Umrah

The lesser Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates. While not obligatory like Hajj, Umrah is highly recommended and brings great spiritual merit.

The Name

Umrah (عُمْرَة) comes from the Arabic root meaning “to visit a populated place”—referring specifically to visiting the sacred Kaaba in Mecca and performing prescribed rituals.

It is called the “lesser” or “minor” pilgrimage to distinguish it from Hajj, the major pilgrimage obligatory for all Muslims who are able.

Relationship to Hajj

Similarities

Both Umrah and Hajj involve:

• Entering the state of ihram (ritual consecration)
• Tawaf (circling the Kaaba)
• Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa)
• Visiting sacred sites in Mecca

Differences

Hajj:

• Fifth pillar of Islam (obligatory once in lifetime for those able)
• Performed during specific dates (8-12 Dhu al-Hijjah)
• Includes additional rituals at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
• Takes several days
• Millions gather simultaneously

Umrah:

• Recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory
• Can be performed any time of year
• Shorter ritual confined to Mecca
• Can be completed in a few hours
• No mass gathering requirement

The Rituals of Umrah

1. Ihram (State of Consecration)

Before entering Mecca’s sacred boundary (Miqat), pilgrims enter ihram:

For Men:

• Two white seamless cloths (one wrapped around waist, one over shoulder)
• Head uncovered
• Simple sandals

For Women:

• Modest clothing covering body (except face and hands)
• No specific color required

Intention (Niyyah): Pilgrims declare their intention to perform Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am…”

Prohibitions: While in ihram:

• No perfume or scented products
• No cutting hair or nails
• No sexual relations
• No hunting
• No fighting or arguing

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation)

Upon arriving at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), pilgrims perform Tawaf:

The Practice:

• Circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise
• Begin and end at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
• If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone
• Recite prayers and supplications during each circuit
• First three circuits at quick pace, last four at regular pace

Significance:

• Emulates angels circling God’s throne
• Unity of Muslims around one center
• Heart turning toward God

After Tawaf, pilgrims pray two rak’ahs (units) at the Station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim).

3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)

Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa:

The Practice:

• Walk from Safa to Marwa (1st length)
• Turn and walk from Marwa to Safa (2nd length)
• Continue until completing seven lengths
• Men jog briefly in the middle section
• Recite prayers and remember Hagar’s search for water

Significance:

• Commemorates Hagar’s desperate search for water for baby Ishmael
• God’s provision: the miraculous spring of Zamzam appeared
• Perseverance in seeking God’s help

4. Halq or Taqsir (Cutting Hair)

The final ritual marking completion of Umrah:

Men: Either shave head completely (Halq) or trim hair (Taqsir) Women: Trim a small amount of hair (about a fingertip’s length)

This symbolizes renewal, humility, and shedding the old self.

After this, the pilgrim exits ihram and restrictions are lifted.

When to Perform Umrah

Any Time of Year: Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no specific dates

Especially Meritorious:

• During Ramadan: The Prophet said Umrah in Ramadan equals Hajj in reward
• Between Hajj and Umrah: Many perform Umrah then proceed to Hajj
• Frequent visits: Some perform multiple Umrahs in one trip

Historical and Spiritual Significance

Abrahamic Connection

The rituals trace back to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajar), and son Ishmael (Ismail):

• The Kaaba: Built by Abraham and Ishmael as house of worship for One God
• Safa and Marwa: Hagar’s search for water
• Zamzam Well: Miraculous spring provided by God
• Tawaf: Following Abraham’s circumambulation

Prophetic Practice

Prophet Muhammad performed Umrah several times:

• 628 CE: Treaty of Hudaybiyyah led to first Umrah
• 629 CE: Umrah al-Qada (compensation Umrah)
• 630 CE: After conquest of Mecca
• During his final pilgrimage: Combined with Hajj

He said: “Umrah to Umrah is expiation for what occurs between them.”

Spiritual Benefits

Expiation of Sins

The Prophet taught that performing Umrah sincerely wipes away sins committed between one Umrah and the next.

Drawing Near to God

Pilgrims experience:

• Spiritual renewal and cleansing
• Intensified devotion in the sacred precincts
• Connection to prophetic history
• Unity with Muslims worldwide
• Humility and equality (all wear same simple garments)

Answered Prayers

Mecca is considered a place where supplications are especially likely to be answered, so pilgrims bring prayers for themselves, family, and the Muslim community.

Practical Aspects

Who Can Perform

• Must be Muslim
• Must be of sound mind and able-bodied
• Women typically should have mahram (male guardian), though some schools allow group travel

Modern Logistics

• Saudi Arabia issues Umrah visas year-round
• Millions perform Umrah annually
• Modern infrastructure accommodates large crowds
• Can be arranged through tour operators
• Takes a few hours to complete the core rituals

Variations in Practice

Umrah al-Mufradah

Standalone Umrah performed independently from Hajj

Umrah al-Tamattu

Umrah performed in conjunction with Hajj, with a break between the two

Theological Significance

Submission and Devotion

Umrah expresses total submission (islam) to God—following prescribed rituals as acts of worship regardless of personal understanding.

Unity of the Ummah

Muslims from every nation, language, and ethnicity gather at one focal point, dressed identically, performing the same rituals—embodying the universal brotherhood of Islam.

Remembrance of Sacrifice

The rituals recall the sacrifices and trials of Abraham’s family—models of faith, perseverance, and trust in God.

Renunciation of Worldly Concerns

Wearing simple garments and abstaining from luxuries symbolizes detachment from materialism and focus on spiritual reality.

Modern Observance

Accessibility: Modern transportation makes Umrah accessible to millions who could not have afforded the journey in past centuries

Year-Round Pilgrimage: Unlike Hajj’s fixed dates, Umrah allows flexible scheduling

Repeat Visits: Some Muslims perform Umrah multiple times throughout their lives, unlike Hajj which is obligatory only once

Ramadan Emphasis: Umrah during Ramadan is especially popular due to the great spiritual merit

Significance

Umrah represents the believer’s journey toward God—leaving behind the ordinary, entering sacred space, circling the House of God, retracing the footsteps of prophets, and emerging spiritually renewed. Though less comprehensive than Hajj, Umrah offers Muslims a profound opportunity to visit the holiest site in Islam, intensify devotion, seek forgiveness, and connect with the Abrahamic legacy.

The simple white garments of ihram declare that before God, all are equal—no distinctions of wealth, status, or nationality. The rituals unite Muslims in shared devotion, all facing one center, all seeking One God, all following One Prophet. In this sacred space, pilgrims experience a foretaste of the Day of Judgment when all humanity will stand before their Creator, and the beauty of total submission to the Divine Will.