Umrah is a significant pilgrimage in Islam, though it is not as obligatory as Hajj. Unlike Hajj, which is performed during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, and it holds great spiritual significance for Muslims who wish to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and draw closer to Allah (God).
The word “Umrah” means “to visit” or “to go on a journey.” It refers to the act of visiting the holy city of Mecca and performing a series of religious rites to gain spiritual purification and blessings. While Umrah is not a compulsory act like Hajj, it is highly recommended in Islam and is seen as a way to cleanse one’s soul and attain closeness to Allah.
Umrah is often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage” compared to Hajj, yet it carries great spiritual rewards. It is a way for Muslims to demonstrate their love and submission to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, “An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for whatever (sins) have occurred between them” (Sahih Muslim), showing the spiritual cleansing Umrah offers. For Muslims, performing Umrah is a way to purify themselves from sins, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and renew their faith.
While Hajj is a requirement for Muslims who meet certain criteria, Umrah is voluntary but remains an essential and deeply cherished spiritual experience. Some Muslims perform Umrah multiple times throughout their lives, seeking the rewards associated with it.
The process of performing Umrah involves a series of symbolic rituals that are intended to deepen the connection between the pilgrim and Allah. These rituals echo some of the acts performed during Hajj but are on a smaller scale and can be performed at any time of the year. The key components of Umrah include:
The first step of Umrah is to enter the state of Ihram, a sacred state that involves wearing specific clothing and mentally preparing for the pilgrimage. For men, this typically means wearing two pieces of unstitched white cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder. Women wear simple, modest clothing that covers their entire body, usually a long dress or abaya and a headscarf. The Ihram clothing symbolizes purity, humility, and the equality of all Muslims before Allah, as pilgrims from all walks of life wear the same attire.
Before donning the Ihram, the pilgrim performs a ritual of ghusl (purification) and offers a prayer of intention (niyyah), declaring the intention to perform Umrah and seek Allah’s pleasure. After entering Ihram, pilgrims are prohibited from certain actions such as cutting hair, clipping nails, engaging in sexual relations, and using perfumes.
Upon arriving in Mecca, the first major ritual is the Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The Kaaba is the cube-shaped structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, which is considered the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims recite prayers during the Tawaf, often repeating phrases like “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am) to show their devotion and submission to Allah. The Tawaf symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of the One God, as everyone circles the Kaaba together.
As part of the Tawaf, pilgrims aim to kiss or touch the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) located at the corner of the Kaaba. While it is not obligatory to touch the stone, it is highly recommended if possible. The Black Stone is believed to have been given to the Prophet Ibrahim by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), and touching it symbolizes the pilgrim’s submission and connection to the sacred traditions of Islam.
After completing the Tawaf, pilgrims proceed to perform the Sa’i, which involves walking seven times back and forth between two hills, Safa and Marwah. This ritual commemorates the actions of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who searched desperately for water for her son Isma’il in the desert. The walk is symbolic of Hajar’s faith in Allah and her perseverance in seeking help. Pilgrims believe that performing the Sa’i reflects their own faith and trust in Allah’s mercy.
At the end of the Sa’i, pilgrims offer prayers and make supplications, asking Allah for forgiveness and guidance.
Once the Sa’i is completed, male pilgrims shave their heads (known as Tahallul) or trim their hair, symbolizing spiritual renewal. For female pilgrims, the practice is to trim a small portion of their hair. This marks the end of the Umrah rituals and signifies purification and the shedding of past sins.
While the core rituals of Umrah are relatively simple, pilgrims can also engage in additional acts of worship and devotion. They may offer extra prayers (Nafl prayers), read the Qur’an, and engage in personal supplication (dua). One of the most significant places for supplication is the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, where pilgrims often travel after completing Umrah to offer their respects to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and pray at his tomb.
Though Umrah is often referred to as a “lesser pilgrimage,” it carries with it great spiritual benefits and rewards. Pilgrims who perform Umrah are believed to experience a purification of their sins and a strengthening of their connection with Allah.
