What Is Umrah?

By Author: Ady Grewal
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Umrah is a pilgrimage for Muslims often referred to as “Minor Pilgrimage” or “Lesser Pilgrimage”.

Is it an Obligation in Islam?

In Islam, performing Umrah is not an obligation on any Muslim. However, it’s a Sunnah of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). For every Muslim who is financially capable; mentally and physically fit, Hajj obligation comes first. However, if one only possesses enough means that can make the performance of Umrah affordable, it is advised to perform Umrah.

Today, the abundancy of Cheap umrah packages from Manchester and from all the other cities of the world have made umrah accessible and economical for every Muslim. Consequently, a significant majority of Muslims can easily arrange for its performance in their lifetimes.

Hadith regarding Umrah;

Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) narrated that (description) one who is capable of it, should follow up the performance of hajj and Umrah. As they remove poverty and sins for a person just like the fire separates out impurities from ...
... the metals of silver, gold, and iron.

Performance of Umrah.

When?

Umrah can be performed all around the year except during the days of Hajj. Umrah season usually starts from 1st of Moharram and lasts till the end of Ramadan for International pilgrims; estimatedly for 9 months. From Shawal to onwards, umrah is only open for GCC nationals (Saudi and Gulf countries’ national) for some time and then it also gets closed as the Hajj preparations begin. During this time one can go for Umrah whenever it desires, accordingly.

Where?

The performance of Minor Pilgrimage takes place in the Holy city of Makkah located in Saudia Arabia. Here lies the Masjid-al-Haram surrounding the Holy Kaabah, Maqam-e-Ibrahim, Zamzam well, Hajar-e-Aswad and Hateem. The hills of Safah and Marwah are also located nearby. In addition to this, Makkah is a house to many holy sites. Prominently including, The cave of Hira, The Cave of Thawr, Arafat Mountain, Mina Valley, Muzdalifah region and many sacred places.

Types of Umrah.

There are two types of Umrah;

1. Umrah-al-Tamattu.

Umrah-al-Tamattu is performed with Hajj. Meaning that the pilgrims arriving for Hajj have to perform it before the Hajj rituals begin; anytime before 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

2. Umrah-al-Mufradah.

Umrah-al-Mufradah is independent of Hajj. Meaning that it can be performed at any time of year except for five days of Hajj.

Rituals of Umrah.

There are four primary and fundamental rituals of umrah. Namely;

1. Ihram.

Ihram is the necessary clothing Muslims have to wear for the performance of Umrah. The assuming of the state of ihram takes place with several preparations and before crossing the boundary of Meeqat.

2. Tawaf.

Tawaf is walking (circumambulation) seven circuits around the Holy Kaabah.

3. Sayee.

Walking/Running 7 times across the hills of Safah and Marwah.

4. Halq.

Shaving/Trimming of Hair (Head).

Every year millions of Muslims go for Umrah through their cheap January umrah packages and umrah deals offered in other months, all around the year.

I am Ady Grewal and specifically providing information about all kinds of Umrah Packages through Islamic Travel. Truly, my major purpose is to make sure the religious obligation of UK based Muslim brothers and sisters by providing the information of cheapest packages from the UK to Saudi Arabia. If you are interested to perform Umrah, so you are at the absolutely right place. May Allah (SWT) fulfill your holy dream.