why every muslim should perform umrah with quranic reflections

The spiritual significance of Umrah can only be understood through the Quran. This sacred scripture tells not just how to live life but also how to worship. The journey of Umrah is a greater form of worshipping Allah. Therefore, it is essential to understand Umrah’s importance, proper ways, and blessings.

Quranic Reflection of Umrah

Though a lesser pilgrimage, Umrah offers the most significant rewards. While it is not obligatory, its significance and rewards are highlighted repeatedly throughout the Quran. It is an opportunity to earn the forgiveness and blessings of Allah Almighty. In today’s modern world, travel agencies have made this journey convenient. Residents of the USA can enjoy the ease of an Umrah package from Chicago for a smooth experience.

Significance of Umrah According to the Quran

It is important to understand the significance of the Umrah before embarking on this transformative journey. Allah tells us about the rewards of this worship on multiple occasions in the Quran.

وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ

“Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah.”

This verse depicts the purpose and significance of the Umrah. It is a message of encouragement from Allah.

Symbolism of Tawheed

Tawheen is the main pillar of Islam. This pilgrimage from the start to the end is the presentation of this element of faith. Pilgrims devote their loyalty to Allah Almighty in this journey.

Surah Al-An’am ayah 162 says

قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِى وَنُسُكِى وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِى لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

Say, “Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, Lord of all worlds.

This verse alone highlights the importance of tawheed. The pilgrimage helps muslims to strengthen this belief even more.

Surah An-Nisa ayah 125 states

وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًۭا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌۭ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًۭا ۗ وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ خَلِيلًۭا

And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.

Tawheed is the legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim(AS). This journey helps revive and reinforce this legacy.

Divine Forgiveness

A clean chit from all sins is the greatest reward a muslim can get. Umrah guarantees the forgiveness of Allah Almighty.

In Surah Az-Zumar ayah 53 Allah says

قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

Umrah is a sure way to earn this divine mercy. The respect and fear of Allah evoke His greatness. He rewards the pilgrims with forgiveness.

It is narrated in Sahih-al-Bukhari and Muslim that Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) stated

“An Umrah to another Umrah is expiation for what is between them.”

This hadith tells us that the rewards of this sacred journey extend beyond the time of Umrah.

Purification of the Soul

Every rite of the Umrah purifies the hearts and souls of pilgrims. This journey helps them to shed their egos and discard malice.

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا

“Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul.”

Umrah helps pilgrims achieve serenity. Every action reflects the teachings of the Quran and transformation.

Patience and Gratitude

The journey of Umrah demands patience. The circumambulation of the Kaaba and the walk between the Safa and Marwah are physical activities. However, pilgrims find gratitude in each step.

In Surah Ibrahim ayah 7 Allah says

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]”

This verse tells us the importance of patience during hardships and the practice of gratitude. These practices bring greater rewards from Allah Almighty.

Reminder of Judgement Day

Umrah is a great reminder of Judgment Day. As soon as pilgrims enter ihram, they realise the fragility of this world and human beings. Their dependence on Allah’s mercy invokes the fear of Akhirah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah ayah 281 Allah says

وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًۭا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

“And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly.”

Umrah reminds pilgrims about the consequences of their actions. They return home more aware of their conduct and deeds.

Conclusion

Umrah is a journey of transformation. It invokes humility and unity in pilgrims. They collect the rewards of Umrah throughout their lives. Every Muslim in the world desires to perform Umrah, and obtaining an Umrah visa is the first step toward making this dream a reality. Umrah packages make this journey accessible for Muslims in the USA. Closer connection with Allah, purified souls, renewed faith—the rewards of this pilgrimage exceed human imagination.