Umrah is a Sunnah pilgrimage and minor form of Hajj. Though not an obligation for anyone, Muslims perform it because of the immense rewards and bounties associated.
Throughout the Islamic lunar year, millions of Muslims travel through Umrah packages with flight and arrive in Makkah. They gather in Haram, and observe the holy rituals of Umrah individually.
Here’ what you need to know about the role of Umrah in Islamic history.
The first Umrah
In 6 Hijri (628 CE), Holy Prophet (SAWW) accompanied 1400 Muslims and travelled to Makkah for Umrah rituals. Seeing such a large number of Muslims, Quraysh were alarmed. They thought that the Muslims have come to attack. To avoid any confusion, Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) sent representatives to leaders of Makkah upon reaching the city. They told them that we’ve only came for Umrah pilgrimage.
Quraysh denied entry to Makkah for Muslims, asking them to wait at Hudaibiyah. Here, diplomatic negotiations happened between Muslims and Quraysh of Makkah. In this treaty of Hudaibiyah, they allowed Muslim to perform Umrah rituals but next year. Though Muslims didn’t physically offer Umrah rituals this time, it was considered the first Umrah.
The second Umrah
In the year 7 Hijri (629 CE), 2000 Muslims came back with Holy Prophet (SAWW) and performed the second Umrah. Muslims stayed in Makkah for at least three days and offered Umrah rituals.
The third Umrah
The third Umrah of Holy Prophet (SAWW) was alongside the Hajj Pilgrimage. It was perfor6med in 10 Hijri (632 CE). It was the first and only Hajj that Holy Prophet (SAWW) performed in his (SAWW) lifetime.
The fourth Umrah
The fourth Umrah of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) was ‘Umrah from al-Ja’rranah’. He (SAWW) performed the holy rituals of minor pilgrimage after going to Hunayn and then returning to Makkah.
Is Umrah and obligation?
Umrah rituals are not obligatory for any Muslim to perform. Regardless of whether you have means to afford Family Umrah Packages UKor not, it is a voluntary pilgrimage. Pilgrims can enjoy the family dicounts from Hajj Umrah Package UK. However, due to its Sunnah status and extensive rewards, Muslims follow up on its performance.
Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW)’s hadith narrate that;
- Umrah removes poverty and sins for a believer.
- From one Umrah to another, it is an expiation for the sins that a person commits in between.
- Umrah in Ramadan holds an equivalent reward of Hajj pilgrimage.
- Umrah is Jihad of the elderly, women, children, and ill.
That’s why Muslims arrange for Umrah travel so wholeheartedly.
Rituals of Umrah
As per the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (SAWW), there are four primary rituals of Umrah.
Assuming the state of Ihram from Meeqat region is the first obligation. For which, Muslims needs to attain a state of absolute physical purity and then wear Ihram clothes. Ihram clothing is different for men and women.
The second step with Umrah packages with flight is the Tawaf of Holy Kaabah. Pilgrims need to circumambulate around Holy Kaabah for seven rounds in a counter clockwise direction. Know that, Tawaf is only valid when performed within the premises of Masjid-al-Haram and outside the boundary of Holy Kaabah.
The third ritual of Umrah is Sayee of Safah and Marwah Hills. Present in Grand Mosque, pilgrims should walk across the hills for seven times. Strat first round from Safah towards Marwah.
The last rite of minor pilgrimage is Halq (shaving the head for men) and Taqsir (trimming hair for women). After this ritual, a pilgrim can come out of the state of Ihram and the Umrah is complete.
Types of Umrah
The two types of Umrah are Umrah Al Mufradah and Umrah Al Tammatu.
- Pilgrims can perform Umrah Al Mufradah anytime of the year apart from the hajj season. It is voluntary and Sunnah.
- Umrah Al Tammatu is obligatory for your if you are intending for Hajj Pilgrimage. One should perform Umrah Al Tammatu before 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
Planning to travel with December Umrah Packages UK soon? Make sure that you have compete knowledge about the holy rituals before you board the plane. The only way to enjoy the true essence of Umrah is by knowing its significance, history and rewards associated.
