Umrah is a recommended, yet highly rewarding, act of worship that signifies devotion and submission to Allah. Learn the rules, rituals, benefits, and differences of Umrah from Hajj in this comprehensive guide. Often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” Umrah is a voluntary visit to the holy city of Makkah, performed to seek closeness to Allah and spiritual purification. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not obligatory, but its reward and importance are emphasized in Islamic teachings. What is Umrah? Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims perform to the holy city of Mecca, similar to Hajj, but it can be undertaken at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory for Muslims who have the financial and physical means, Umrah is a recommended, yet highly rewarding, act of worship that signifies devotion and submission to Allah. Often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” Umrah provides an opportunity for spiritual purification and growth. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah that involves performing rituals around the Ka'aba. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that offers forgiveness, purification and blessings for Muslims.
