The Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that is possible to do at any time of year. It is different from the Ḥajj, which has set times based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The word Umrah in Arabic means visiting a populated area.

 Muslims have the chance to renew their faith, ask for forgiveness, and offer prayers for their needs during Umrah. It is stated that one who does it gets absolved of their sins

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UMRAH & HAJJ

Though they are both Islamic pilgrimages, the Hajj and the Umrah are not the same. Both are different in significance or mode of execution. hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which is obligatory for every capable muslim.

The Umrah may be finished in a few hours. while the Hajj takes longer and involves additional ceremonies. Furthermore, the Hajj trip occurs on particular days within a predetermined Islamic month. whereas the Umrah pilgrimage can be done at any time of the year. 

HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH STEP BY STEP

Four fundamental practices comprise Umrah

Ihram

This is the first step of Umrah. Ihram is a specific state that pilgrims enter and stay in while performing Hajj or Umrah. Entering the sacred state requires undertaking certain cleansing rituals and wearing the right clothes. Men are not permitted to shave hair or beards and cut their nails. Men are not allowed to wear stitched or woven clothes. For women, any fully white or black clothing that fully covers their body except face and hands is their Ihram. Thus, women are permitted to wear stitched clothes during Umrah or Hajj. Women should refrain from exposing any part of their body except the face and hands.

Tawaf

After entering Ihram, the next step is Tawaf. Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction

Sa’ee

After completing Tawaf, the next step is Sa’ee. Sa’ee is the act of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Halq or Taqsir

The final step of Umrah is Halq or Taqsir. Halq is the complete shaving of the head, while Taqsir is the partial cutting of the hair

HOW TO PREPARE FOR UMRAH

 For Muslims, starting the holy Umrah pilgrimage is an incredibly spiritual experience. Packing necessities that will guarantee a smooth and comfortable travel becomes imperative. A detailed list of necessities for an Umrah journey includes many things. From personal hygiene products to cozy apparel and vital paperwork.

HOW LONG IS UMRAH

Hence, the performance of Umrah itself can be easily performed in a single day. The entire ritual should take between 3 and 6 hours.   

WHAT TO PACK FOR UMRAH WOMEN

You must familiarize yourself with the Umrah’s customs. All rites must be understood before starting the holy journey.

Make yourself familiar with the procedures, each rite, and the regulations. The women specifically must understand all the factors.

Make your health and fitness a priority to have a hassle-free and comfortable Umrah. See your doctor and obtain any required immunizations or medications. Exercise frequently to increase your strength and endurance. As the Umrah requires a good deal of walking.

Entire your wardrobe with modest, loose-fitting items that follow Islamic law. Long-distance walking-friendly footwear, scarves, abayas, and hijabs are examples of this. 

Add products like hand sanitizers, unscented toiletries, and a little first aid kit. It is recommended that you bring a hand fan and a small towel with you on the trip to stay cool.

 Take along all of your trip essentials, such as your identity cards, passport, and visa. Preserve them safely in a neck wallet or travel bag. A portable charger and power bank should be in the luggage.

BENEFITS OF UMRAH

  • Umrah brings a person closer to ALLAH (SWT).
  • It purifies the soul of the person performing the pilgrimage.
  • ALLAH (SWT) blesses the pilgrim with so many rewards and blessings.
  • It develops a sense of unity and brotherhood among the Muslims.
  • The spiritual experience of Umrah instills a sense of hope and optimism.
  • It gives a break from the hustle of daily life to reflect on personal growth.
  • Umrah develops a sense of Taqwa among Muslims.
  • Umrah is a source of attaining Divine pleasure.

CONCLUSION

The holy journey of Umrah is a source of purifying the soul and body. It strengthens the bonds between humans and ALLAH (SWT). A person performing Umrah gets a lot of blessings and rewards in return from ALLAH Almighty. It refreshes the taqwa of the pilgrims and helps them in becoming good Muslims.