The Philosophy of Umrah and its Rites

November 16, 2024

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Introduction

Millions of Muslims globally visit Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform the blessed act of Umrah. Makkah is the centre and birthplace of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).

But what is Umrah? Do we understand its purpose? Why do Muslims go around the Kaaba? Why do men wear two white sheets and shave their heads? Such questions arise in the minds of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of Umrah and its rites, the philosophy and purpose behind each act.

What is Umrah?

Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran:

“Surely, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the Signs of Allah. It is, therefore, no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House, or performs ‘Umrah, to go round the two. And whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, surely then, Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing.”
Holy Quran 2:159

Elsewhere, Allah states:

“And complete the Hajj and the ‘Umrah for the sake of Allah: but if you are kept back, then make whatever offering is easily available; and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. And whoever among you is sick or has an ailment of the head, should make an expiation either by fasting or almsgiving or a sacrifice. But when you are safe, then he, who would avail himself of the ‘Umrah together with the Hajj, should make whatever offering is easily obtainable. But such of you as cannot find an offering should fast three days during the Pilgrimage, and seven when you return home; these are ten complete. This is for him whose family does not reside near the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in punishing.”
Holy Quran 2:197

The Arabic word عمرة (Umrah) means visiting a place; worshipping and praying to God; performing Lesser Pilgrimage in which some of the rites of حج (Hajj) are left out (Aqrab). The term also implies a visit which is the cultivation of love or affection, and returning to an inhabited place (Lane).

Reflecting upon the meaning of the term Umrah and the beginning of verse 2:197, it becomes clear that this is a form of worship which is performed purely for the sake of Allah alone; to attain Allah’s nearness and love. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not obligatory upon Muslims. Hajj is a pillar among the five pillars of Islam, and under certain conditions is obligatory on each Muslim once in a lifetime. It has been reported that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) performed four Umrah’s in his lifetime (Ibn Majah 3003).

Steps to Performing Umrah

Ghusl – Before reaching meeqaat
Ihram – Assume ihram
Niyyah – Make intention
Talbiyah – Recite
Tawaf – Go around Kaaba
Saee – Run between Safah Marwah

Rites of Umrah – refer to word doc for steps of performing umrah (incomplete) – meeqaat discussion & niyyah. Locations of things and where to do stuff from (masjid aisha, quba, from madinah? Etc.)

Philosophy of the Rites of Umrah – tawaf, why circling? – ihram (men vs women) – idtiba (men only, why?) – istilam – raml (men only, why?) – maqam e Ibrahim, why? – zamzam water (standing?) – safa marwah & why run? – cutting of hair, why?

Prohibitions during Ihram – no prohibition for journey/trip itself – prohibitions are for the act of umrah itself (the state of ihram) because it is a form of worship, just like salat and jummah are a form of worship, and have their own prohibitions – the prohibitions are as follows:

The blessings of performing Umrah

What if i have made a mistake? Allah is forgiving

Conclusion

Umrah is a form of worship, a journey of the soul towards Allah and an act of self-reformation. As with any form of worship, the ultimate goal is to attain your life’s purpose, i.e. Submission to Allah and His commandments, to attain His pleasure. The pilgrim should make it their focal point to attain Allah – if they focus on solving a certain problem only, more problems will arise in future – e.g. going to generous King’s court, but just asking for solution to a few problems – why not ask of His companionship and friendship? – why not seek His relationship so that your whole life is arranged and He is always there for you to rely upon when required?