Umrah, which can be translated as « Holy Visit », is a religious act performed in Makkah, like Hajj. It is sometimes referred to as « Little Hajj » in reference to the Hajj, the « Great Hajj ».
Its religious judgement seems to be obligation (at least once in a lifetime for those who are able, and Allah is more Knowledgeable), and its merit is proven by the words of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
In a Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and At-Tirmidhi, the Prophet (ﷺ) said :
« (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise. ».
1st pillar
IHRAM
State of
sanctification
2nd pillar
TAWAF
Circumambulation
around the Kaaba
3rd pillar
SA’I
Making Sa'i between
As-Safa and Al-Marwa
The first is that one should bring oneself from the Miqat to the state of Ihram.
(the place of sanctification, depending on your origin, if you are outside Makkah) or Tepe (any place outside Makkah, if you are already in Makkah).
The second is not wearing sewn clothes (for men)
And the last one is to shave or shorten your hair.
Umrah performed during the month of Ramadan is especially important.
It was narrated from Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said :
« Verily, the Umrah pilgrimage during Ramadan is equal to Hajj. (*) ». [ Narrated by Al-Bukhari n°1782 and Muslim n°1256 ]
(*) In other words, a person who performs Umrah in the month of Ramadan receives the reward of a Hajj performed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but this does not mean that he is exempted from the fifth pillar of Islam, which is Hajj.
