Umrah is also called Minor Pilgrimage and not obligatory worship like Hajj. It is performed as worship in the premises of Masjid Al- Haram in Mecca. Umrah is a sacred act of worship that is non-obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially fit. Every Muslim aspires to visit the house of Allah once in his life. It can be performed at any time of the year except the month or Dhul- Hajj. It has four essential rites which include putting on ihram, circumambulating, doing Sa’i, shaving or trimming the hair. Umrah mean visiting a special place. According to Shariah rules, performance of Umrah includes going through the Miqat in the state of ihram, circumambulating the Kaaba, performing the Sa’i between Safa & Marwah, and performing Halq and Taqseer. The sacred worship performed during Umrah is an essential part of pilgrimage. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed his sacred spiritual journey three time. In his life. Umrah is the expiation of sins and it is the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Performing Umrah erases all past sins of a Muslim, and a Muslim feels free from the burden of past sins his life. Performing Umrah in Ramadan is considered very virtuous because the reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan is double. For this reason, Muslims prefer to perform Umrah in Ramadan. Muslims who perform Umrah in Ramadan can choose Umrah Packages All-inclusive from Islamic Travel in the month of Ramadan.
Historical Significance of Umrah
The history of Umrah historical significance to 629 (A.D), when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) performed Umrah for first time with two thousand companions. It was done for the first time as a result of many efforts, negotiations and sacrifices of devout Muslims. Umrah is a sacred act of worship for Muslims which is no less than a reward given by Allah to a Muslim, pilgrims who are thinking of performing Umrah also can perform this holy worship through the Umrah packages and can choose it for Umrah. Most of the Umrah Packages includes the indirect Qatar Airways Umrah flights Muslims from all over world travel long distances to perform Umrah, which is performed in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Umrah is one of the most important act of worship of Allah. The Kaaba was built by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) by the order of Allah and the disbelievers occupied it and kept the idols in it.
During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), followers of Islam wanted to gain access to the Kaaba to perform Hajj and Umrah. He offered many sacrifices. The Muslims of Mecca migrated to Medina to escape the persecution of Arab polytheists. The Prophet of Islam completed this journey of migration. However, performing Umrah and seeing their Holy city of Mecca was a strong desire of Muslims. In 628 (A.D), opposition grew between the polytheists who captured Mecca and the Muslims performing the Hajj. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was inspired by a dream and decided to perform Umrah with 1400 companions. When the polytheists of Mecca heard the news of arrival of the Muslims, they thought that the Muslims were planning to attack. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) sent a massage to that Muslims were coming towards Mecca with the intention of performing Umrah in a peaceful manner. The polytheists of Mecca forbade entry and said the Muslims to come next year. So, Prophet Muhammad and his followers had to return without performing Umrah.
Spiritual benefits of performing Umrah
Umrah is a spiritual journey. Performing Umrah is a highly rewarding act of worship in Islam. Umrah is the best mean of forgiveness from sins and seeking forgiveness from Allah. Performing Umrah is the best way to purify the soul. Umrah brings many benefits to pilgrims.
Increase in spiritualty
This spiritual journey of Umrah provides a unique environment by strengthening the relationship with Allah. This spiritual worship helps to strengthen faith and increase the sense of devotion.
Greater understanding of Islam
Umrah provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the teaching of Islam. Pilgrims engage in Hajj worship, the beliefs and principles or the people, visiting historical places and gaining a deeper understanding of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Inner peace and Tranquility
The peaceful environment of holy city Mecca and Medina combined with spiritual worship creates a sense of inner peace and tranquility within the pilgrims. It provides an opportunity to detach from worldly desires and find solace in the remembrance of Allah.
Reflection and self-improvement
Umrah provides an opportunity for self- reflection. Moments of pilgrimage offer self- reflection and opportunities for those seeking self-improvement to make positive changes in their lives.
Strengthening of family Bonds
Performing Umrah with one’s family strengthens the relationship between individuals. Congregational worship creates a sense of mutual cooperation, unity, oneness and individuals can grow spiritually
Connection with Prophetic History
Visiting Masjid Nabvi in Medina to pray is of great importance. It creates a sense of closeness with Allah.
A visit to this holy Mosque is a great opportunity for Muslims.
Dua and Spiritual Blessings
Umrah is a time when a Muslim is very close to Allah, Allah does not reject any of his supplications. Since Umrah is performed exclusively for Allah. And Allah blessings his servants with many blessings and rewards in
Conclusion
In conclusion, Umrah is a sacred worship. Umrah is non- obligatory worship. But a Muslim who has physical and financial strength must perform Umrah. Umrah is performed at the Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba was built by the order of Allah, Kaaba was built by Hazrat Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail. During the reign of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), The Arab polytheists captured the Kaaba and began to persecute the Muslims. Since Umrah is performed for the sake of Allah, Muslims especially perform this spiritual journey by spending their time and money to gain the pleasure of Allah. In return, Allah bestows them with many rewards and many blessings. Performing Umrah has many benefits for pilgrims. Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq-Taqseer is an essential rites of Umrah. Muslims can get Maximum benefits by performing Umrah.
