Muslims Can Perform Different Types of Umrah
There are two main categories of Hajj: Hajj, which must be performed after Hajj, and Hajj, which is performed independently of Hajj. This blog explores the differences between the two. Umrah is a more minor form of pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, not an obligation, but a preferred Sunnah (tradition and practice of the Prophet). It is an act of divine worship to Allah and a great blessing to every Muslim. Every year, millions of pilgrims set out in prayer, seeking mercy and strengthening their faith. You don’t need 5 star Umrah Packages to perform this holy Journey, and there are multiple options available.
Every Muslim wants to do Umrah at least once in his life. Hajj is not compulsory, but Hajj is mandatory for those physically and financially able to perform it. During Umrah, one can visit Al-Haram Mosque, Al-Nabawi Mosque, and various Ziyarat attractions. Umrah consists of only four rituals. Ihram, Tawaf, Saheeh, and haircut. The Arabic word for Umrah is Itimaar, which means visit. There is no particular time for Hajj, except for Hajj day.
The pilgrimage is to believe that one’s sins will be purified and can be done according to one’s needs and schedule. Umrah is performed before the Hajj ceremony begins.
What are the different types of Umrah?
There are two types of Umrah.
- Umrah ul-Muhrada.
- Umrah al-Tamatuh.
It is essential for those planning a pilgrimage to understand the differences between the two types of Umrah in terms of timing, rituals, and rewards.
Umrah-ul-Muhrada (Independence Pilgrimage).
Umrah-al-Mufrada is independent of pilgrimage. It is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year except during the Hajj. This Umrah can be done at any time of the year, including during Ramadan. However, the month of Rajab is considered the best month to perform Umrah Mufradah.
Rules and Guidelines of Umrah-ul-Muhrada
The Umrah Muhrada does not need to be performed in groups before the Hajj ceremony begins, but individually.
Those who can only perform Umrah Muhrada, must complete this ritual. Performing Umrah-i-Muhrada is a mandatory preventive measure if physically or financially unable to perform Hajj. It also explains why voluntary Hajj can be required or optional, depending on the circumstances.
- During Hajj, Umrah al-Mufrada is allowed before Umrah al-Tammatu, permissible.
- Umrah al-Mufrada is not allowed twice in one lunar month of the Islamic calendar. However, there is no minimum interval for conducting Umrah al-Mufrada again.
- It is permissible to perform Umrah al-Muhrada twice in a month if the first time is for yourself and the second time is for another person.
- In Umrah Mufradah, there are seven obligatory rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Namaz-Tawaf, Saeh, Taksail, Tawaf-an-Nisa and Namaz-Tawaf-an-Nisa.
If one does Umrah Mufradah and stays in Mecca until the eighth day of Zil Hijjah, Umrah Mufrada is considered Umrah Tamatu and can perform Hajj-i-Tamatu ritual. In this case, however, sacrifices must be made.
Umrah Tamattu (Mandatory Hajj)
This type of Hajj is performed in conjunction with Hajj in the month of Zil Hajj. It can only be performed during the Hajj and before the Hajj ceremony. Many Muslims find this method convenient because they can perform Hajj and Umrah simultaneously and monthly without having to set separate schedules for the two pilgrimages.
Rules and Guidelines for Umrah al-Tammatu
Umrah al-Tammatu can only be performed on the days of Hajj, namely the months of Shawwal, Dhul Qada, and Dhul Hijjah.
- Umrah al-Tammatu must be performed with other pilgrims.
- Pilgrims are not allowed to leave the holy city of Mecca until they have completed Umrah Tamamatu’ and performed the Hajj.
- Those who already live in Mecca do not need to perform Umrah Tamamatu’. The basis for this belief is Surah al-Baqarah 2:196.
- The rituals of Umrah Tamatu are Ihram, Tawaf, Sayyah and Taksir.
- Tawaf An-Nisa is not a mandatory ceremony for Umrah Tamatu. Pilgrims can perform Tawaf while praying, with some caveats.
- In Tamattu Umrah, Tawaf Annisa is not a mandatory ritual. Pilgrims can perform tawaf during prayer, which is appropriate for prudence reasons.
- In Umrah Tamattu, the head-cutting “Hulk” does not replace the hair-cutting “Taxile.” Circumcision is recommended only for men as it may be required for Hajj.
Moreover, there is no difference between the rituals of Umrah ul Mufradat and Umrah al Tammatu. Both Umrah are require to wear Islamic costumes during Mikart. When a pilgrim tries to perform Umrah Mufradah in Mecca, he leaves Haram (a forbidden act such as slander or a holy thing that no one else can enter unless it is clean) and becomes a state of Ifram, towards Mikart. It is permissible not to move to.
There are multiple rules and codes of conduct related to these two types of Hajj. Therefore, you will see that it is advisable to get help from an Islamic expert (Maulana) for a comprehensive understanding of the rules and norms of each kind of Umrah.
