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Planning your first Umrah this year? No doubt, it's a blessed journey to Makkah. But here are things to know about Umrah to perform rituals at your best. This post is all about Umrah meaning in Islam and its importance that makes this journey even more meaningful and fulfilling. So, let's read ahead to know everything about what is Umrah in simple words.
What Is Umrah in Islam?
The word "Umrah" comes from the Arabic language that defines a visit to a particular place. So, it differentiates an intentional visit from regular travel. Within context, an Umrah is a visit to a populated and honoured place with a purpose.
However, an Umrah is a complete Ibadah in Islamic Shari'a. In Islam, an Umrah is a journey towards Makkah and a visit to Holy Kaabah with the purpose of pleasing Allah. And there is also a Sunnah method to perform Umrah step by step which makes this journey even more rewarding.
Meaning of Umrah in Islam
An Umrah is a minor pilgrimage in Islam that also involves a dedicated visit to Makkah like Hajj. Islam explains Umrah as a voluntary effort that involves leaving all the worldly tasks behind and traveling to Makkah particularly to perform rituals. This is the reason pilgrims can perform Umrah throughout the year except Hajj days.
Unlike any holiday trips, an Umrah is a purposeful journey that pilgrims perform to seek forgiveness and closeness to Allah. Though it's not an obligatory act of Ibadah, an Umrah is a blessed journey and a way of earning manifold reward.
Importance of Umrah in Islam
Performing Umrah is an optional worship that Islam doesn't impose on Muslims. So, skipping Umrah and not performing it throughout the life doesn't cause any penalty religiously. However, it's a quite significant journey in Islam that even the Holy Prophet performed Umrah four times in his life.
An Umrah is a journey full of blessings that earns manifold reward on each step. And performing Umrah during Ramadan Umrah earns a reward equal to Hajj. Besides this, an Umrah is a journey of purification that cleanses both heart and soul while building a strong connection with Allah.
Spiritual Benefits of Performing Umrah
An Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that disconnects pilgrims from worldly means and strengthens their connection with Allah. Completing Umrah rituals brings a sense of achievement and gratitude that purifies hearts and souls at the same time. Here's a quick overview of the spiritual benefits of Umrah that every pilgrim must know.
- A chance of forgiveness.
- Purifies the heart and renews faith.
- Strengthens faith in Allah.
- Brings pilgrims closer to Allah.
- Brings spiritual humility and submission.
- Encourages sincerity in worship.
- Brings inner peace.
- Motivates pilgrims for better worship afterward.
Why Do Muslims Perform Umrah?
Performing Umrah is an opportunity of visiting the most sacred places of Islam. It involves visiting masjid al-Haram, Masjid an-nabawi and many other historically significant sites in Saudi Arabia. And above all, an Umrah is a chance of being guests of Allah and seeking his closeness.
Muslims also perform Umrah as a religious achievement as it's a minor pilgrimage. And Muslims who are not eligible for performing Hajj plan Umrah journey to at least visit the house of Allah. Meanwhile, it fulfills the Sunnah of our prophet and earns manifold rewards.
Is Umrah Compulsory in Islam?
Umrah isn't a compulsory Ibadah for anyone. In fact, it's a voluntary act of worship that one can perform as a religious duty. Therefore, it also doesn't cause any penalty to believers if not performed even once in a lifetime. But it's important in a way that the Holy Prophet performed Umrah four times in his lifetime which makes this Ibadah a significant act. And this is also the reason why Muslims perform Umrah again and again.
Can Umrah Be Performed Any Time of the Year?
There is no dedicated time to perform Umrah. So, pilgrims can perform Umrah anytime throughout the year except Hajj days. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah keeps approving Umrah visas round the year that Muslims can get easily through any travel operator out there.
However, there are some best times to perform Umrah for different individuals. For example, days before or after Hajj season are perfect for first-time pilgrims to avoid crowds. On the other hand, Ramadan is the perfect time for regular travelers who have performed Umrah previously. So, the choice of any time slot to perform Umrah is up to you.
Umrah for Muslims Living in the USA
Umrah from USA is now easier both financially and logistically. There are a number of Umrah travel operators working physically across the USA and offering a range of Umrah packages for US Muslims.
Similarly, getting custom Umrah deals and choosing nearby departure points is easier like never before. Above all, everyone can now plan an Umrah journey from USA without worrying about budget, thanks to affordable and group Umrah travel options.
Final Words
In conclusion, an Umrah is a complete spiritual experience that's exactly according to the Islamic teachings. Though it's not an obligation, performing Umrah is a significant religious achievement in Islam. Even it's a minor pilgrimage that involves a dedicated visit to Haramain with the purpose of pleasing Allah.
