tawaf.
- Sa’i: Pilgrims do Sa’i (walk between the mountains of Safa and Marwah seven times, after Tawaf. This is an act acknowledging the seeking of water by Hagar who was the wife of Prophet Ibrahim on her son Isma’il. Her frantic efforts to find some means of sustenance in the desert are reproduced in the pilgrims symbolically to show faith and belief in Allah.
- Shaving or Trimming Hair: Completing Sa’i, men shave their hair off or shave a certain part off the hair, and similarly women, cut a small part of their hair. This is a ritual of cleansing and submission of humility, which marks a fresh start of the journey of pilgrimage.
Spiritual Benefits of Performing Umrah
The spiritual returns of the Umrah cannot be counted. Muslims believe they can be able to dispose their sins and clean their minds as the result of carrying out this holy journey. Applied processes can make clean the heart, mind and spirit by the nature of being in the holy cities, the act of being on a pilgrimage and standing in prayer to the Kaaba and performing the ritual of the pilgrimage a force of purification in itself which is capable of showing you the way.
Also, the pilgrimage also provides an opportunity to feel one with their fellow Muslim faithful across the world. The homogenization of different Muslim backgrounds through the purpose of worship in Makkah makes them all feel united in a global sense. It is a reminder of Islam equality and brotherhood.
The Role of Salah Travels in Facilitating Umrah
Salah Travels is committed to seeing Muslims travel in their quest to have Umraheasily. Years in the business of organizing and offering travel packages help Salah Travel organize every detail of pilgrimage in the way that allows to have the most comfortable and spiritual positive outcomes. The company provides detailed Umrah packages that cover the cost of a flight, accommodation, visa facilitation, and guided tours so that the process is pleasant and enriching.
At Salah Travels, we do cater to your needs whether you are a first-time pilgrim or a pilgrim that wishes to complete your pilgrimage with greater spiritual connection. Under professional supervision, you are free to concentrate on the spiritual side of your life, immersed in prayers and the achievement of the spiritual objectives without having to worry about the logistics that would be handled by a full-service provider.
When Should You Perform Umrah?
As opposed to Hajj, that is only done during special days in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah may be done any time of year. Lots of Muslims choose to make Umrah in the month of Ramadan since the period is considered to be particularly blessed. As a matter of fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, a Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with him. But the performance of Umrah can also be done at any point of the year, as per individual conditions.
Preparing for Umrah
Making preparations to do Umrah means both spiritual and logistical preparation. On a spiritual level, one must practice self-examination, repent past sins, must have clean intentions and a prayerful heart. Logistically, pilgrims can make payments, have their documents required including a valid passport and Umrah visa ready and make a travel and stay ahead of time.
Some pilgrims also prefer to read the books or watch the videos about rites of Umrah before travelling to learn how they should perform them properly.
Conclusion
Umrah is a highly religious event and an important occasion to the Muslims worldwide. Even though it is not obligatory, it offers a chance to clean up the soul and enhance the faith as well as a chance to seek blessing and goodwill of Allah. Through the specified rituals, and by conducting acts of piety, the pilgrims get their rewards in the form of spiritual cleansing and a feeling of calm.
In case you intend to go on an Umrah and Salah Travels is there to assist you at every step. Our specialized guidance and all inclusive travel packages give your pilgrimage experience all the comfort, ease and spiritual well being. Get in touch with us today so we can embark on your spiritual trip.
