The Significance of Umrah

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a visit to the Ka'bah in a state of Ihram. You perform Tawaf around the House, walk Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, then shave or trim your hair. Unlike Hajj it has no fixed days, so it can be performed at any time of the year, and it can be completed within a few hours of arriving in Makkah.

Its virtues

• Expiation of sins. “One Umrah to the next is an expiation for what is between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
• Relief from poverty. “Follow up Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows remove the impurity of iron.” (Tirmidhi, Nasa'i)
• Umrah in Ramadan. “Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj,” and in another narration, “equal to Hajj with me.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
• Guests of Allah. “The one who fights in the cause of Allah, the pilgrim and the one performing Umrah are the guests of Allah. He called them and they answered, and they ask Him and He gives them.” (Ibn Majah)

The best time to go

Ramadan carries a special reward but is the most crowded and expensive season. The winter months, November to February, are mild and popular with families. Summer is hot, but hotels are quieter and often cheaper. Whatever month you choose, you can combine your Umrah with days of prayer in Madinah.

Ready to go? See our Umrah packages and our step-by-step Umrah guide.