What Is Umrah in Islam?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia that can be performed at any time of the year. It is often called the “lesser pilgrimage” compared to Hajj, which takes place only during the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

While Umrah is not an obligation like Hajj, it is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam. It brings great spiritual reward and is a way for Muslims to draw closer to Allah (God).

Religious Significance

Umrah, like Hajj, is centered around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped sacred building in the Masjid al-Haram mosque. It is performed in response to Allah’s call in the Qur’an and follows the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The pilgrimage is an opportunity to:

Renew faith
Seek forgiveness for sins
Remember the life and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family
Strengthen the unity of Muslims worldwide

Main Steps of Umrah

Although shorter than Hajj, Umrah still has specific rituals:

Ihram – Entering a state of purity and intention before reaching Makkah. Pilgrims wear simple white garments (for men) or modest dress (for women) and recite the Talbiyah prayer.
Tawaf – Walking around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Sa’i – Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, recalling Hajar’s (Hagar’s) search for water.
Halq or Taqsir – Shaving the head (for men) or trimming a small amount of hair (for women) to mark the completion of the pilgrimage.

Umrah vs. Hajj

Timing: Hajj has fixed dates; Umrah can be done anytime.
Duration: Umrah can take a few hours; Hajj lasts several days.
Obligation: Hajj is compulsory for able Muslims once in a lifetime; Umrah is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

Spiritual Rewards

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“From one Umrah to another is an expiation for what comes in between.”
(Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This means that performing Umrah is a chance for renewal, forgiveness, and spiritual cleansing.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a special trip that Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is like Hajj, but smaller and can be done at any time of the year.

Umrah is not a duty like Hajj, but it is a very good and loved act in Islam. Muslims do it to worship Allah, ask for forgiveness, and refresh their faith.

Why Is Umrah Important?

Umrah helps Muslims to:

Get closer to Allah

Remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family

Wash away sins and start fresh

Feel the unity of Muslims from all over the world

Steps of Umrah

Ihram – Wearing plain white clothes (for men) or modest dress (for women) and making the intention to do Umrah.

Tawaf – Walking around the Kaaba seven times.

Sa’i – Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, remembering Hajar’s search for water.

Cutting Hair – Men shave their heads or cut their hair short; women cut a small bit of hair to finish Umrah.

A Special Blessing

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that doing Umrah brings great rewards and forgiveness from Allah.

What Is Umrah in Islam?