Why Do We Perform Umrah? Exploring the Islamic Significance and Rewards
Question: Why do we perform Umrah?
Answer: Hajj and Umrah are acts of worship directed towards Allah, the Lord of all worlds. We perform these acts of worship because Allah has commanded us to do so. In the Quran, Allah says:
And complete Hajj and Umrah for Allah" (Surah Al-Baqarah: 196).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the virtue of Umrah, saying:
Performing one Umrah after another expiates the sins committed between them, and the reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but Paradise" (Sahih Bukhari: 1773).
Hajj and Umrah are important parts of the religion and among the pillars of Islam. Jibril (Alaihis-Salam) appeared in human form to teach the Prophet (ﷺ) about Islam, faith, excellence, and the Day of Judgment. After Jibril (Alaihis-Salam) left, the Prophet (ﷺ) informed the companions that Jibril (Alaihis-Salam) had come to teach them their religion.
In summary, Allah has given us this religion, and we are obliged to follow it. We should not question the reasons behind it but look at Allah’s command and act accordingly. When Allah revealed the verse:
Whether you disclose what is in your hearts or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it" (Surah Al-Baqarah: 284),
the companions became very fearful. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said:
Say: We hear and obey, and we submit" (Sahih Muslim: 330).
This is our religion—whenever Allah’s command comes, we must carry it out without hesitation.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail