Importance of "Umrah" in Islam:
Umrah is often referred to as the "lesser" or "minor" pilgrimage. It is an act if worship undertaken by Muslims and involves pilgrims travelling to the blesses city of Makkah, where the revered Kaaba stands as the epicentre of Islamic faith a d the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates. It is often referred to as the "minor pilgrimage" and involves specific rituals such as ihram, tawaf ( circumambulating the Kaaba paak) and sa'i(walking between safa and Marwa).
More detailed as:
What is Umrah:
- Umrah is a form of worship in Islam that involves a journey to Makkah to perform specific rituals.
- It's a voluntary act of worship that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar.
- It is a sunnah ( a recommended practice of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and is seen as a way to refresh one's faith and seek forgiveness.
Key ritual's of Umrah:
- Ihram: A state of ritual purity that pilgrims enter by wearing special clothing( two white sheets for men, and modest clothing for women).
- Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba paak seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
- Sa'i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
- Halaq or Taqsir: Men shave their heads or shorten their hair, while woman cut a small portion of their hair.
Significance and benefits:
- Umrah is a spiritually enriching experience that allows Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.
- It is a chance to cleanse the soul and body from past transgressions.
- Many Muslims aim to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime, as encouraged by the prophet Muhammad SAW.
Conditions for performing Umrah:
- Must be a Muslim.
- Must be physically and mentally capable.
- Must have the financial means to cover the expenses.
- Women must be accompanied by a Mahram( a male relative who is prohibited from marrying her).
Steps of Umrah:
If you are unfamiliar with how to perform Umrah, learning the steps and some acts of worship is vital. In short it is done in 4 steps:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa'i
- Halaq
Importance of Umrah in the Quran Kareem:
Umrah is an Islamic ritual and is significantly known as the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. It is an action of pure intention and it is highlighted as a significant worship in the Quran Kareem. The basic purpose of Umrah is the purification of the soul and achieving closeness to Allah.
Most important thing for Umrah:
The essential items for Umrah include white ihram garments, comfortable footwear, travel documents, a basic first aid kit, self care essentials, and electronics.
Rules of Umrah:
When you enter the state of ihram, the following acts become prohibited.
- Applying perfume and perfumed cosmetics.
- Women covering their face or wearing hand gloves.
- Cutting hair.
- Trimming nails.
- Getting married.
- Hunting an animal.
What is the first Umrah:
The first pilgrimage or Umrah of Dhul-Qada(pilgrimage of the 11th month) was the first pilgrimage that the Islamic prophet Muhammad SAW and the Muslims made after the migration to Madina. It took place on the morning of the fourth day of Dhul Qudrah 7 AH after the treaty of Hudaibiyah.
Which surah is for Umrah:
It is recommended to recite Surah Al -Kafiroon (109) in the first Rakah and surah al-Ikhlas (112) in the second, although other surahs may be read.
Benefits id Umrah in Islam:
Umrah, a pilgrimage to Makkah, offers numerous benefits in Islam, including forgiveness of sins, spiritual Purification and increased faith. It provides an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and a deeper connection with Allah. Muslims believe Umrah brings blessings and reward equivalent to those of Jihad, without requiring physical combat.
Specific benefits include:
Forgiveness of sins:
Performing Umrah with sincerity and according to the Sunnah is believed to expiate past sins.
Spiritual Purification:
The rituals of Umrah, like tawaf ( circumambulating the Kaaba paak) and Sa'i ( walking between safa and Marwa) help purify the soul and strengthen one's connection with Allah.
Reward equivalent to Jihaad:
Hadith narrations suggest that Umrah, for those who are unable to participate in physical jihad, carries a similar reward.
Increased faith:
The experience of being in Makkah and Madina, surrounded by the Holy sites and engaging in worship, can deepen one's faith and commitment to Islam.
Opportunity for reflection and repentance:
The pilgrimage provides a chance to reflect on one's life, seek forgiveness for past mistakes and renew one's commitment fo righteous living.
Spiritual healing:
The act of performing Umrah can be a source of emotional, psychological and even physical healing, allowing for release from the burdens if everyday life and fostering a sense of peace and well being.
Unity and brotherhood:
Umrah brings Muslims from all over the world together, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood as they perform the same rituals and stand united before Allah.
