Umrah and the Blessings of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of blessings. In this month Muslims fast (Roza) from sunrise to sunset for up to 30 days. It is prohibited to eat or drink anything until Iftar and do prayer, tarawih for the sake of God and forgiveness.
In this month, Allah showers his countless blessing to his people and allows everyone to collect all those blessings through their good deeds.
Ramadan is the name of patience. Be patient in every phase or all aspects of life. Be patient and, hold the thirst and hunger, be patient and not to express anger, be patient, and not to hurt anybody physically or mentally. The divine reward (thawab) of fasting is accepted to be increased during Ramadan.
Sehri: Muslim wakes up and eat before the fajr prayer is called Sehri then most Muslim starts their Roza(fast) by reciting this dua;
I Intend to Keep the Fast for Tomorrow in the Month of Ramadan
Iftar: Opens up their fast with dates while reciting this dua;
O, Allah! For You, I have fasted and upon your provision, I have broken my fast.
There are 3 Ashra in Ramadan, Each Ashra consists of 10 days and Every Ashra has its specifications.
First Ashra of Ramadan
The first Ashra of Ramadan is considered as the days of Mercy. Many Muslims recite this dua throughout the 10 days of the first Ashra of Ramadan.
Oh Everliving, The Everlasting, I seek Your help through Your mercy.
Second Ashra of Ramadan
The Second Ashra of Ramadan is considered as the days of forgiveness. Many Muslims recite this dua throughout the second 10 days of Ramadan.
I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him.
Third Ashra of Ramadan
The third Ashra of Ramadan is considered as the days of seeking refuge. Many Muslims recite this dua throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan.
O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam).
Ramadan is allowing all Muslims to collect all the blessings for the year and seek forgiveness.
Umrah
Umrah is not a compulsory pilgrimage but it is notably recommended to all Muslims around the globe. The duties of umrah can be completed in a few hours. Muslims can perform umrah any time in the year and it has no obligations.
The Prophet was asked whether Umrah was obligatory? He said: “No. But if you perform Umrah it is more virtuous.”
Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 931 In-book reference : Book 9, Hadith 124 English translation: Vol. 2, Book 4, Hadith 931 In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah does not need ˹any of His˺ creation. Reference: Imran, (3:97) |
Umrah has very importance in Islam because it teaches us the lesson of equality, patience, respect, kindness, and good deeds. Umrah is the process to remove or wipe off all the impurities from life and start a new life in a good manner.
Umrah in Ramadan
Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries great significance, goodness, and advantages. Umrah is not an obligatory act but those who perform umrah with great devotion will get high rewards from Allah.
Fasting and Umrah together is a great experience for the Muslims and only the lucky ones get the chance to perform it.
Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that,
“When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) returned after performing Hajj (major pilgrimage), he asked Ummu Sinan Al-Ansariyyah, ‘Why did you not perform Hajj?’ She replied, ‘The father of so-and-so [i.e., her husband] had two camels and he went on pilgrimage on one of them, and the second is used for the irrigation of our land.’ The Prophet said [to her]: ‘An Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is akin to Hajj with me [in terms of reward].’”
Reference: [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In another narration;
“When Ramadan comes, do Umrah as [the reward for] it then is equivalent to Hajj.”
“Perform Umrah in Ramadan, as it is equal to Hajj.”
Reference: [Abu Dawud]
Umrah Pilgrimage and Ramadan both have the same intentions to clear all the impurities from the inside out.
“Umrah is the expiation for the sins committed during it and the preceding Umrah”
Reference: (Tirmidhi)
The best idea is to dedicate yourself for the sake of Allah and ask forgiveness of our sins, which we have done in our past. The feeling to perform umrah in the month of Ramadan is like absorbing all the blessings from Allah clearing ourselves from all the hidden impurities.
There are countless benefits of Ramadan and it becomes double when we perform Umrah with it. Fasting in Ramadan is good for our health whereas Umrah is good for our soul, standing in front of our beloved Almighty Allah. Both the prayers have great virtue. These two prayers make the individual nearer to Allah and bring peace in life.
It is an open opportunity for everyone to earn mercy and forgiveness from Allah. Sins can be forgiven by the mercy of Allah and true regret by the individual. It is the best time to strengthen your relationship with Allah and A great path to salvation. The rewards of Umrah will be multiplied if we perform it in the holy month of Ramadan.
Umrah is not the mandatory act performed by pilgrims nor the substitute of Hajj. But, both have the same rewards. Therefore, the one who gets the opportunity to experience both the prayer together should never miss it. Umrah is a blessing and can be avail anytime in the month but carries a superior place in the holy month of Ramadan.
Many businesses offer great cheap umrah packages for the month of Ramadan. Just for the sake of the people to perform pilgrimage with devotion. You can customize your umrah packages in Ramadan, according to your needs, and fulfill your duties at the (Bargah-e-Illahi).