Umrah concept
In the rich tapestry of Islamic practices, the concept of Umrah, rooted in linguistic pilgrimage and visitation, occupies a special place. From a religious point of view, Umrah involves a sacred journey to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where specific rituals such as circumambulation, sa'i and shaving are performed. This pivotal Islamic practice finds its origins in the essence of Islam.
Perspectives:
Scholars have differed regarding the obligation of Umrah. Some of them, according to the words of Ahmed bin Hanbal and Al-Shafi’i, believe that it is obligatory. They cite a narration where the Prophet Muhammad advised a man unable to perform Hajj or Umrah to perform Umrah on behalf of his father. On the contrary, scholars such as Malik bin Anas and Abu Hanifa view Umrah as a recommended Sunnah, drawing from a hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad stated that Umrah is not obligatory but beneficial.
Umrah law:
Umrah was made obligatory in the ninth year of the Hijra. It is worth noting that Umrah can be performed at any time during the year, except for Hajj days. Unlike Hajj, which is a fundamental pillar of Islam and has a specific time frame, Umrah offers flexibility in its implementation. Hajj begins with entering ihram at specific times, followed by entering Mecca and performing tawaf and sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and ends with either shaving or cutting the hair.
Umrah in the Qur’an:
The Qur’an’s support for Umrah appeared in Surah Al-Baqarah, emphasizing the completion of Hajj and Umrah for the sake of God. The verses provide guidance on offerings and shaving, and offer alternatives for those who are unable to perform certain rituals due to illness or hardship. The flexibility inherent in Umrah is consistent with the broader ethos of Islam.
Hadiths of the Prophet regarding Umrah:
Many hadiths have been reported regarding the virtue of Umrah. On the authority of Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “Umrah to Umrah is atonement for what came between them, and there is no reward for the accepted Hajj except Paradise.” Other narrations highlight the divine reward for those who strive for the sake of God, the pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims, and confirm God’s benevolence to those who respond to His call.
Aisha, wife of the Prophet Muhammad, shared a personal directive from him, which read: “The reward for Umrah is proportional to your financial sacrifices.” Together, these narratives depict the spiritual importance and advantages of undertaking the holy Umrah journey.
Understanding the different aspects of Umrah
Embarking on the sacred obligation of Umrah is a profound spiritual journey for Muslims around the world. This article explores the different dimensions of Umrah, and delves into its types, rituals, and importance in the Islamic faith.
Types of Umrah:
1. Individual Umrah:
- This represents an independent pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where worshipers choose between shaving their heads or cutting their hair upon completion.
2. Umrah of enjoyment:
- Often considered part of the Hajj al-Tamattu, this Umrah is performed in the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa`dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah) and is combined with the rituals of Hajj in the same year.
Distinguishing the individual Umrah from the Umrah al-Tamattu’:
- During the individual Umrah, pilgrims can choose between shaving or cutting their hair.
- Umrah al-Tamattu requires cutting, but shaving is not permissible.
- The individual Umrah can be performed on any day of the year, but the Umrah al-Tamattu’ is limited to the months of Hajj and must coincide with the Hajj al-Tamattu’ in the same year.
- Ihram for Umrah al-Tamattu must be performed at specific remote times, unlike the more flexible ihram for individual Umrah.
Pillars of Umrah:
The majority of scholars, according to the Maliki and Hanbali schools of thought, have defined the three basic pillars of Umrah: ihram, circumambulation around the Kaaba, and sa’i between Safa and Marwa. The Shafi'i school of thought adds two additional pillars: shaving or trimming and maintaining chronological order. As for the Hanafis, they only recognize one pillar, which is Tawaf.
Umrah requirements and duties:
Umrah shares conditions with Hajj, as it requires Islam, maturity, freedom, reason, and financial ability. As for women, the presence of a mahram is an additional condition. Among the duties of Umrah are ihram from the designated place, circumambulation around the Kaaba, and shaving or cutting the hair.
Recommended practices for Umrah:
There are praiseworthy things that accompany Umrah:
- Ihram: cutting nails and pubic hair, ablution, and applying perfume.
- After entering ihram: Talbiyah and announcing the intention for Umrah.
- During Tawaf: kissing the Black Stone, speeding up the three circuits, mentioning and supplicating frequently, and concluding it with two rak’ahs.
Step by step guide to performing Umrah:
1. Starting Ihram:
- Entering the state of ihram from the designated place or from within the boundaries of the sanctuary.
- Ablution and wearing ihram clothes.
- Talbiyah with statement of intention for Umrah.
2. Tawaf:
- Start the circumambulation from the Black Stone, if possible.
- Circumnavigating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
3. The courier:
- Go to Al-Safa, climb it and face the Kaaba.
- Get down and walk towards Marwa.
