Types of Umrah: –
Umrah is one of the most beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also known as the lesser pilgrimage, this is a wonderful way to break free from worldly affairs and get closer to Allah for the attainment of peace and tranquility.
There are two types of Umrah. Umrah-ul-Mufradah is the Umrah which is performed at any time of the year other than the Hajj days. This is the type for which people go whether in Ramadan or any other time of the year, except for Hajj days. Umrah-ul-Mufradah can be performed on an individual basis. On the other hand, Umrah-ul-Tamattu is the type that is performed during Hajj days. This is performed before beginning the Hajj rituals that are on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. Umrah-ul-Tamattu is bound to be performed with fellow pilgrims performing Hajj. There is no difference as to how to perform the two types of Umrah. The rituals are the same and so are the preparations.
Preparation of Umrah: –
When planning to go for Umrah, a person must prepare carefully for such an important journey. You must learn the important supplications. There is a great reward for reciting different supplications at different steps. So make the most out of the opportunity and be well equipped with your knowledge of supplications. Other than this, go through a booklet, video or sermon teaching how to perform this. Given the significance of this sunnah, you cannot afford to go wrong at any step. Also, learn about different routes and doors opening into the holy mosque of Kaabah.
It is important to know about the routes so that you do not get lost. The House of Allah is crowded with people most of the time of the year. It is really difficult to get close to reverent places such as Hatim or Hajr-e-Aswad. However, there are certain times of the day when such places are less crowded. So try to know about these timings so that you can avail of the chance to get close to such reverent places.
Blessings of Umrah: –
This is a beautiful journey leading to success in this world as well as hereafter. It awakens the soul from the slumber of ignorance and darkness. It is a wonderful way to get close to Allah and realize the motive of this life. Umrah makes a person humble and down to Earth. Standing in front of the Creator of the worlds, you realize how small and insignificant you are. You realize you are capable of doing nothing without Allah willing.
Many ahadith indicate that Umrah expiates previous sins. It is an amazing way of repentance. Allah is most Forgiving and most Merciful towards those who come all the way to His Home to perform this. He forgives all those who sincerely plead to Him. Those who pledge to stay on the Guided Path after performing this and keep their promise earn the greatest reward of Heaven for themselves.
Many people go for Umrah when they are struck with some unfortunate incident in life or going through a miserable time. Desperate for help they knock the door of the One and only who is the Reliever and has the Supreme power to end all the problems. Allah treats His slaves with utmost love and mercy. He blesses them abundantly in the form of reward, sustenance, guidance and most of all a happy contented heart. People run after happiness only to realize that their happiness is short-lived. Only the love of Allah brings eternal happiness. Umrah is a source of attaining this love. It frees the heart from the love of the material world and makes a person satisfied with whatever he has in life.