The Holy Commands to perform Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage) are mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Prophet PBUH that emphasize its spiritual significance. Each Umrah ritual, starting from making the pure intention to perform all Umrah rituals (Tawaf, Sai, and Halq), is explicitly explained to Muslim pilgrims in both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH. Thus, they can seek complete guidance from the Holy Quran, which explains all the rituals of the Major pilgrimage, and some rituals of both pilgrimages are alike, such as Tawaf, Sai, and Halq. Moreover, our beloved Prophet PBUH has performed Umrah with his companions first time on the eve of the Sulah Hudaibiyah (Treaty of Hudaybiyyah) in 628CE. This Umrah was decided between Meccans and citizens of Medina in a 10-year truce, that this year Muslims will delay the Umrah, and next year they will visit again and perform Umrah. Our Prophet says that performing Umrah wipes away the sins of pilgrims and renews their faith. As mentioned in the Hadith:
العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا
“Performing Umrah to the next Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between them.”
(Sunan al-Tirmishi 810)
Since then, Muslims have been performing Umrah as our beloved Prophet has taught us to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. All rituals, worship, and Ayats of the Holy Quran were repeated in the same manner to gain maximum rewards and requitals. Moreover, our expert Umrah Travel Agency is also assisting pilgrims in performing Umrah according to the Quran and Sunnah. Thus, we are offering Umrah packages with expert guidance of our trained Umrah agents who guide you at each step of pilgrimage till shaving your head (Halq), the representation of completion of Umrah. The Holy Qur'an also emphasizes on importance of Umrah. As Mentioned in the Holy Quran:
فَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
“And Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Preparation for Ihram:
It is very crucial to start Umrah with pure intention for acceptance and the gain of ample blessings. Thus, Muslim pilgrims start Umrah with the pure intention to please Allah and gain his affirmation as a pious and noble man. They purify themselves physically as well as spiritually. Purification of Niyyah is very crucial to purify themselves, and they gave up all grudges and grieves for their close relatives and friends and start the sacred Umrah journey with a pure heart. Physical purification requires taking a bath and cleansing oneself well to get rid of all bad odors and dirt for the Holy Umrah journey.
Men:
After deep cleansing of heart, soul, and body, the pilgrims start their Umrah journey and wear Ihram. Ihram is a 2 piece white cloth to cover the body for men.
Women:
Whereas women prefer to wear an Abaya as an Ihram. They cover their head with a scarf.
فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ
“Whoever undertakes the pilgrimage in these months, let there be no indecency, no sin, and no arguing during Hajj.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:197)
Muslim pilgrims say Talbiyah while entering Ihram, as our Prophet PBUH used to say these sacred words before starting the Umrah pilgrimage. Similarly, Muslims repeat these words and say:
“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk”
Performing Tawaf and Sai:
Circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba is the major ritual of Umrah that Muslims perform during the pilgrimage. Our Holy Prophet has also performed Tawaf, which is a representation of deep love, devotion, and submission to Allah SWT. Pilgrims ask several Dua, and they ask forgiveness from Allah during Tawaf. They also recite the Holy Surahs and Ayat during Tawaf. It is Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH to recite Ayatul Kursi during Tawaf, thus Muslim pilgrims also recite it to gain rewards from Allah. Muslim pilgrims who book Hajj Packages with our Islamic Travel Agency can seek guidance from our expert agents related to the rituals of Hajj and other guidelines related to major and minor pilgrimage.
Moreover, Muslim pilgrims run between two mountains to perform another spiritually significant ritual of Umrah that holds a deep historical connection to the family of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S. Thus, they run between Safa and Marwah to show association with their ancestors and perform this ritual. Moreover, a symbol of the mother (Hazrat Hajra A.S) love, faith in Allah, and devotion is hidden in this ritual that runs for the search of water. The importance of Sai enhances the essence of Umrah. Its deep-rooted connection with Hazrat Hajra A.S makes it an exceptional ritual with ample blessings and rewards.
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah, there is no blame on him to walk between them.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)
Exiting Ihram:
Exiting Ihram is a symbolic representation of the completion of Umrah; Muslims shave their head or trim a few hairs and exit Ihram to show the completion of Umrah and a symbolic representation of shedding all sins. Female pilgrims also trim a few inches of hair for the completion of Umrah and remove Ihram.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُحَلِّقِينَ
“O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1727)