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.

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

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Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar where Allah (SWT) revealed the first surah’s of the Holy Quran to Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.). In this month Muslims fast from dawn to dusk thus practising the Islamic beliefs of disciplining their selves, exercising self-control, sacrifice and empathy. By offering prayers they seek refuge in Allah, do good deeds seeking rewards and blessings from the god. Performing Umrah in Ramadan has enormous religious value and significance and here will take you through the rituals that a pilgrim needs to perform.

Performing Umrah: Important Rituals for all Pilgrims

• Umrah starts by assuming Ihram, which includes cleaning oneself thoroughly, taking a complete bath, and changing into two white sheets of unstitched cloth. For women, a plain regular stitched dress is allowed.
• Tawaf, the next ritual requires pilgrims to enter the Masjid-al-Haram with their right foot and go around the Kaaba seven times counter-clock.
• It is followed by Sa’i, where pilgrims climb up the hill of ‘Safa’ and walk towards ‘Marwa’ reciting supplications.
• The last step of Umrah includes the shaving off the head. Women need to cut their hair short instead of shaving them.

Benefits of Performing Umrah in Ramadan

According to Islamic belief, those who leave home intending to perform Umrah is a pilgrim until they return; and if they die during this pilgrimage, will be rewarded with the entry to the paradise. Every year, millions of Muslims visit Makkah to seek refuge in Allah, seek forgiveness, cleanse their sins, and pray for happiness and prosperity. And as they perform the prayers together at Umrah, the congregation is truly a sight to behold.

During this spiritual journey, pilgrims leave all negativity behind and devote themselves to the service and worship of Allah. They dedicate themselves to cleanse their mind, body and soul, and become better human beings. It is believed that whoever performs Umrah with pure intentions and a heart full of gratitude, earns the highest pleasure of Allah.

Things to do before Going for Umrah in Ramadan

Every Muslim desires and deserves to visit Makkah and perform all the rituals of Umrah. There are several things to know and do before going for Umrah during Ramadan, or any other month.

• Visa Validity: For travelling to Makkah for Umrah, Saudi Arabia issues a special Visa to the pilgrims. On the basis of this Visa, they can explore this holy city within 30 days from the date of issue.
• Hotel & Flight: Fares may vary depending upon the season. It is advised to make the bookings well in time to avoid last minute hassle.
• Umrah Rituals: If going to Umrah for the first time, it is important to connect with scholars who can provide guidance on how to perform Umrah. Pilgrims should be aware of the key Umrah rituals, and have clarity on dos and don’ts.
• Physical & Spiritual Readiness: Umrah during Ramadan is not just another journey. It is a pilgrimage that demands physical and spiritual readiness. Pilgrims often walk long miles in hot and humid conditions. It is important to be fit, eat right, and be devoted to the Almighty. Duas made with pure intentions are accepted; it is advised to make a list of duas for your loved ones.
• Places to Visit: While in Makkah, pilgrims must not miss visiting other places of religious significance in Makkah. With precise planning, a few sites can definitely be covered depending upon the duration of visit.

Umrah during Ramadan is as good as performing Hajj. It is the best way to multiply your rewards and blessings.

Umrah In Ramadan FAQs

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