Importance Of Umrah During Hajj
The Hajj is the name given to an obligatory pilgrimage that every able believer should make once in his or her lifetime. This religious pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia is performed during the Islamic month of Zul-Hijjah. The end of the Hajj marks a three day celebration called Eid-ul Azha.
Umrah on the other hand is the minor pilgrimage. This journey is not given an obligatory status. The Umrah can be performed all year round; hence there is no specific designated period.
Both Hajj and Umrah carry great blessings upon the believer that chooses to embark upon them. But what is the importance of Umrah during the Hajj? To help you understand more, we’re shedding light upon this topic of interest.
What is Umrah?
The term Umrah is derived from Arabic scripture. It means a visit. In Islamic terminology, the term Umrah is used to describe a visit made to the Kaaba and then the performing of the tawaf or circumambulation of Kaaba. It also refers to the walking between the hills of Safaa and Marwa 7 times. Any pilgrim that chooses to perform Umrah must be present in the state of ihram.
Can Umrah be performed during the Hajj?
The importance of performing Umrah during the Hajj cannot be denied. A commonly asked question by believers is related to Umrah being performed during the Hajj. The answer to this question is yes. A pilgrim who is performing the minor pilgrimage or Umrah may also perform Hajj at the same time period. But what is the difference?
When performing the holy pilgrimage of Umrah, pilgrims do not visit Mina, Arafat or the location of Muzdalifah. This also means no throwing stones on the Jamrah pillars and no animal sacrifice rituals as seen during the Hajj. These types of rites and rituals are only performed during the Hajj.
What makes up the four pillars of Umrah during the Hajj?
For Umrah to be performed during the Hajj, four necessary pillars must be present. And they include the following:-
- The Ihram (assumed at Meeqat)
- The Tawaf (Circumambulation around the house of ALLAH SWT)
- The Saa’i or the completion of 7 circuits between the holy sites of Safaa and Marwa
- Tahal-lul or the coming out of ihram and being lawful to the things prohibited during the ihram.
When is the Umrah performed during the Hajj?
Now that we are clear that the Umrah can be performed during the Hajj, it’s important to understand when it is to be performed. According to most traditions, the Umrah is performed at the start of the Hajj by most pilgrims. Most Hajj is begun with a minor pilgrimage that starts in Makkah. For believers to perform Umrah, they first perform tawaf or encircle the Kaaba in a counter clockwise direction. This is done 7 times while believers recite supplications to ALLAH SWT. This is followed by the walk between the two hills of Safaa and Marwa. Many believers also visit Madinah before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage.
The importance of performing Umrah during the Hajj is immense. Believers must understand that there are uncountable blessings for those who perform Umrah during the Hajj. They must also understand that the pillars of Umrah must be fulfilled before they plan on embarking on Umrah during the Hajj.