Blessings and rewards:
Umrah is considered a highly blessed act of worship, bringing numerous rewards and blessings from Allah.
A renewed sense of purpose:
Upon returning from Umrah, many Muslims feel a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger connection to their Faith.
Which shoes can you wear for Umrah:
For men performing Umrah, open toe shoes that expose the ankles and instep are recommended while women have more flexibility in their footwear choices, with comfortable sneakers, closed shoes or sandals being suitable.
Men:
Ihram restrictions:
During ihram men must wear footwear that leaves the ankles and instep exposed.
Acceptable options:
Open toe sandals, flip-flops or slippers that meet requirement are ideal.
Features to look for:
Opt for sandals with padded soles, anti-slip bottoms, and good shock absorption to handle long hours of walking.
Comfort is key:
Choose comfortable and well fitting footwear, as you will be walking extensively.
Scholarly interpretation:
Some scholars suggest that the instep should also be exposed, so it's advised to choose sandals that offer a more open design.
Emergency situations:
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from walking barefoot, you can wear shoes that don't cover the ankles or instep.
Women:
More flexibility:
Women have more freedom in their footwear choices during Umrah.
Suitable options:
Comfortable sneakers, closed shoes, or Sandals are all appropriate choices for women.
Focus on comfort:
Choose shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances, as you will be performing Tawaf and Sa'i.
Avoid high heels and fancy shoes:
It's best to avoid high heels and overly elaborate or fancy shoes during Umrah.
Modesty and simplicity:
Maintain a sense of modesty and simplicity in your footwear choice.
Umrah for kids:
Before your journey, take some time to educate your kids about Umrah based on their age and comprehension level. Cor younger children, explain in simple terms that it's a special trip to a faraway place called Makkah where they have the chance to see the Kaaba paak and the house of Allah SWT, which we face when we pray.
How long is Umrah:
The time required to perform Umrah is not fixed and can vary based in the individual. While the core rituals take anywhere, from 3 to 6 hours, most pilgrims prefer to stay for at least a week to fully absorb the spiritual atmosphere and visit other important Islamic sites.
Is Umrah a must in Islam:
Umrah is sometimes considered the "lesser pilgrimage", in that it is not compulsory in all Islam schools of thought, but is still highly recommended.
What is the point of Umrah:
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of Allah Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one's faith and cleanse one's soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere Dua and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah SWT.
Does Allah SWT invite you to Umrah:
Yes, according to Islamic teachings, Umrah is considered a divine invitation from Allah. Muslims believe that when they feel a strong desire to perform Umrah, it's a sign that Allah has extended an invitation. This spiritual calling is often referred to as being a "guest of Allah".
Hadith on delegation:
A Hadith describes those who fight in the cause of Allah, and those who perform Hajj or Umrah, as a delegation sent to Allah. This suggests they are invited by him to come to his house.
Spiritual desire:
Manu Muslims feel a strong, emotional desire to perform Umrah, and they interpret this as a divine calling from Allah.
Guests of Allah:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW described those who perform Hajj and Umrah as guests of Allah, implying an invitation.
Seeking forgiveness and blessings:
Muslims believe that Umrah is a means of seeking forgiveness for sins and drawing closer to Allah. This desire to seek Allah's forgiveness is often seen as a response to his invitation.
How old is Umrah:
Hazrat Muhammad SAW got he wahi in 628 AH and did the first Umrah in 629 AH. It was that the Prophet Muhammad SAW wanted to do the pilgrimage buy could not because of conflict with the Quraish tribe. However they got into a peace treaty and got a free pass for 3 days in Kaaba paak.
How many Umrah Prophet Muhammad SAW did:
Narrated Qatada: I asked Ana's how many times the Prophet performed Umrah. He replied " four times".
How to perform Umrah:
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one's faith and cleanse one's soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere Dua and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.
The ritual of Umrah include the following steps:
- Entering the state of ihram( a sacred state of purity and dedication).
- Passing the Miqat ( the boundary from where it becomes necessary for pilgrims to enter them).
- Entering the Masjid al- Haram and performing Tawaf ( Circumambulation) around the Kaaba paak.
- Performing two rakah at the maqam Ibrahim ana to drink Zamzam water.
