Hajj and Umrah are two of the most significant and sacred spiritual rituals in Islam. These two pilgrimages are accomplished by millions of religious Muslims from all around the world annually. Thus, these acts of worship have deep spiritual and historical background, as they have traces of the footpaths of the beloved Prophet Ibrahim and his family. Both Hajj and Umrah have special rituals and pillars that every Muslim must accomplish to fulfill their religious obligation. In this post, you will learn the 4 main pillars of Umrah and how to perform them accurately. Thus, Umrah packages Manchester are helpful for the pilgrims on their way to make this journey of faith.
The Four Main Pillars of Umrah:
The pillars of Umrah are the crucial acts that must be accomplished for the Umrah to be valid in Islam. Thus, these pillars are founded on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, and missing any of them invalidates the Umrah.
1. Ihram: making the Sacred State
Just like in the holy Hajj, Ihram is the primary step of the holy Umrah journey. However, it indicates the purpose to perform the holy Umrah and includes wearing the given clothing. The clothing is pre-defined following the specific rules, and refraining from prohibited actions. When the pilgrims enter the sacred mosque of haram in state of dedication, they recite the Niyyah.
While wearing Ihram, pilgrims must avoid the activities like cutting hair, trimming nails, wearing perfumes, and must avoid physical relations. Therefore, the focus here is on purification and cleansing of the soul and keeping a state of modesty in front of Allah.
2. Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba (circling the Kaaba):
Tawaf is the main part of the blessed Umrah pilgrimage. After entering inside the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the pilgrims take seven rounds of circumambulation around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction. Therefore, Tawaf is a unique indication of unity and devotion to the Almighty Allah.
Pilgrims start their Tawaf by touching or pointing to the Black Stone (hajr-e-aswad) if possible. Then, they recite dua and prayers while circling the Kaaba. Hence, it denotes the oneness of Allah and the unity of the Muslim community.
3. Saee between Safa and Marwah: rebuilding Hazrat Hajra’s Journey
Just like Hajj, Saee between Safa and Marwah is an obligatory ritual while doing Umrah. Therefore, Pilgrims perform seven circles between the two hills, Safa and Marwah. This act is done in memory of the blessed Prophet’s wife’s search for water for her son Hazrat Ismail. The crying of Hazrat Ismail and the sprang of holy zam zam from rock is the history of Saee. So, this act deepens trust in God’s will and acts as a demonstration to true faith and patience. Pilgrims initiate by going up to Safa and reciting prayers, then come down to Marwah, repeating this route seven times.
4. Tahallul: Representative Hair Shaving or Trimming:
The last pillar of Umrah is Tahallul, an act that includes shaving or trimming the hair. Therefore, this representative act of purification and cleansing indicates the shedding of sins and the renewal of one’s obligation to a virtuous life. Men usually have to shave their heads completely during this phase. In the meantime, women usually trim a little portion of their hair. Tahallul is a physical sign of the spiritual journey one experiences during the holy Umrah pilgrimage. Hence, it represents the detaching of one’s old self and the appearance of a spiritually renewed individual.
General Guidance for Missing or Forgetting Arkan of Umrah:
If someone forgets or misses to perform one of the pillars (arkan) of Umrah, the Umrah will not be valid until the missed pillar is done. Thus, this is because the pillars (arkan) are necessary acts that cannot be misplaced or substituted.
- Unplanned Forgetting: If the exception is due to forgetfulness and the missed ritual is accomplished after memorizing, no expiation (dam) is needed.
- Intentional Omission: If a pillar is intentionally omitted, the Umrah is invalid, and the individual must perform it again also he needs to pay dam.
Wrapping up:
Hajj and Umrah are both deeply spiritual and significant pilgrimages in Islam. However, the four main pillars of Umrah are necessary portions of these sacred journeys. Having considerable knowledge and performing these rituals accurately is essential for every Muslim searching to fulfill their religious obligation and accomplish spiritual growth. So, get the services of Umrah packages Leicester to perform the rituals of Umrah and Hajj for accomplishing pious journeys.