What Is Umrah? Meaning, Importance and Step by Step Guide

Performing an Umrah is a lifelong dream of many Musilims. Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims in the holy city of Makkah. Umrah has similar rituals like Hajj but lesser in number. Umrah is more than s simple trip, it is a transformative spiritual experience. It gives a wonderful opportunity to cleanse the soul, deepen connection with Allah almighty and seek forgiveness. There are countless benefits of performing Umrah at least once in the lives of Muslims. Qiblatain offers Umrah Deals from USA for their valued customers.

The Meaning of Umrah

The word Umrah means “to visit.” In the Islamic context, the definition of Umrah is an act of worship that takes place in Makkah and entails a particular set of procedures. These include:

1. Enter the state of Ihram at Meeqat.

2. Perform Tawaf.

3. Sa’i between the mountains of Safa and Marwah.

4. Shave or trim hair as an act of obedience and humility.

Umrah can be perform at any time of the year because it is not restricted by a certain date or month. The Umrah is not simply a trip to the holy city of Makkah. It separated yourself from worldly concerns and gives you chance to stand in front of Kaaba with sincerity.

Importance of Umrah in Islam

The importance is extremely high in Islam and Muslim’s lives as it provides a chance to cleanse soul, heart and be able to find the true meaning in life. Umrah brings an ideal opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness from Allah and gain blessings and rewards. Umrah is described as minor pilgrimage but Umrah is a vital part of the Islam. Umrah holds great significance because it transforms the inner and outer personalities of pilgrims.

Umrah serve as:

. A means of spiritual purification

. A renewal of faith

. Strengthening connection with Allah

. Demonstrates the brotherhood of Muslim Ummah

Step by Step Guide to Performing Umrah

Entering the State of Ihram

Before starting Umrah journey, one must enter the state of Ihram. Ihram cloths includes two white mustached garments for men. Women should wear modest dress. Pilgrims make the intentions by saying Talbiyah.

 It is not just clothing but a state of observing modesty and humility before Allah’s will.

Tawaf

Pilgrims perform Tawaf after arriving at Masjid al Haram. They circling around the Kaaba seven times in a counter clockwise direction. Each circle starts at the Black stone. It is not always possible to kiss or touch the black stone due to crowds, simply raisin the hand towards it is sufficient.

Every circle around Kaaba reminds of Allah’s greatness, mercy and true purpose of life.

Drinking Zamzam Water

After Tawaf, pilgrims drink water from holy Zamzam well. A blessed source of water provided by Allah to Hajar and her son. Drink while facing the Kaaba. Through this simple rituals, the traveler is connected to the legacy of sacrifice, hardship and divine kindness.

Sa’i

Pilgrims walk between Safa and Marwah for seven times. One trip equal to one circle. The rituals come to an end at Marwah after seven rounds. Continue dhikr, Quran recitation and personal duas. it is not mere walking to and fro between the two mounts of Safa and Marwa but it represents the story of a mother Hajar searching water for her crying son Ismail in a desert which shows how one has to face trials in life and how to overcome them with faith.

Offer Nawafal Prayers

Once pilgrims are done with their Sa’i ritual, they offer Nawafal prayers in front of the Ka’aba before they officially proceed to shave/trim their hair as a last step of Umrah.

Halq or Taqsir

The final step in Umrah rituals is existing the state of Ihram by shaving or trimming the hair.

· For men: Trimming is acceptable but Shaving the head is preferred.

· For women: Women cut their hair to the length of a fingertip.

This act of shaving your hair symbolizes the forgiveness from sins, spiritual cleansing of the heart and soul and the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Benefits of Performing Umrah

There are multiple physical as well as spiritual benefits of performing Umrah. In this contemporary world, Umrah brings us an opportunity for expiation of sins as well as saves us from many other wrongdoings. The major benefits of Umrah include:

· Forgiveness from Allah

· Purification of soul

· Deepens faith

· Increase humility and piety

· Boost sense of unity and shared experience

· Creates unity and interconnectedness

· Induces patience and perseverance

· Gives a purpose/meaning to life

· Increases Gratitude

If you want to perform Umrah in Ramadan or in Easter holidays, Qiblatain also brings exclusive Easter Umrah packages for USA Muslim Community.

Umrah as a Lifelong Reminder

Even though the rituals of Umrah may seem simple at first glance but the experience leaves a lasting effect. The significance of Umrah is that it reminds Muslims of their actual goal which is to worship Allah with loyalty, humility and faithfulness. Pilgrims who visit the holy city, they bring back only memorable memories but also lessons of unity, kindness and appreciation. That is why Umrah is described by a scholars as a journey that cleanse both body and heart.