What is Umrah?
Umrah is a sacred journey and a profound act of worship, performed in the holy city of Mecca. It allows Muslims to purify their hearts, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for those able, Umrah is voluntary but carries immense rewards. It is an opportunity to turn back to Allah, reset our intentions, and begin anew. For many of us, performing Umrah is a life-changing experience, leaving our hearts full of gratitude and resolve.
However, returning from this beautiful journey doesn’t mark the end—it is the beginning of a new chapter in your spiritual life. Here are seven actions you should take after completing Umrah to continue benefiting from its blessings.
1. Express Gratitude to Allah
The chance to perform Umrah is an incredible gift from Allah, and gratitude is the best way to honor it. Take time to raise your hands in Dua, thanking Allah for allowing you to visit His sacred house and perform this beautiful act of worship. Reflect on how many people yearn for this opportunity and how blessed you are to have experienced it. Let this gratitude inspire you to fulfill your obligations and strive for a closer relationship with Allah.
2. Inspire Others to Pray
As you’ve strengthened your connection with Salah during Umrah, use this as a chance to inspire others. Encourage your family and friends to prioritize their prayers and guide your children or younger siblings toward establishing Salah as part of their daily routine. Remember the Hadith: "Whoever directs someone to a good deed will have the same reward as the one who does it." (Sahih Muslim). Share the peace and joy you found in Salah during your journey and be a means of motivation for others.
3. Abandon Bad Habits
Umrah is a form of purification, washing away sins and offering a fresh start. Now is the time to reflect on the habits and actions that distance you from Allah. Whether it’s controlling anger, leaving gossip, or avoiding distractions, strive to replace harmful habits with beneficial ones. Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best of people are those who are best in character." Set spiritual goals for yourself and use this fresh beginning to align your actions with the Sunnah.
4. Begin Everything with the Name of Allah
One of the simplest yet most powerful habits you can build is to start every action with Bismillah (In the Name of Allah). Whether it’s beginning your work, eating, or making decisions, saying Bismillah brings blessings to your actions and reminds you that Allah is always with you. Incorporate this practice into your life, as it will continuously bring barakah and ease in your daily affairs.
5. Continue Acts of Charity
During Umrah, many of us feel inspired to give in the way of Allah. Carry this habit forward by continuing to donate to those in need, supporting community projects, and helping others in whatever way you can. Charity is not only an obligation but also a source of immense reward. Allah says in the Quran: "Indeed, those who give charity, men and women, and lend to Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward." (Quran 57:18). Your generosity can bring barakah into your life and the lives of others.
6. Keep Up with Spiritual Practices
The worship you performed during Umrah doesn’t end in Makkah—it continues into your daily life. Maintain the habits you developed, such as praying on time, reciting the Quran, and engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). These acts keep your heart connected to Allah and remind you of the transformative experience of Umrah. Strive to perform Tahajjud (the night prayer) regularly, as it is a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
7. Share Your Experience
Your Umrah experience can inspire others to embark on this sacred journey. Share your stories with family and friends, recounting the spiritual moments you experienced—the sight of the Kaaba, the peace of tawaf, and the joy of standing in worship. By doing so, you can ignite a spark of longing in the hearts of others to perform Umrah. Remember, encouraging someone toward goodness brings rewards from Allah.
Conclusion
Completing Umrah is not just an act of worship—it’s a transformative journey that reorients your heart and life toward Allah. By expressing gratitude, inspiring others, and maintaining your spiritual connection, you can carry the blessings of Umrah with you for a lifetime. Let the experience shape your intentions, actions, and relationship with Allah, and may it serve as a stepping stone toward greater faith and good deeds. May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, and continue to bless you on your spiritual journey. Ameen.