The Ultimate Guide to Performing Umrah: History, Rituals, and Spiritual Significance

Umrah, (in Arabic which means "to visit a populated place”) is a religious pilgrimage of Muslims. The journey is performed in the holiest city of Islam – Mecca, located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is believed that Umrah rinses the sins of a believer who performs the journey. Muslims perform the holy journey to please Allah (SWT) and to seek blessings from Him. This pilgrimage is performed throughout the year, compared to Hajj, which is performed only on the specific dates of Dhul-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar). 

The focal point of Umrah is the Holy Kaaba, a cubical structure situated inside the Grand Mosque (also known as Masjid al-Haram) of Mecca. The great structure is believed to have been built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ishmail (AS). Umrah can be performed several times in a lifetime. 

While both Umrah and Hajj are sacred pilgrimages to Mecca and performed to please Allah (SWT), they differ in several key aspects. According to the Holy Quran, Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is a mandatory act of devotion for all able-bodied Muslims. In contrast, Umrah is termed as a ‘lesser pilgrimage’, and it is not an obligation to the Muslims. It is a Sunnah act of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, the rituals of Umrah are simpler and less time-consuming than Hajj.

Etymology 

The word "Umrah" is derived from the Arabic word - (????). In the context of Islamic pilgrimage, "Umrah" refers to the act of visiting and performing specific rituals in the holy city of Mecca. This pilgrimage involves a temporary "habitation" within the sacred space for the duration of the rituals.

History of Umrah

The origins of Umrah go back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who is believed to have established the practice of circling the Holy Kaaba. Though the historical accounts suggest that Umrah gained prominence during the pre-Islamic era as an Arabian pilgrimage tradition. Arab tribes, including the Quraysh tribe that controlled Mecca, participated in these pre-Islamic rituals. These pilgrimages likely involved circling the Holy Kaaba and venerating idols placed within it.

The rise of Islam in the 7th century CE significantly impacted Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a descendant of Abraham (AS), emphasized the Abrahamic roots of pilgrimage rituals and aimed to purify them from polytheistic practices. Following the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, Muslims were initially denied access to Mecca and the performance of Umrah.

The Treaty of Hudaibiyah

Earlier, tensions existed between the Muslim community in Medina and the Quraysh, who controlled Mecca and the Kaaba. In 628 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led a pilgrimage (Umrah) to Mecca with a group of followers. According to Islamic traditional stories, this action was led by a dream that Muhammad (PBUH) had in Medina. However, the Quraysh blocked their entry into Hudaibiyah, fearing a potential attack.

Following a negotiation, the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was signed. The treaty established a ten-year truce between the two parties, fostering peace and stability in the region. The Muslims agreed to postpone their Umrah Tour for that year but were granted permission to return peacefully for pilgrimage the following year. This marked a crucial step towards eventual Muslim access to the Kaaba.

The First Umrah

In 629 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led the first Umrah by Muslims after the “Treaty of Hudaibiyah”. This historic event, known as the "Umrah of Reconciliation," symbolized a peaceful pilgrimage dedicated solely to worshipping Allah (SWT). Following the conquest of Mecca in 630 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cleansed the Kaaba of idols and solidified Umrah as a central pillar of Islamic practice. He performed Umrah four times throughout his lifetime, setting a powerful precedent for future generations of Muslims.

Evolution of Umrah Practices

Over the centuries, specific rulings and practices associated with Umrah have been established by Islamic scholars based on Quranic verses and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Rituals 

The Shariah, the Islamic legal law, offers guidelines on how to perform Umrah. These guidelines ensure uniformity and respect during the pilgrimage. They emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness, dressing modestly, and demonstrating good conduct throughout the rituals. Shariah also outlines the acceptable variations in the performance of specific acts. The main and core rituals of Umrah are –

The State of Ihram

This is a state of purity that the pilgrims need to enter before they cross the boundaries of Miqat. It involves specific cleansing rituals, wearing simple white Ihram garments, and abstaining from certain activities like marital relations, arguing, and wearing perfume. Before the pilgrims put on Ihram garments they need to perform Ghusl. During the time of wearing Ihram garments, pilgrims should make the intention to perform Umrah and recite Du’a. 

Tawaf

After entering the Grand Mosque, the first ritual that needs to be performed is Tawaf. This is the act of walking around the Holy Kaaba for seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. It is a Sunnah to perform Tawaf keeping the Holy Kaaba at left and pray two rak’ahs after completing the seven rounds. In one of his Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that during the ritual touching the Black Stone and Yemini Corner erases sins.

