The Quran has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Umrah. Umrah is renowned as the lesser pilgrimage. The Quran teaches Muslims to pay sincere attention to this devotional act to purify their soul, achieve closeness to Allah, and seek forgiveness from Allah. For Muslims, performing Umrah is a devotional act that symbolizes the submission of Muslims in front of Allah.
The Quran has emphasized the importance of Umrah with Hajj in multiple verses. The Quran considers Umrah very crucial for spiritual cleansing, including expiation for all past sins and renewal of faith. Islamic Travel offers all-inclusive Umrah packages that can make your Umrah journey more remarkable, as it offers several services, including a list of visa documents, visa processing, flight bookings, accommodations, and transport.
Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:
“And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
What Is Umrah In Islam?
Umrah is referred to as the lesser pilgrimage in Islam. Umrah is a voluntary act in Islam. Umrah is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). And the holy prophet (PBUH) has performed Umrah several times in his life. And for devotional purposes, Muslim pilgrims want to follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). And Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, at your desired time.
Umrah is performed in the Kaaba (Makkah), which is renowned as the holiest city for Muslims. Muslim pilgrims perform many rituals while performing Umrah, including entering Ihram, Tawaf (ritualistic circumambulation), Sa’i (walking between two mountains, Saafa and Marwa), and Halq (shaving hair after completion of Umrah).
It is said to be in the Quran:
“Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah—there is no blame upon him for walking between them…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)
Why Do Quranic References Matter In Understanding Umrah?
Quranic references show the devotion, affection, and fondness for Umrah that can provide spiritual, ethical physical guidance for all pilgrims. Without proper guidance, Muslims cannot perform the Umrah rituals. From Quranic references, Muslim pilgrims can learn about the spiritual importance of Umrah and all the physical ways to perform Umrah practically. The Quran has repeatedly mentioned the blessings of divine guidance.
So, it’s obligatory to follow the teachings of the Quran while performing Umrah rituals. The Quran has also mentioned the importance of Umrah. That encourages Muslim pilgrims to offer Umrah in their lives so they can achieve the blessings and rewards mentioned in the Quran in return for offering the Umrah rituals.
It is mentioned in the verse of Surah Hajj in the Quran:
“…so that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah…”
(Surah Al-Hajj (22:28))
Difference Between Hajj And Umrah In The Quran
Hajj and Umrah also differ in timings. Such as Hajj can only be performed in the specific month of Dhul Hijjah. Whereas Umrah is performed at any time of the year. Muslim pilgrims can choose the time, month, and days according to their will. The time durations of Hajj and Umrah are different. Hajj rituals take 5-6 days to complete. On the other hand, Umrah is completed in a few hours. Because rituals of Umrah are not as extensive as those of Hajj.
Rituals offered in Hajj and Umrah are also different from each other. Rituals of Umrah include entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, praying at Maqam e Ibrahim, performing Sai, and shaving hair. On the other hand, hajj includes a set of additional rituals, including entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, performing Sai (running between two mountains known as Safa and Marwa), standing at Arafat (Wakuf), Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, animal sacrifice (in remembrance of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S.), and shaving the head.
- Quranic Distinctions: Hajj is highly rewarded. As the holy prophet (PBUH) states, the reward for Hajj Mabror is Paradise. Also, hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam; it is highly rewarded. And Umrah is Sunnah, an act of the holy prophet (PBUH). He stated that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj.
- Importance Of Both Journeys: Hajj and Umrah are worship of Allah Almighty, known as a pilgrimage. Both are different in certain ways. Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage performed annually. Hajj is one of the five foundational components of Islam. Whereas Umrah is not mandatory and is considered a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), it is a voluntary act. And Muslims have the option to perform Umrah anytime throughout the year.
- Quranic Verses About Umrah: Quranic verses emphasize completing Umrah for the pleasure of Allah. So, Allah can bestow his creatures in return for their subduing and submission.
It is stated in the Quran:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196))
Spiritual Lessons From Quranic Verses About Umrah
It is very essential to return to your creator and seek forgiveness for all sins of worldly affairs and attain spiritual purification. Because this is the highest rank of purification that fosters peace among people. For seeking this eternal peace and comfort, Allah teaches Muslims for his people in the Quran to go to the Hajj and the Umrah. Also, as a Sunnah of the holy prophet, Umrah is of great importance among all Muslims. Following the footsteps of the holy prophet (PBUH), Muslims find this act to be most spiritual and sacred.
The Significance Of Visiting The Holy Kaaba
All Muslim pilgrims consider the Holy Kaaba as the central point for all Ummah. And Muslims offer daily five times prayer standing in the direction of the Kaaba. This signifies the focal point for all the Muslim Ummah. And during performing Umrah, Muslim pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. It is referred to as the House of Allah, and it acts as a spiritual compass that guides Muslim pilgrims throughout the journey of Umrah.
How Do These Verses Inspire UK Muslims To Perform Umrah?
Muslim pilgrims from the UK can get inspired by all these Quranic verses, as these are encouraging them to offer Umrah according to the commands of Allah in the Quran. And rewards are also mentioned in the Quran that can guide them on how they can get more benefits in Duniyah and Akhirah from offering Umrah. They can achieve closeness to Allah and spiritual purification. This reward for UK Muslims is very enthusiastic, as they are living very hectic lives, and working all day is tiring for them. Hence, performing Umrah according to the guidelines of the Holy Prophet, they can achieve smoothness and calmness. Islamic Travel offers an Umrah Package 2026 from UK for all the residents of the UK. So they can book their Umrah in advance for the upcoming year.
Integrating Quran Study Into Umrah Preparation
Muslim pilgrims should learn the teachings of the Quran before setting out for the Umrah travel. For UK residents, Islamic Travel offers various Quran services and other guidelines for Umrah.
