What is Umrah? – a summary
Umrah is often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims and involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Makkah; where the revered Ka’aba stands as the epicentre of Islamic faith and the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals.
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere du’a and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to perform Umrah at least once in our lifetime. He, himself (PBUH) performed it four times in his lifetime.
History behind Umrah
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed Umrah for the first time in the Islamic year 6AH, along with 2,000 of his followers. It followed a period of intense struggles and sacrifices by the Muslims.
After the Hijra Sharif in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah in order to escape persecution by the disbelievers in Makkah, tensions between the Muslims and disbelievers of Makkah were still high.
A few years after Hijra Sharif, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had a dream where he was undertaking the rituals of Umrah. The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions then returned to Makkah with the intention of performing Umrah.
When the disbelievers of Makkah heard about the huge number of Muslims approaching Makkah, they were concerned that the Muslims intended to attack the people of Makkah.
Prophet Muhammad sent an emissary to the people of Makkah on reaching the outskirts of Makkah to address their fears and explained that he only intended to perform Umrah. However, they were stopped at Hudaybiyyah where Qurayshites refused to let them enter the city, and were asked to come the following year for performing Umrah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) refused to enter Makkah by force out of respect to the holy Ka’aba. Diplomatic negotiations took place, which resulted in The Treaty of Hudaibiyyah that stipulated a 10-year period, during which there would be no hostilities and the Muslims would be granted access to the holy site of the Ka’aba for three days per year.
Complying with the terms of the treaty, in 6AH, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with 2,000 companions performed the first Umrah.
Significance of Umrah
Umrah is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is an important journey for Muslims in their path to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went to great lengths and struggled to establish it as a practice for Muslims. He then made the holy journey four times, demonstrating its significance.
Umrah is a means for Muslims to attain purification, cleanse their hearts and become closer to Allah Almighty.
It’s a chance to have our dua’s answered and to gain Allah’s forgiveness from past sins.