What are the Benefits of Umrah?

 

Usually referred to as the "lesser," or "minor,"  Umrah is not obligatory like Hajj but is a voluntary act of worship. So, one can perform at any time of the year except on certain days of Hajj. As

the most soul-lifting Sunnah per the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Umrah is a spiritual act of devotion. It's like pressing the reset button for your soul. It wipes away past sins and brings us closer to Allah, much like how an acid cleans rust from iron. What is the benefit of Umrah? Umrah grants significant spiritual rewards and blessings, but it also comes with the responsibility to live a life aligned with faith, humility, and devotion to Allah. 

A reliable Hajj and Umrah company can help aspirants by offering tailored packages. However, they can start their spiritual Umrah journey with ease and comfort.

Think of it as a spiritual journey that gives a person peace and refreshes faith, helping him find purpose again. It gives him a chance to make a guest of Allah's house, where he receives a blessing that changes his life like he's born just today. Plus, it's said to help remove poverty and bring wealth—not just in money but happiness and contentment. Four times throughout his blessed life, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) performed Umrah. It helps one understand the significance of age.

Ibn Abbas narrated:

"The Messenger of Allah performed four Umrah: The Umrah of Al-Hudaibiyah, a second Umrah the following (year), (which was) the Umrah of Al-Qisas during Dhul-Qa'dah, a third Umrah from Al-Ji'irranah, and the fourth which accompanied his Hajj."

(Tirmidhi 816)

Source: https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:816

History behind Umrah

Umrah originated in 622 CE when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers arrived in Madinah to flee persecution. Muslims wished to return to Makkah and do Umrah during the period, but conflicts with the Makkah disbelievers made this challenging. With his (1400) Companions headed to Makkah to conduct Umrah in (628), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was halted at Hudaybiyyah, and the Makkah Pagans believed the Muslims were coming to attack them. As a result, negotiations took place, and Muslims and Pagans signed a Hudaibiyah Agreement. This agreement lets Muslims return the following year to make the journey in peace. Similarly, during his blessed life, the Prophet (PBUH) and his 2000 Companions performed the Umrah in 629 AH.

Significance of Umrah:

For Muslims on their road to Allah, Umrah is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a significant holy journey. The Prophet (PUBH) conducted Umrah four times in his glorious life to prove its importance. Muslims use Umrah as a way to reach purification, atone for their sins, and become nearer to Allah Almighty. This is one of the best opportunities that Islam has given a Muslim to have his sins forgiven and his prayers accepted. The Prophet (PUBH) is saying: 

“The pilgrims performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 2892)

Source:  https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:2892

This content will try to explain the benefits of performing Umrah according to the Qur'an and Hadith.

God's Guest

Imagine being invited to stay as a guest of the most powerful King! When Muslims perform Umrah, they are the guests of Allah, the Creator of the universe. Just like a welcoming home, pilgrims feel peace and calm as soon as they enter Makkah, which can't be found anywhere in the world. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that those who perform Umrah, along with those in Jihad and Hajj, are Allah’s special guests. This feeling of being close to Allah and showered in His blessings and rewards makes Umrah a truly special experience​.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) said: I heard you (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: " The guests of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, are three: The warrior, the pilgrim performing Hajj, and the pilgrim performing 'Umrah.”

Sahih (Darussalam)

               

 Source : https://sunnah.com/nasai:3121

The Way of Forgiveness of Sins:

Everyone makes mistakes, but Allah offers a way to erase those sins. Performing Umrah is like pressing the reset button on your soul. It cleanses you from past mistakes, leaving you as pure as a newborn. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) promised that from one Umrah to another, your sins in between will be forgiven.  This is an incredible opportunity for a fresh start and full of blessings ​​. Umrah erases sins and purifies the soul, bringing you closer to Allah with every step.

It was narrated that Abnu Hurairah (RA) said: I heard you (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: 'from one 'Umrah to another is an expiation for what comes in between, and Hajj al-Mabrur brings no reward less than Paradise.'''(sahih)

Source: https://sunnah.com/nasai:2629

Eradiction of Poverty:

Did you know that  This sacred journey wipes away poverty and past mistakes, and performing Umrah also improves your wealth? Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "Umrah removes poverty just like a blacksmith removes dirt from iron". By spending money on this spiritual journey, Allah increases your sustenance. So, you gain not only spiritual rewards but also worldly blessings.

According to Abdullah (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Perform Hajj and 'Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows remove impurity from iron and gold and silver, and Hajj Al-Mabrur brings no less a reward than Paradise.''

Hasan (Darussalam)

Source: https://sunnah.com/nasai:2629

Equal to Jihad:

In Islam, Jihad is among the most significant sacrifices one may make for Allah. In the meantime, not everyone has the opportunity to participate in it. The good news is that performing Umrah can give Muslims the same reward as Jihad. Umrah gives us the chance to get the same benefits as undertaking Jihad. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the efforts made in Umrah are just as valuable in the eyes of Allah as Jihad, offering spiritual rewards beyond measure.

Abu Hurairah (RA) said that the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him ) said: "Jihad of the elderly, the young, the weak, and women, is Hajj and Umrah."

Source: https://sunnah.com/nasai:2626

The Strength of Devotion:

Life can be busy, but performing Umrah helps a Muslim refocus on his faith, establish his relationship with Allah, and gain Allah's pleasure. Every step towards this sacred journey strengthens the Muslim's Faith, gives the purpose of bringing Muslims to this world, and brings him closer to Allah. Pilgrims often return home feeling renewed and spiritually uplifted. Through Umrah, the pilgrim cleanses his soul and breaks free from the chains of bad habits.

It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA), The Prophet (PBUH), saying: “The pilgrims performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them.”

Source : https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:2892

Umrah advantages in the Month of Ramadan Mubarak:

Umrah during Ramadan is similar to receiving double the rewards! The Umrah performed during Ramadan is carried out just as it is all year. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj, which means it is much more excellent in this blessed month. Combining Ramadan's blessings with Umrah's benefits creates a memorable event. The blessings of Ramadan Mubarak's month, combined with the rewards of Umrah, make it an unforgettable experience, but remember that it cannot replace Hajj. It gives the Muslim additional blessings for life, and the action of faith is based on intentions.

When Ramadan comes, go for ‘Umrah (minor Hajj), for ‘Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj. ”

(Al-Bukhaari–1782, Muslim-1256)

Source: https://sunnah.com/nasai:2110

At The End:

Through Umrah, Muslims can refresh their faith, ask for forgiveness, pray for their necessities, and be apologized for their sins. Umrah is regarded as one of the finest actions one may take to approach Allah Almighty. It is not just a journey; it is a divine invitation that cleanses the soul, erases sins, and brings the pilgrim closer to Allah, offering blessings that last a lifetime.