The pilgrims of India forged an astonishing country linked not by the power of rulers but by the wanderings of their souls. Pilgrims have always sought not only religious but also artistic inspiration.
The History of Umrah
Umrah is a minor pilgrimage of Muslims that consists of performing a series of rituals within the precincts of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. It is not considered a compulsory obligation in all schools of Islam but is highly recommended. The essential practices include passing the Miqat in the state of Ihram, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i (running back and forth between Jabal al-Safa and Jabal al-Marwa) for seven times, and shaving or trimming the hair for males.
Unlike Hajj, the pilgrimage of Umrah can be performed at any time throughout the year except during the months of Ramadan and Hajj. It is considered a quick spiritual remedy for poverty and sins, as well as a way of fulfilling the promise to Allah. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) himself completed four ‘Umrahs after the Hijrah and one after it in Dhu’l-Qi’dah, but his last ‘Umrah was incomplete due to the Mushrikin blocking his path at al-Hudaybiyah.
For a convenient and well-organized Umrah experience, consider exploring packages listed on Perfect Umrah. After completing the seven circuits of Tawaf, the pilgrim touches Maqam Ibrahim, prays two short Rakaah, and drinks from the holy water of ZamZam. If they wish, pilgrims can also touch the Black Stone and pray at the site of the Battle of Jamarat.
The First Umrah
Performing Umrah, or the Lesser Pilgrimage, is one of the most cherished rituals in Islam. It is a spiritual journey that acknowledges Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala – Glory to Him) and seeks His forgiveness for our sins. It consists of several significant elements, including crossing the lines of Miqat, wearing Ihram, and running between the hills of Safa and Marwa. While it is not compulsory in all schools of Islamic thought, Umrah is an extremely uplifting experience that all Muslims should try to perform at least once in their lifetime.
The first Umrah took place in 629 CE, and was led by Prophet Muhammad with 2,000 men. Although they were worried for their safety, the Prophet assured them that the idolaters would not be treacherous. They remained armed up until eight miles from Makkah, when they put their weapons down.
Once in the city, the pilgrims assumed the state of Ihram, which involves wearing two sheets of white cloth that leave only the face and hands uncovered. They also shave or trim their hair and apply perfume. The state of Ihram must be accompanied by niyyah and talbiyah, which are declarations of intention and prayer.
After performing two rakats of Nafl, the pilgrims began the journey from Al Masjid al Haram to Safa and Marwah. The route commemorates the struggle of Hazarat Hajrah, the wife of Prophet Abraham, who searched for water for her son. Each circle around the hills is nearly 450m long, and pilgrims must recite specific supplications during each round.
The Second Umrah
Many Muslims seek to perform more than one Umrah during a single visit to Mecca. This practice is permissible, but it comes with special rules and conditions. The most important of these is that the pilgrim must start the second Umrah from outside the Haram area. The nearest location is the mosque at Taneem, which is where Hadrat Aishah performed her second Umrah while in her menstruation.
Performing Umrah on behalf of a loved one is a deeply spiritual endeavor that fosters a direct connection with the divine. The act is a noble and compassionate undertaking that is also highly rewarding.
But the process can be tricky, especially for those who have never undertaken the rituals before. For this reason, it is important to consult with scholars or religious authorities when performing Umrah on behalf of a deceased person.
Umrah is a powerful journey that brings Muslims together in a spirit of devotion and fellowship. It is an opportunity for believers to connect with their faith tradition in a unique way, and it can be a life-changing experience.
In January 2024, Harvard students and their families traveled to Mecca and Medina as part of a University Muslim Chaplains’ trip to Saudi Arabia. The trip was a success, with participants feeling connected to their faith and spirituality. The group, which consisted of more than 200 individuals from across the country, enjoyed a wide variety of cultural and religious experiences, including visiting the Prophet’s tomb in Medina. The group also spent four days in Mecca, where they visited the Sacred Mosque and the Kaaba. They were greeted by representatives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at the airport with music, perfume, dates, and a shower of rose petals.
The Third Umrah
Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory for every Muslim who can afford to do it, Umrah is a spiritual journey that can be performed at any time of year. Performing the rituals of Umrah includes entering ihram, a state of sanctity and purity that begins when a pilgrim crosses the outer boundaries of Mecca called Miqat, wearing seamless white sheets that are wrapped around the body (for men) or modest clothes (for women). Then, the pilgrim performs Tawaf and Sa’yi—circumambulating the Kaaba seven times as a salutation to the House of God and running seven times between the mountains of al-Safa and al-Marwah in memory of the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his wife, Hajar, and the sacrifice of their son Ismail.
On the first day of the journey, pilgrims then travel to a nearby mountainous area known as Mina, where separate tent cities for men and women are set up for temporary accommodation. Here, Muslims spend the night in prayer and remembrance of Allah. The next morning, the pilgrims leave for a hill known as Jabal al-Rahmah, or Mount Mercy, located nine miles from Mina. This is the site where the Prophet delivered his final speech to his Companions.
The Fourth Umrah
In 6 AH, six years after prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his caravan began their journey towards Makkah to perform Umrah. When they reached the edge of the city, the idolaters stopped them from entering. In order to prevent a war, the Muslims signed the Treaty of Hudaibiyah that would allow them to enter the city each year to perform Umrah.
The first step in the Umrah is putting on Ihram. Pilgrims put on two white sheets of fabric for men and a garment that is modest for women. Then they recite Talbiyyah, the proclamation of intention to perform Umrah. Once they’ve finished reciting Talbiyyah, they begin the Tawaf of the Kaaba. This involves going around the sacred house of God seven times.
After completing Tawaf, pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which represent the search for water by Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. Then they recite the same supplications that were recited during Tawaf. After that, they drink from the Well of Zamzam in the basement of the Sacred Mosque while supplicating to Allah.
Lastly, they perform Sa’i. This is a ritual of running between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. It’s a symbolic act that represents the struggle we go through in our lives and a means of seeking strength and motivation to continue on with good. Once they’ve completed Sa’i, pilgrims shave or trim their hair and then remove the Ihram. They then offer two short rak’ahs at the most desirable time in the Masjid Al Haram and offer du’aa. Afterwards, they leave for Madinah.
