What is Umrah?

Umrah, the “minor pilgrimage”, is a pilgrimage to Makkah performed in a prescribed order. Literally the Arabic word ‘umrah means “a visit”.

Some scholars, among them Imam ash-Shafi‘i and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, held that performing Umrah is obligatory (like Hajj), relying on the words of the Holy Quran:

وَأَتِمُّواْ الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلّهِ

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah” (al-Baqarah 2:196) and on the hadith in which ‘Aisha asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “O Messenger of Allah, is jihad prescribed for women?” He replied: “Their jihad is Hajj and Umrah.”

Another group of scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifa and Malik ibn Anas, considered Umrah a Sunnah (recommended act), since the Prophet ﷺ did not mention it among the five pillars of Islam. In a hadith narrated by Jabir, a Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah and asked: “O Prophet, tell me about the minor pilgrimage — is it obligatory?” He answered: “No, but performing it is good for you.”

Umrah performed in the month of Ramadan is equal to Hajj. In another hadith narrated by Imam Muslim: “Umrah in Ramadan is equal to a Hajj performed with me (that is, together with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ).” It is also known that the reward for a pilgrim's spending and charity is multiplied a thousandfold, both during Hajj and Umrah.

How Umrah is performed

1. Intention (niyyah) — the pilgrim enters the state of ihram at the miqat and makes the intention to perform Umrah.
2. Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone.
3. Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
4. Cutting or shaving the hair — men shave or cut their hair short, women trim the ends.

After this the pilgrim leaves the state of ihram. Our guides teach every step in detail before departure and accompany the group throughout the rites.