Umrah, worshiping Allah
Umrah, often referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage," is an Islamic ritual of worship performed by Muslims at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. While not obligatory like Hajj, it holds significant spiritual value for Muslims and involves several rites:
Ihram: Similar to Hajj, Umrah begins with the pilgrim entering the state of Ihram, during which they wear simple white garments symbolizing purity and humility before Allah.
Tawaf: Pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, just as in Hajj. This act symbolizes the unity of Muslims in worshiping Allah.
Sa'i: Following Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa'i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual commemorates the actions of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, searching for water for her son Isma'il.
Trimming or shaving the hair: After completing Sa'i, men typically shave their heads or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion of their hair. This act symbolizes humility and purification.
Umrah, like Hajj, is a time for Muslims to seek closeness to Allah, seek forgiveness, and renew their faith. While it does not have the same obligatory status as Hajj, many Muslims undertake Umrah voluntarily to gain spiritual rewards and blessings.