- Carrying out Sa'i (walking/ running between the hilla of Safa and Marwa)
- Finally, either shaving the head ( halq) or trimming the hair
Steps of performing Umrah:
Assuming ihram and making Niyyah:
1. Before assuming ihram, it's a highly recommended Sunnah to perform Ghusl. It's also recommended to clip your nails and remove excess body hair. As you will be traveling on an international flight this should be performed before leaving your home. Men also wish fo apply Attar/ perfume for their heads/ beards, ensuring not to get any on the ihram garments .
2. Change into your ihram: Men should wear two white sheets:One is wrapped around the waist, while the other is used to cover the top half of the body. Sandals may be worn that do not cover the ankles and it places a not permissible to wear a hat or turban.
Women are to wear their normal dress, but should wear gloves or cover their face.
Ensure you change into your ihram attire before crossing the Miqat . You will likely be travelling to Saudi Arabia via plane, so you should change into your ihram, at the airport prior to departure or during a stopover if you have one.
3. Pray Salah al-ihram: it's Sunnah to perform two rakah's of Salah before entering the state of ihram. This can be performed after getting changed at the airport or in flight before crossing the Miqat, providing there are prayer facilities on board. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two rakah's nafl for ihram. It is recommended to recite Surah Al -Kafiroon(109) in the first rakah and surah Al ikhlas (112) in the second, although other surahs may be read.
4. Make the intention for Umrah: For those flying from the abroad, the Miqat is passed 20-30 minutes before landing. This is the point at which one must make the intention for Umrah, by reciting the following.
" Here I'm O Allah paak making Umrah".
5. Recite the Talbiyah from this point onwards. Men should recite this in a loud voice without distributing others, while women should recite this softly.
" At your service, Allah, at your service. At your service, you have no partner, at your service ,truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are yours. You have no partner."
Entering the Masjid al- Haram:
6. It's recommended to enter the Masjid from Baab Salam and the Sunnah is to enter the Masjid with the right foot forward and it is recommended to recite the following Dua:
"Allah, this is your sanctuary and security,so make me unlawful to hell fire make me safe from your punishment in the day you resurrect your servants, and make me one of your friends and one of the people who obey you ".
7. Upon seeing the Kaaba paak raise your hands and make any Dua with sincerity as this is one of the places that Duas are expected.
It is recommended to recite the following Dua upon seeing the Kaaba paak.
" Allah SWT, increase this house in honor, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it- of those who perform Hajj or Umrah in honour respect, esteem, and piety.
Do zikr make Dua and send salawat upon the prophet Muhammad SAW in abundance.
Performing Tawaf:
8. One must be in a state of wudu before performing Tawaf.
9. Make the intention for performing the Tawaf for the sake of Allah SWT, either verbally or silently.
10. If possible, try to touch the hajar al-Aswad( Black stone) face, while reciting Allahu Akbar kiss it and place your forehead upon it- this is to be repeated at the beginning of each circuit of tawaf.
11. If you are unable to touch the Hajar Al -Aswad, perform a symbolic istilam from. Afar by directly facing the Hajar al-Aswaj and raising your hands up to your earlobes. Ensure your palms are also facing it, as though your face and hands are on the Hajar al-Aswad and say Allahu Akbar.
12. Being your Tawaf at the black stone, circling the Kaaba paak on your left. Seven circuits are to completed in total.
13. In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, which is the practice of walking briskly, lifting the legs forcefully and sticking out the chest. However, only perform this Sunnah if you are sure you won't harm or inconvenience others.
14. Each time one passes the Yameni corner of the Kaaba paak ( the corner before of the Hajar al-Aswaj), try to touch it with your hand if possible.
15. Recite the following supplication between the Yemeni corner and the Hajar al-Aswaj:
" O your lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire."
16. The Tawaf should be completed in a continuous manner with no interruptions between circuits. However, if a prayer is due to start, you must join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from the position that you stopped. The circuit you need not be repeat your Ablution.
17. Make sincere Dua while performing Tawaf. If you are able to cling to the area between the Hajar al-Aswaj and make Dua here.
After Tawaf:
18. After performing Tawaf, proceed to the Maqam Ibrahim and recite the following verse ( men should cover both of their shoulder at this point).
" And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah."
19. Perform two rakah between the maqam Ibrahim and the Kaaba paak. It is Sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafiroun in the first rakah, and surah al-Ikhlas in the second rakah.