 Sa'i

Following Tawaf, the second ritual performed is Sa'i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa within the Great Mosque. In the Holy Quran, the Almighty says that the hills of Safa and Marwa are one of those symbols of Allah (SWT) [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]. This journey commemorates Hagar's (RA) desperate search for water for her son Ishmael (AS) and with Allah’s (SWT) intervention how the holy spring of Zamzam came. 

Halq or Taqsir

Finally, the rituals of Umrah are completed through the acts of Halq or Taqseer. Halq refers to shaving the head and Taqsir refers to shortening the hair. This signifies the completion of the rituals and the end of the state of Ihram.

Umrah in Ramadan: Significance 

The month of Ramadan witnesses the greatest number of Umrah pilgrims. Performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan is very significant in Islam. While the journey can be performed at any time of the year, performing it in Ramadan holds particular significance and spiritual rewards for Muslims.

Ramadan is the time when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This is a time of increased prayer, keeping fast (Sawm), Tarawih. The good deeds performed during Ramadan are believed to be multiplied in value. This applies to the rituals of Umrah as well. According to one of the Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH), completing Umrah during this blessed month allows a Muslim to get virtues the same as Hajj [Riyad as-Salihin 1278]. 

Types of Umrah 

There are two main types of Umrah distinguished by their timing and relation to Hajj. However, the core rituals remain the same. 

Umrah al-Mufradah (Independent Umrah)

The meaning of Umrah al-Mufradah is "Singular Umrah". It is the most common type of Umrah. It's an independent pilgrimage and can be performed at any time of the year except during the specific time of Hajj in the month of Dhul Hijjah. This type of Umrah Package offers the flexibility of choosing any of the other times in a year. It does not allow any complexities of Hajj. While permissible at any time, some Muslims choose to perform Umrah al-Mufradah during the holy months of Rajab and Ramadan due to their significance.

Umrah al-Tamattu (Enjoyment Umrah)

Umrah al-Tamattu, also known as "enjoyment Umrah," is another type of Umrah pilgrimage. It is performed during the Hajj months, specifically Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah. It's intended for pilgrims who plan to perform Hajj in the same year.

Unlike Umrah al-Mufradah (independent Umrah), Umrah al-Tamattu is restricted to the designated Hajj months. Pilgrims performing Umrah al-Tamattu must remain grouped with other Hajj pilgrims after completing their Umrah rituals. This is because they will transition into Hajj rituals after completing the rituals of Umrah. After performing Umrah al-Tamattu, pilgrims cannot leave Mecca until they complete all Hajj rituals. This is not mandatory for those already residing in Mecca. In this type of Umrah, pilgrims shorten their hair (Taqsir) instead of shaving (Halq) completely. Shaving is reserved for the Hajj rituals.

Umrah for Women

Muslim women also perform the journey of Umrah. For them, there are certain regulations that they should follow. Before, the Muslims could only grant access to perform Umrah when they used to come with a Mahram (male guardian). However recent changes by the Saudi Arabian Hajj and Umrah authorities have significantly eased restrictions on women performing Umrah independently. Women can now travel for Umrah without a mahram as long as they are part of a reputable group organized by licensed Umrah travel agencies or come with an experienced Umrah pilgrim. This change applies to women of all ages.

During Umrah, women are required to dress modestly. This means wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body except for the hands and face. Head coverings like Hijab are recommended but not mandatory.

Women experiencing their menstrual cycle are not permitted to perform Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) or Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa). They can still participate in other Umrah rituals and gain spiritual benefits from the pilgrimage.

Number of Umrah Pilgrims per year

Before 2016, the Saudi government did not record Umrah statistics. Umrah was severely restricted in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent year of 2023, Umrah saw a total of 26,856,833 pilgrims.

The following number of pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah:

Before 2016, the Saudi government did not record Umrah statistics. Umrah was severely restricted in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the most recent year of 2023, Umrah saw a total of 26,856,833 pilgrims.

Visiting Medina During Umrah 

Many pilgrims pay a visit to the second holiest city of Islam – Medina (previously known as Yathrib) during their journey to Umrah. After completing the rituals in Mecca and visiting the religious sites of the city they come to Medina. Here in Medina, they pray at the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi), visit the Tomb of the Prophet (PBUH), and make Du’a inside the Rawdah. There are other important sites of Islam in Medina where the pilgrims pay their visit, like - Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, Masjid Al Qiblatayn, Jannatul Baqi, Grave of Hamzah, etc. 

Increase connection with Allah through Umrah 

With the completion of an Umrah, you can be sure to attain the infinite blessings of the Lord. Umrah is indeed one of the sacred journeys that enables you to associate with Allah (SWT) deeply. You need to carry your devotion towards Allah (SWT) to make every Umrah journey accepted by the Almighty.