Umrah is an Arabic phrase that literally translates to “visiting a populated place.” Umrah is seen as a form of worship in Islam. It is a Sunnah deed that can be carried out at any time of the year. Muslims should conduct Umrah at least once in their lives, according to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Umrah, often known as the “Minor Pilgrimage,” offers Muslims considerable benefits.
Millions of Muslims gather in front of the Holy Kaaba each year to participate in the respected ceremony that deepens their relationship with God, purifies their souls, and renews their sense of purpose. The purpose of umrah is to renew one’s faith in Islam, ask for forgiveness of others, and seek the blessings of the Almighty Allah. After completing their journey, pilgrims receive their Sawab of Umrah, or blessings of Umrah. Muslims can profit greatly from umrah in a number of ways.
What are the Benefits (Fazaail) of the Holy Pilgrimage of Umrah
The benefits of performing Umrah are numerous, and those who do so with sincere intent will recognize its significance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged Muslims to perform Umrah at least once during their lifetimes, although it is not obligatory.
The minor pilgrimage has various benefits that can change a person’s life, from assisting them in seeking Allah SWT’s blessings to cleaning their hearts. Below are a few advantages of performing the Umrah:
1. Make Allah the Almighty the host
One feels blessed just by the mere concept of being a visitor in the House of Allah SWT. One of the holiest responsibilities in Islam is the Umrah rite, which offers the opportunity to receive hospitality from Allah SWT, the Almighty, the Eternal Absolute, and the Supreme Creator of the entire universe. When a person with good intentions invests their time and money to please Allah SWT, it is said that Allah SWT Himself receives and accommodates pilgrims in His House (Holy Kaaba).
One has an odd sense of serenity, peace, pleasure, and cleanliness as soon as they step foot inside Masjid Al-grounds. Haram’s the blessings of Allah SWT are bestowed upon the pilgrim and this emotion enlivens their soul.
According to Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “The guests of Allah SWT are three: the Ghazi (the warrior who battles in Jihad solely for the cause of Allah), the Mu’tamir (the pilgrim who conducts Umrah) and the Hajji (the pilgrim who makes the Hajj).” Hadith No. 2626 from Sunan An- Nasa Book of the Rituals of the Hajj
2. Getting rid of poverty
Nobody loves to be poor, so why not have belief in Allah SWT and perform Umrah if you can overcome these conditions?
One of the most beautiful Sunnahs of the beloved Prophet of Allah SWT is Umrah (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once stated, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they cleanse poverty and sin like hollers take impurity from iron,” when questioned about the rewards of Umrah.
According to the abovementioned hadith, making Umrah is a means of eradicating poverty. In return for the time and money a person devotes to pleasing their Lord, Allah SWT enhances their rizq and bestows them with prosperity. Islamic scholars hold that performing Umrah, either before or in conjunction with Hajj or at any other time during the year, is obligatory for all Muslims who are in good health and who have sufficient financial means.
Aisha (RA) explained the importance of Umrah by saying, “Whoever greeneries his home merely for the obstinacy of Hajj or Umrah and dies, nothing will be attainable to him nor will he have any liability on the Day of Judgment, and it will be stated to him, enter into Jannah.”
3. Opportunity to repent for all previous faults
Human nature is to sin, whether it’s a little or a lot. However, Umrah provides the opportunity for one to be freed from a load of previous misdeeds and to purify their body and soul. It is thought that when Allah SWT invites a person to perform Umrah, He offers them the opportunity to make whatever wishes they may have and to seek for pardon for their misdeeds.
So it is advised that a pilgrim conduct Umrah with the greatest love, devotion, and faith in order to purify the mind and soul.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reportedly stated, “From one Umrah to another is ritual cleansing for what happens in between, and ‘Hajj Al-Mabrur’ delivers no reward less than Heaven,” according to Abu Hurairah (RA).
Because Allah SWT promises to bless the pilgrims, forgive their sins, and give them the highest place in Jannat, upon completion of Umrah, the soul of the pilgrim is cleansed of sins just like a newborn infant.
4. Enhances the dua’s devotion and dedication
Today’s fast-paced society makes it easy for people to commit numerous crimes without even realizing it, which weakens their faith. However, when someone sets out to conduct Umrah with a sincere and pure intention, every step of the journey serves to improve that person’s Iman and draw them nearer to Allah SWT. According to a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reportedly stated, “The participants in the Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah Almighty. When they call on Him, He responds, and when they ask for His pardon, He pardons them.
5. The reward of umrah is equivalent to that of jihad
Jihad literally translates as a fight or an effort made in the service of Allah SWT. It is regarded as the noblest deed in Islam. The reward for jihad, which demands a great deal of love and devotion, is martyrdom. There is no ongoing jihad in the modern world. As a result, completing the requirement of Umrah is the closest way for someone to receive a reward comparable to jihad.
According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “The allocation of Allah is the pilgrim, the fighter in the jihad for Allah, and the person conducting Umrah”. He called them, and they responded. They enquired about His conferrals, and He granted their request.
On another occasion, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Jihad of an aged, young, feeble, and the ladies is Hajj and Umrah,” in reference to the reward of Umrah being similar to Jihad.
Therefore, even weaker people can perform Umrah and receive countless benefits and inner fulfilment.
