What is Umrah?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. Known as the "lesser pilgrimage," Umrah allows Muslims to seek closeness to Allah, seek forgiveness, and renew their faith. Though not obligatory like Hajj, Umrah is highly recommended and spiritually cleansing for those who perform it.
In Umrah, pilgrims enter a state of purity called Ihram, perform rituals around the Kaaba, and pray at sacred sites. The experience embodies humility, devotion, and unity among Muslims.
Key Points about Umrah:
- Flexible Timing: Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, making it more accessible for Muslims who wish to make the pilgrimage outside of Hajj season.
- Shorter Duration: The rituals of Umrah typically take a few hours to complete, making it a shorter pilgrimage than Hajj.
- Rituals: Key rituals include entering Ihram, Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah).
- Spiritual Benefits: Umrah offers a chance for spiritual renewal, forgiveness of sins, and closeness to Allah.
- Not Obligatory: While it is highly encouraged and rewarding, Umrah is not obligatory for Muslims as Hajj is, but it holds great spiritual value for those who perform it.
For every step a believer takes during this sacred journey, Allah showers His mercy and rewards. Here are five life-changing rewards of Umrah that will inspire you to embark on this soul-purifying journey, Insha’Allah.
Five Life-Changing Rewards of Umrah
1. Being a Guest of Allah
What an honour it is to be a guest of Allah (SWT), the Lord of all the worlds. When you embark on the journey of Umrah, you are entering the house of the Almighty, seeking His mercy and blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The guests of Allah are three: The warrior who fights in the path of Allah, the Hajj pilgrim, and the one who performs Umrah.” [Sunan An-Nasa’i].
Imagine the hospitality of the One who created the heavens and the earth, welcoming you as His guest. You are in the most sacred of places, receiving the rewards of being in direct communion with Allah. Every moment spent in His house brings tranquillity and peace to the heart, Alhamdulillah. Being surrounded by the sanctity of Makkah reminds you of the ultimate purpose of life—to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.
2. Removal of Poverty
One of the miraculous rewards of performing Umrah is its promise of removing poverty and increasing one’s sustenance. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows remove impurity from iron.” [Tirmidhi].
Insha'Allah, when you spend your wealth in the way of Allah, He replaces it with something far greater. The act of giving and sacrificing for the sake of Allah never goes unnoticed, and He replenishes your resources in ways you could not have imagined. The material wealth that we often worry about becomes insignificant compared to the richness of heart and soul that Allah grants to those who perform Umrah with sincerity. BarakAllahu feekum, this is a promise from Allah that we can trust wholeheartedly.
3. Expiation of Sins
Umrah provides the perfect opportunity for a believer to wipe away past sins. As narrated by the Prophet (ﷺ), “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between, and ‘Hajj Al-Mabrur’ brings no reward less than Paradise.” [Bukhari].
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (there is no power or strength except with Allah), through the mercy of Allah, the pilgrimage of Umrah becomes a source of complete forgiveness for a believer. It is a chance to start anew, with a heart cleansed from the burdens of past mistakes. The physical acts of Tawaf, Sa’i, and prayer during Umrah symbolise a deeper purification of the soul—transforming the believer into someone who returns home as if they were reborn.
4. Equivalent to Jihad for Certain Groups
For many, participating in Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) may not be physically possible. However, Allah’s mercy extends even to those unable to engage in physical struggle. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Jihad of the elderly, the weak, and the women is Hajj and Umrah.” [Sunan An-Nasa’i].
Alhamdulillah, this shows the immense value of Umrah for those who cannot participate in other forms of striving. Allah (SWT) provides the opportunity for everyone to earn tremendous rewards by fulfilling the obligation of Umrah. This is a testimony to His infinite wisdom and compassion, allowing even the weakest among us to gain rewards equivalent to the noble act of Jihad.
5. Strengthens Eman (Faith)
Umrah not only purifies your soul but also strengthens your Eman (faith). Each moment in Makkah draws you closer to Allah (SWT), as you disconnect from the distractions of daily life and focus solely on your relationship with your Creator. The rituals of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and prayer immerse you in a state of constant remembrance of Allah, dhikr.
As the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever performs Umrah will have their Eman increased.” Through this pilgrimage, your heart becomes more firm in belief, your connection to Allah becomes more profound, and your dedication to Islam intensifies. When you return home from Umrah, you feel revitalised with a renewed sense of purpose, Alhamdulillah.
May Allah (SWT) grant us all the opportunity to perform Umrah and experience these transformative rewards. As you plan this sacred journey, trust in the promise of Allah’s mercy, and Insha’Allah, may your Umrah be accepted and bring you closer to the Almighty.
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