The lesser form of Hajj; Umrah is also referred to as the ‘Minor Pilgrimage’ because of the immense significance and rewards it holds despite being a voluntary pilgrimage. Visiting the city of Makkah through Umrah packages from London and the rest of the cities for the holy rituals of Umrah remains the practice of millions of Muslims throughout the year. They gather in Haramain to perform the Umrah pilgrimage individually as it is a sunnah pilgrimage and not an obligatory one.
Where Umrah purifies the mind, soul, and body of a believer, there are many historical and spiritual perspectives attached to its purpose. Here’s a brief description of them.
Religious pilgrimage.
Among the two Holy Pilgrimages of Islam i.e., Hajj and Umrah, the latter one is a sunnah (performed voluntarily). Though not an obligation, Umrah's performance is undertaken by millions of Muslims every year. The reason for it is that for a majority of the Muslim community, Umrah is an act of devotion to Allah Almighty that has equal importance as the Hajj pilgrimage.
Since this sunnah pilgrimage is also considered a way to seek closeness, forgiveness, and blessings from Allah Almighty; Muslims are very regular in its performance. Therefore, helping them to attain spiritual purification and also bringing them closer to their faith as well.
The practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) himself performed a total of four umrahs in his (SAWW) lifetime. Therefore, the reason alone is enough to speak for the sanctity and significance of this holy pilgrimage. As a matter of fact, the fundamental purpose of performing Umrah rituals for most pilgrims is only that they want to follow the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) to seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah Almighty.
Strengthens Faith.
When a pilgrim assumes the state of Ihram for Umrah after arrival in the kingdom, he/she detaches from all of the worldly affairs in order to solely focus on building their relationship with Allah Almighty. Therefore, the Umrah pilgrimage can also be interpreted as a journey for self-reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness in Islam. This is a fact because many Muslims have undergone transformative experiences in their life after the performance of the holy rituals of Umrah that helped strengthen their faith.
The portrayal of Unity.
When Muslims from across the globe stand in unity with each other, dressed in plain white cloths within Haram and undertaking Umrah rituals with no discrimination of race, color, ethnicity, language, or nationality – the portrayal of Muslim brotherhood and quality is like none other. Such an example of unity can hardly be seen elsewhere in the world. It is the holy pilgrimage of Umrah that brings all of them under one shade.
Removes sins. There are various hadith regarding the rewards associated with the performance of the Umrah pilgrimage for the pilgrims.
• Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) narrated in a hadith that an Umrah performance in Ramadan has an equivalent reward to a hajj performance.
• It is said by the Holy Prophet (SAWW) that Umrah purifies the sins of the believer just like the bellows remove impurities from iron.
• From one umrah to another, it is the expiation for the sins committed by a person in between (also a hadith).
To conclude, we can say that the fundamental purpose of Umrah includes; seeking spiritual growth, attaining forgiveness, strengthening the bond between a pilgrim and Allah Almighty, renewing one's faith, finding spiritual solace, and redefining the perspective of life for a believer.