The Umrah is an important pilgrimage that is performed by Muslims from all over the world and which can be undertaken at any time of the year. A lot of people consider it to be the ‘minor pilgrimage’, where the Hajj is considered to be the ‘major pilgrimage’. However, just because the Umrah isn’t as important as the Hajj, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t important in general.
What Happens in the Umrah?
According to Islamic Law, the Umrah includes performing ‘Tawaf’ around the Kaaba and Sa’I between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah that are located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. In order to perform the Umrah, all Muslims need to assume Ihram. If Ihram isn’t assumed by Muslims, then the Umrah is considered redundant. After the Tawaf and Sa’I, men have to perform a halq – a complete shave of the head – and women have to perform a taqsir – a partial shortening of the hair of one inch or more.
What Is Ihram?
In Islam, the Ihram is a sacred state that a Muslim must enter before they perform Umrah as well as Hajj. Muslims must enter this state before they can go on the pilgrimage, which includes cleansing rituals and wearing the correct garments.
When in the state of Ihram, there are specific things that Muslims cannot do, such as smoke, wear perfume or scented products, and even wearing knots or seamed garments. The point of the Ihram is to enter a state where Muslims focus entirely on Allah (SWT) and their spiritual journey with no distractions.
How Sacred Is the Umrah?
In Islam, the Umrah is the second most sacred event, just behind the Hajj pilgrimage. The significance of the Umrah is that it cleanses a Muslim’s sins between the present Umrah and another Umrah. A lot of Muslims tend to perform the Umrah once in their lifetime but according to some hadiths, it is something that all Muslims must strive to complete multiple times in their life.
As discussed, the Umrah is an incredibly spiritual and important event that Muslims should try and complete. Luckily, at Hajj and Umra Express, we are able to provide excellent Umrah packages that are affordable and at convenient times for you. If you would like to know more, then please get in touch today on 08000 141419 and we will be more than happy to help with your enquiry.
