The blessed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) esteemed Umrah as the most soul-stirring act of worship, wherein Muslims travel to the house of Allah and seek pardon from Him for their sins. Millions of Muslims from the world over embark on this spiritual journey each year, hoping to be born again and draw closer to Allah Almighty.
In Islam, the holy Umrah is also a powerful way for Muslims to show love, honour, and respect to one another by dressing in similar garbs and stripping away all worldly items, such as wealth, pride, and social status. The simple attire, the refreshing sense of purpose, and a like-minded focus brings pilgrims together.
Those who perform all Umrah obligations with a pure heart and pious intentions are blessed with multiple rewards and benefits, with the benevolent and merciful Allah granting them grace.
If you are about to book Umrah packages 2024, the following information will help you know how this pivotal Islamic pilgrimage can affect you spiritually and change your life for the better.
The Impact Umrah Can Have on Your Life
● Insurmountable Peace as the Guest of Allah
If you’ve ever spoken to someone who has performed Umrah, you will surely have heard them testify of the immense sense of tranquillity that comes upon them the moment they enter Makkah. This happens because when you arrive at the Masjid al-Haram with a single-minded focus to seek Allah, you become His guest. As such, the peace you feel as the guest of the Almighty will be incomparable to anything you’ll ever come across in life.
● Forgiveness of Sins
A primary aim of Umrah is to have your sins forgiven and your soul cleansed by Allah. It is the most beautiful change you can experience spiritually, to know you’ve been exonerated for your sins and have been made new in the Almighty’s grace. As a Muslim, you are newly born to the world again, and will be given the highest honour in Jannat.
● Increases Your Faith
A significant reward of Umrah that can elevate your spiritual life is an increase in your faith and devotion in the Almighty. With forgiveness of sins comes an unshakeable faith that you are closer to Allah than you have ever been, resulting in a stronger devotion and zeal toward Him. You will inevitably pray more, read the Holy Quran daily, and perform greater acts of charity than before.
● Physical Detox
The journey to the house of Allah requires intense physical discipline, with pilgrims having to perform a stringent set of rituals without too many breaks. Although demanding, these sacraments can have a cleansing effect on the body, leading to a healthier lifestyle for many Muslims. The change in environment and a steadfast focus on spirituality adds to this crucial physical detox.
● A Learning Curve – Emotional Stability
The assemblage of Muslims at Makkah from across the world is an opportunity for each pilgrim to get to know the customs, traditions, and habits of another. Spending quality time like this is a great way to emotionally heal from past trauma and hurt. More importantly, it is an excellent way to learn more about Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), aiming to imbibe his spirit in one’s own life.
● Greater Self Discipline
Every step of this sacred Sunnah act demands pilgrims to perform structured rituals, each carrying immense significance. In turn, this leads to a greater sense of self-control, commitment, peace, and mindfulness, all of which result in a better, well-balanced, and self-disciplined life. Maintain this harmony of your mind, body, and soul even upon your return home for lasting spiritual growth.
● Additional Rewards of Umrah During Ramadan
The Umrah you perform during Ramadan is the same as the one you do at any other time, but carries more profound meaning and blessings due to the holy month of fasting. In fact, a pilgrimage at this time is regarded similar to Hajj in many ways. In addition to greater rewards, embarking on this holy ritual during Ramadan is the ideal way for Muslims to honour Allah and show absolute devotion to Him.
● Equivalent to Jihad
Undoubtedly, Jihad is among the noblest and most sacrificial acts any Muslim can perform in Islam. In the Hadith, it narrates that Umrah is deemed equal to jihad for certain individuals, specifically women, the young, the feeble, and elderly pilgrims. It is the highest spiritual reward ever, the magnitude of which cannot be compared. For this reason, it is imperative that everyone embark on this sacred rite at least once in their lifetime.
● Renewed Family Life
Once you return from Umrah, your changed and enhanced spirituality will allow you to be kinder to your loved ones, leading to a better, happier family life. An even better way to achieve this is to embark on the sacred pilgrimage together with your family. Performing the rituals and visiting other holy sites together as part of your Ziyarat will help you bond in a deeper, more meaningful way.
● Strengthen Your Relationship with Allah
The ultimate purpose of Umrah is to impact your spirituality so profoundly that it brings you closer to Allah in unimaginable ways. The journey to cleanse your soul, be absolved of your sins, and learn more about Islam and its history from knowledgeable scholars will drive you to Allah more and more each day. Consequently, your relationship with the Almighty will be strengthened beyond expectations, resulting in a holier life.
Knowing how significantly Umrah can impact your life is the first step to a massive and lasting spiritual change. Therefore, with that in mind, head out on our pilgrimage with a clean heart and fully expect to return a changed, better Muslim.