You may have heard the term “Umrah” from the mouth of Muslims or people interested in Islam. If you are curious to know, follow this article.
In this article, we will clarify the meaning of Umrah, its core, its rituals, and its purpose as well. Note: we talked before about how to perform Umrah.
Here we will learn the following:
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a means of Worship in Islam. It is done by heading to A-Masjid Al-Haram The Holy Mosque) in Makkah to perform certain practices; namely Tawaf and Sa’i.
Umrah is a form of Muslim gathering from all over the world all the year. It is similar to Hajj. However, Hajj is more detailed and comprehensive.
Read the 10 differences between Hajj and Umrah.
What is The Meaning Of Umrah?
Umrah is an Arabic word that means to visit or to head to.
It contextually means to head to the holy Mosque specifically to perform cetain rituals that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did as a form of worship.
Umrah should be done exclusively for the sake of God, and as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. Muslims don’t worship ka’ba nor any form of idols or people.
Umrah Rituals and practices – How To Perform Umrah?
Performing Umrah requires 4 basic practices:
1. Ihram
Ihram means to make the intention for Umrah by heart. It involves a ‘Ghusl’ which is a quick shower over the whole body.
Starting from this time, muslims shouldn’t cut their hair or their nails nor have intercourse with their wives.
Men should wear 2 white pieces of cloth that cover from the navel till the knee. They should not be sewed. They should not also cover their head.
On the other hand a Muslim woman should wear her usual normal Hijab.
A Muslim could also perform 2 Rak’as intending Umrah. It is worth mentioning that one should have the intention of Umrah before passing by Al-Miqaat.
Al-Miqaat are several places, each one is specified for a certain region in the world.
2. Tawaf
Tawaf is revolving around the Ka’ba (a sacred place in Al-Masjid Al-Haram) 7 times.
This practice usually involves performing dua’ and Dhikr (mentioning God). It is a form submission to God and asking him his forgiveness, mercy, and from all his blessings.
3. Sa’i
It is a ptlrctice that involves walking (or running for men) between 2 hills in Makkah called Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.
This resembles what Hajar (the wife of prophet Abraham) did, as we will mention soon. Sa’i also involves dua’ and Dhikr.
4. Halq / Taqseer
Halq is to shave your head and Taqseer to cut a little of your hair. Haq is prefered for men while Taqseer is prefered for women.
This practoce means you ended your Umrah and you could wear your normal clothes, have your hair and nail cut, and have relashiondhip with your wife.
The History of Umrah – Hajar and Ismael (PBUH)
God has legislated Umrah for Muslims through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Al-Masjid Al-Haram was built by prophet Abraham an his son Ismael. It is a place of submission to God Almighty. Abraham and Ismael (PBUT) submitted to God when he tested their faith by ordering Abraham to sacrifice his son.
His wife Hajar also submitted to God when Abraham left her and her son alone in the desert after God ordrered him to do so.
Hajar kept running between Sl-Safa and Al-Marwa to find water for her thirsty little son Ismael. In a matter of nowhere, Zamzam well burst and tribes settled near them.
What Is The Purpose of Umrah?
Umrah has one primary purpose which is shbmitting to God and worshipping him as He legislated.
A Muslim knows God has wisdom in everything and He knows best. However prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clarified the reward of Umrah and we can conclude several benefits behind Umrah in Islam.
Umrah In Islam:
Umrah is a kind of worship in Islam. It includes some rituals such as: Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i.
Umrah is a form of submission to God and supplicating to Him. Muslims all over the world head to Makkah all the year to get the great reward of Umrah.
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