The Importance of Sunnah Practices During Umrah
Umrah is a form of spiritual worship that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarded as the most uplifting Sunnah. Millions of pilgrims travel to Makkah every year to perform Umrah. The benefits and rewards of Umrah are bestowed upon those who perform this spiritual ritual with good intentions. Muslims repent for their mortal sins and ask Allah, the Almighty, for blessings. Beginning this sacred path with the sole purpose of performing Umrah brings peace and happiness. Furthermore, Umrah is the only Sunnah performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) twice during his lifetime. In case, you are planning to perform Umrah this year, check out Umrah package 2023.
Tawaf
Tawaf is a prerequisite for Umrah as well as some types of Hajj. It means circumambulating the Holy Ka’abah in Masjid al-Haram to honor God. Tawaf is important because it brings you closer to Allah, mirrors all of the celestial bodies in orbit, serves as a prerequisite for both major and minor pilgrimages, and does so much more.
Tawaf is simple to perform, but make sure you understand the preconditions, such as Ihram in some types of Tawaf, purity requirements, and the ritual’s dos and don’ts. Tawafs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Verify that you are aware of the types that apply to you before performing the Hajj or Umrah.
What is the meaning of Tawaf?
Tawaf is both a religious practice and an act of faith that brings the pilgrim closer to Allah. It symbolizes the unity of God’s followers and servants who travel from all over the world to adore His house. As was already mentioned, Tawaf must be performed for an Umrah or Hajj to be considered complete. It is worth noting that Muslims do not encircle the Holy Ka’abah to worship it. They instead worship Allah, the creator of the Ka’abah.
Sai
To run is the modern interpretation of Sa’ee. Running or walking back and forth among the hills of Safa and Marwa is a mandatory part of Hajj and Umrah. Sa’ee is performed in memory of Hajar (AS), who died while searching for water to feed her starving infant Ismail (AS).
Why Do Muslims Perform Sa’ee?
The Islamic ritual of Sa’ee commemorates the struggle of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) wife Hajar (AS). Tawaf is essential for fixating a Muslim’s mind on Allah’s authority and oneness during Hajj or Umrah (SWT). The act of Sa’ee, on the other hand, is performed to honor Hajar’s (AS) memory and struggle — how her supplications (Dua) were miraculously answered due to her unwavering faith in Allah (SWT). Furthermore, the act of Sa’ee symbolizes the ongoing challenges that Muslims face throughout their lives and teaches us the importance of Tawakkul (faith in Allah SWT and His plan for us).
What’s the Point of Running Between Safa and Marwa?
Pilgrims run between the hills of Safa and Marwa to remember Hajar’s (AS) struggle and actions in search of water for her thirsty son Ismail, who ran and climbed between the hills seven times (AS). In other words, the Sa’ee teaches Muslims the value of patience, hope, and faith in Allah through the act of running between Safa and Marwa (SWT).
How Should Sa’ee Be Performed?
It is Sunnah for Muslims to perform Sa’ee immediately following Tawaf. However, if you are tired, you can relax in the venue and return when you have regained your energy. You begin Sa’ee by performing Istilam on Hajr al Aswad, followed by Wudhu. Then you’re told to run seven laps around the Safa and Marwa hills. Return to Masjid al-Haram after accomplishing the seven laps and paying two Rakats of Nafil Shukrana.
What Does Being in the Ihram State Mean?
Ihram is a sacred state that a Muslim pilgrim must enter before performing Hajj (major pilgrimage) or Umrah (minor pilgrimage) (minor pilgrimage). The state that a worshipper must be in to perform salat five times per day is another common usage of the phrase.
It includes rituals such as trimming the head, cutting nails, trimming beards, and sanitizing and purifying the body and spirit. Men dress in two-piece white seamless robes, while women dress in long robes. While in Ihram, Muslims must refrain from the following actions:
• Getting one’s nails trimmed. It is acceptable if done as a result of inattentiveness or obtuseness of the prohibitions.
• Engaging in sexual relationships with one’s spouse.
• Intentionally shaving or removing hair.
• Putting perfume or scent on one’s body or clothing.
• Pursuing or hunting wild animals.
• Upending or eliminating trees that were not planted by a man inside the boundaries of the Grand Mosque.
• Taking lost or lowered things in Makkah without the intention of returning them to their rightful owner.
• Engaging in any sin that Islam forbids.
Why Is Ihram Necessary for Hajj?
The Ihram represents peace, harmony, and unity. To perform Hajj, millions of Muslims dress in the same clothes, with no one superior to the other. This promotes humbleness and harmony among the people of faith who have assembled at the Kabah solely to worship Allah. In Allah’s eyes, all pilgrims are equal, regardless of whether Arab or non-Arab. The uniform clothing symbolizes equality among races, castes, or rich and poor.
What Is the Importance of Ihram?
The white sheet that pilgrims wear, which resembles the shroud used to wrap dead bodies before burial, also reflects the significance of the Ihram. As a result, everyone dressed in the Ihram’s white sheets is reminded of how death comes unexpectedly and without regard for anyone. It also serves as a reminder to Muslims to do the right thing and stay away from the wrong path. This inspires believers to improve themselves and avoid sins and evil deeds.
The Ihram is designed to reassure Muslims of their positive attributes and to help them improve and expand their Emaan.
Conclusion:
Each Hajj and Umrah Sunnah has its own meaning and teaches pilgrims something. All actions taken during Hajj or Umrah are taken to seek Allah’s mercy. They should, however, applaud Him, seek forgiveness, and ultimately serve their Lord as best they can. He is superior to everyone else and does not require our assistance. Indeed! He is the most forgiving and generous.v
