Umrah, regarded as the most soul-lifting Sunnah as per the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a spiritual act of worship. Millions of pilgrims undertake the spiritual journey to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah throughout the year. Those who perform this spiritual ritual with a pious intent get the rewards and benefits of Umrah. Muslims seek forgiveness for their mortal sins and pray to the benevolent Allah for blessings. Embarking on this sacred path with a pure purpose to conduct Umrah brings peace and happiness. Moreover, Umrah is the only Sunnah that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed two times in his entire life.
What is the purpose of Umrah?
The purpose of Umrah is to seek the blessings of the almighty Allah, pray for forgiveness, and refresh the faith in Islam. Pilgrims reap the Sawab of Umrah or blessings of Umrah after the completion of the pilgrimage. When it comes to the benefits of Umrah, there are plenty that Muslims can attain.
1. Have the almighty Allah as the host
Perhaps the most exciting benefit of Umrah is the blessing of being the guest of the benevolent Allah himself. Pilgrims often speak of a strange calmness that covers them as soon as they step inside Makkah. In Hadith No. 2626, Abu Hurairah narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said – “The guests of Allah are three: The Ghazi (i.e. the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajj (i.e. the pilgrim who performs Hajj) and the Mu’tamir (i.e. the pilgrim performing Umrah).”
2. Forgiveness from all sins
The most beautiful benefit of Umrah is the chance to seek forgiveness for mortal sins. Here, one can cleanse their soul by performing Umrah piously. 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.”
3. Eradication of poverty
Another benefit of Umrah that one can get is the elimination of poverty. It is said that Allah gifts wealth to the pilgrims to recompense for the money they spent on this arduous spiritual journey of Umrah. According to Ibn Abbas, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said – “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
4. Equivalent to performing Jihad
Jihad is undoubtedly one of the sacrificial and noblest acts that one can perform in Islam. According to Hazrat Aisha, wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Prophet said – “Whoever leaves his home solely for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah and he 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.”
5. Strengthen the devotion
Another significant benefit of Umrah is the strengthening of Iman. Performing Umrah reaffirms the faith of the pilgrim in the almighty Allah. As per a hadith, Ibn-e-Maajah explained that the 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.”
Benefit of performing Umrah during Ramadan
If you are planning Umrah during Ramadan, it is important to understand that there are two types of Umrah that the pilgrims can opt for – Umrah-ul-Tamattu and Umrah-ul-Mufradah. Pilgrims can perform the Umrah-ul-Tamattu during the month of Ramadan. However, it must be done before the 8th Dhul Hijjah. Keep in mind that there is no difference in the spiritual practice itself. The Umrah during Ramadan is done the same way as the one done the rest of the year. Also, the benefits of Umrah during Ramadan are plenty.
A hadith by Ibn ‘Abbas states that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself said – “Perform Umrah in the month of ramadan, (as it is equivalent to hajj or hajj with me (in reward).”
Here, the reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan is considered to be similar to that of the Hajj. However, it is vital to note that this doesn’t substitute the obligatory Hajj in any way. Other benefits include an increase in happiness, satisfaction, and blessings due to the holy nature of the time and place.
How does Umrah strengthen one’s relationship with Allah?
The whole act of worship during Umrah from the intention to perform Umrah to conducting Umrah brings one close to Allah. However, as people devote themselves to Allah and asks forgiveness in his house, the journey spiritually cleanses one of their past sins. Getting doubts cleared by the Islamic scholars will build faith over Allah and in Islam.
The pilgrimage of Umrah is highly rewarding and beneficial to all the Muslims around the world. Every year, millions of pilgrims head on to the religious journey and seek blessings and forgiveness from the almighty Allah. Additionally, the journey of Umrah revitalizes the faith of an individual in Allah and Islam.
Must Read: Umrah In Ramadan – Significance And Benefits
Benefits of Umrah FAQs
What are benefits of performing Umrah?
Forgiveness for sins and blessing of Allah are the two major benefits of performing Umrah.
What are blessing of performing Umrah during Ramadan?
Performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj but does not replace the obligatory journey of Hajj.
What are the physical and mental benefits of Umrah?
Umrah helps in strengthening self-belief and find mental peace. The journey includes physical exercise, walking and endurance that helps in catching fresh air and detoxification.
What are the rewards of performing Umrah?
Forgiveness of sins, blessing of Allah, and purification of soul are some of the major rewards.
Can performing Umrah fulfill supplications and prayers?
As Umrah is a holy journey, offering prayers are answered by Allah.
What are positive personal transformation after Umrah?
Self reflection, Humility, closeness to Allah and increased focus are some of the positive personal transformation.
What are the social benefits associated with Umrah
As Umrah is performed by people from around the globe, Muslims meet their fellow Muslims from foreign land that increases the solidarity.