- Repeat this Sa’y seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
4. Hair rituals:
- Shaving or cutting the hair, with shaving being the best option.
Lugares designados para la Umrah y el Hajj"
Places designated for Umrah and Hajj"
In the Hajj and Umrah, specific locations, known as “sites,” are designated for pilgrims to enter the sacred state of Ihram. These times have historical and religious importance, as they serve as starting points for those who embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah or Hajj. This article explains these pivotal timings and provides insight into the rituals and taboos associated with the Umrah Hajj.
Timings locations:
1. Dhu al-Hulaifah (Dhu al-Hulaifa):
- It was formerly known as Ali Wells, and is now called Ali Wells Wells. It is the farthest miqat from Mecca, as it is about 18 kilometers away from it. It is intended for the people of Medina and those coming from outside Medina.
2. (Jahfa):
This village was initially a miqat, then it dispersed, and Rabigh has now become an alternative miqat for the people of Syria, Egypt, Sudan, and the Maghreb region.
3. Qarn Manazel:
- It is also known as Miqat al-Sail al-Kabir, and it is designated for the people of Najd and the Arab Gulf countries and beyond. It is located about 74 km from Mecca, and is an important point for those coming from these areas.
4. Yalamlam:
This miqat is designated for the people of Yemen and those who pass through that road, and it was given this name in reference to Mount Yallam.
5.With a race:
- Dedicated to the people of Iraq and abroad, and was specified by Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab.
6. The miqat of the people of Mecca:
- Residents of Mecca can enter ihram from their homes or the Grand Mosque, with the exception of Umrah. In this case, they must leave the boundaries of the Haram to enter ihram, either from Tanim or from Arafat.
Details of the pillars of Umrah:
1. Ihram:
- The act of entering ihram with the Talbiyah.
Ihram is obligatory, and it includes certain actions such as trimming nails, removing pubic hair, ablution, and wearing ihram clothes.
2. Prohibitions during Ihram:
- Activities such as sexual relations, hunting, wearing perfume and marriage are restricted during the period of ihram.
Violating these prohibitions requires compensation, either by slaughtering a sheep, fasting for three days, or feeding six poor people.
3. Tawaf:
Circumambulating around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, starting and ending at the Black Stone.
- It is recommended to kiss or touch the Black Stone if possible.
4. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah:
- Walk seven times between Safa and Marwa, starting from Safa.
- Sa’y includes ascending Al-Safa, descending, walking to Al-Marwah, and repeating that.
5. Shaving or trimming:
- After completing the seven circuits between Safa and Marwa, pilgrims, especially men, must shave their heads or grow their hair.
- It is preferable to shave during this ritual.
“Umrah during Ramada
Performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan is like Hajj, as indicated by the Prophet Muhammad. This spiritual journey carries enormous rewards and repercussions for the devout Muslim, emphasizing the importance of virtuous deeds and acts of worship during the month of Ramadan. This article explores the virtue of Umrah during Ramadan, its equation with Hajj, and the importance of worship in this blessed month.
Double the reward:
Muslims are encouraged to prioritize virtuous deeds and acts of worship during the holy month of Ramadan, keeping in mind that doubling of rewards is linked to the sanctity of places such as the Two Holy Mosques (the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina) and holy times, such as the Two Holy Mosques. The month of Ramadan and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Umrah in Ramadan:
There is no doubt that performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan is a great obligation, and its reward is equivalent to the virtue of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad conveyed this equation to a woman from the Ansar, stressing that Umrah in Ramadan is as superior as Hajj.
On the authority of Ibn Abbas, he said: “If you are able to perform Umrah in Ramadan, then Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari 3/603 and Muslim 1256).
Importance :
The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan indicates God’s generosity to His servants. This equality confirms the principle that the reward increases with the increase in honor of the time in which worship is performed.
Muslims are advised to spend a long time in the Haram, read the Qur’an, perform Tarawih prayers, supplicate, remember God, and do good deeds. The emphasis should be on spiritual reflection and devotion, avoiding worldly distractions and pursuits.
The status of Umrah in Ramadan:
The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan is a manifestation of God’s grace upon His servants, as He made the status of Umrah equivalent to the reward of Hajj. This is clear evidence that the reward for acts of worship increases during certain virtuous times.
Muslims are urged to show good conduct, patience and compassion toward fellow worshipers, especially during rituals such as circumambulation and sa'i. Spiritual discipline should extend to helping those in need, expressing kindness, and being patient to maximize rewards.
Does Umrah in Ramadan replace the Islamic Hajj?
The equality of Umrah in Ramadan with the Islamic Hajj in reward is a divine blessing that confirms the importance of good deeds during this sacred time. However, it is important to understand that although Umrah during Ramadan has great merit, it does not replace or fulfill the obligations of performing Hajj.