What Does Umrah Mean In Islam?

Umrah is an Arabic word meaning "to travel to a certain place”. Umrah is also known as “minor pilgrim”. It is a spiritual journey of Muslims from all over the world to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia where they perform Umrah in the city of Makkah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not a compulsory event yet millions of Muslims perform it throughout the year with love, devotion, and gratitude to gain the endless reward of Umrah and the love of Allah Almighty. Umrah is one of the most beautiful Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). Umrah, a path on which pilgrims focus on their link with Allah SWT only, by literally forgetting what they have left behind and only focusing on the moment. This a allows them to cleanse their mind, heart and soul of all vices. Umrah gives a new soul to a human body. From there he can start his new life. There is no limit to the number of Umrah a person can perform in a lifetime as long as they are financially and physically able to perform Umrah at any time of the year.

Pilgrims travel to perform Umrah individually, in groups, with guides, according to their convenience. Some like to travel with tour groups so that they are free from any flight arrangements or hotel bookings. Tour groups offer various packages one could choose according to the budget. Tour groups reach Makkah from every part of the world to perform Umrah throughout the year. Pilgrims reaching Saudi Arabia from the United Kingdom and America generally prefer to perform Umrah in December and January with the tour groups offering cheap Umrah packages from the UK. To make the journey hassle-free, the tour groups provide proper guidance and assistance to the pilgrims while performing Umrah.

Umrah unites people of all races, cultures, languages and social statuses without giving anyone any superiority. The fact that all Muslims wear the Ihram makes everyone feel equal without any discrimination, and that everyone facing the Holy Kabbah during their five times daily prayers reminds them that there is a Creator of the whole universe whom we must obey and that each of them will have to answer to Him on the Day of Judgement, where each of them will be rewarded accordingly.

Umrah are of two types

1. Umrah al-Mufradah
Umrah is performed independently of Hajj. One can travel to perform Umrah at any time of the year except on the days of Hajj.

2. Umrah al-Tamattu 
Combined with Hajj, Umrah is performed ever since it is convenient for some pilgrims to do so.

The majority of Muslims prefer to do Umrah during Ramadan, as every good deed or prayer is rewarded with countless rewards and during the two Islamic months of Rajab and Shaban. Umrah also blesses in removing poverty and financial issues causing a burden on life as you spend your money and time in the way of Allah. Each penny you spend in the way of Allah is returned to you many times over.