20. Drink Zamzam water which is available around the Tawaf area. Make an intention for what you are drinking Zamzam water for. For example to be cured from an illness.
21. Are you have finished drinking Zamzam water, you may proceed ( if you wish to, or after you have finished the rituals of the Umrah) to the multazam which is the area between hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba paak if you are able to reach it. Raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall and press your chest and cheeks against it. This is yet another station where supplications are accepted.
22. If you can't reach the Multazam due to the crowds, you may face it and supplicate form a distance.
23. It is Sunnah to return to the Hajar al-Aswaj from the maqam Ibrahim and perform istilam again if possible.
Sa'i:
24. The next stage of performing Umrah involves walking to safa which is located inside masjid Al Haram in line with the hajar al-Aswad and to recite the following verse.
" Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the signs of Allah".
25. Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba paak and raise your hands in supplication. Your view of the Kaaba paak may be obscured so make an educated guess about its location and face this direction. You may say Takbir ( Allahu Akbar), Tahlil( la ilaha illa Allah) and send Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
It is Sunnah to recite the following Dua:
" Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise".
" There is not deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To him belong the Dominion, and to him belongs all praise. He gives life and death and he has power over everything."
" There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled his promise, supported his slaves and defeated the confederates alone."
After reciting this Dua, you may recite your won supplications. Read the Dua a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the Sunnah if the prophet Muhammad SAW.
26. Walk towards Marwa, and men should run between the fluorescent green lights. Upon reaching Marwa, climb upon it and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safa. This. Completes one circuit.
27. Return back to safa and repeat step 25 this completes two circuits.
28. Complete seven circuits between safa and Marwa in total, ending the last one on Marwa.
29. Cutting hair, men should shave their hair, while women should cut the length of one fingertip in order to break from the state of ihram.
30. Your Umrah is now complete - Mubarik.
How to perform Umrah for the first time:
If you are performing Umrah for the first time, you will complete the steps of Umrah as described above. There are no differences in how to perform Umrah, whether it's your first time, or if you have performed Umrah in the past.
However, if you are performing Umrah for the first time you may be a little unsure of where to start with preparing for your trip and what to except.
We have put together a checklist on how to prepare and what to pack.
You can also find everything you need to know about how to book your Umrah trip here, as well as the rules of performing Umrah here.
How to perform Umrah for ladies:
The steps of performing Umrah are almost the same as for men. However, there are some differences for women when it comes to women performing Umrah such as whether a woman can travel without a Mahram to perform Umrah, if she is able to perform Umrah while menstruating and what to wear once assuming ihram.
- Men will repeat the Talbiyah loudly, while women should recite this quietly.
- In the first three rounds of Tawaf, the Sunnah for men I go run, which is called Raml. However women do not follow this practice.
- During Sa'i men should run between the fluorescent green lights, while women should walk throughout.
- Islamically, women should travel to Umrah accompanied by a Mahram.
- In order to break from tha state of ihram, men shave their heads, while women cut the length of a fingertip.
Women performing Umrah must be in a state if purity. Therefore it's important to plan the date of your Umrah accordingly.
In order to assume ihram, women do not have to wear specific clothing as is the case for men. However, women must also ensure they wear hijab and dream modestly, ensuring that everything except their face, hands and feet are covered.
In addition, women must refrain from wearing perfume, women must refrain dork wearing perfume, tight fitted clothing gloves make up or henna during the state of ihram.
If a women is her iddah period( three month after being widowed if divorced) she is not allowed to perform Umrah.
How many hours is Umrah performed:
It usually takes between 3-6 hours to perform Umrah. The time it takes varies depending on how busy it is, also your health, age and stamina levels.
It usually takes longer to perform Umrah for the first time as you are lesser familiar with the steps involved.
Although Umrah can be performed in kesa than one day, from when one enters the state of ihram, to the cutting of hair once Umrah is complete, most tour operators offer Umrah packages for the duration of 7 days to 30 days at the maximum.
How long you wish to spend on your Umrah trip depends on your own personal circumstances and how you wish to spend your time in your trip to Umrah.
However, the most families, the experience if travelling to Umrah also includes spending time in the Haram sharif, as well as spending some time in Madina, and visiting Islamic historical sites.
The conditions of performing Umrah:
In order to be eligible to perform Umrah, one must adhere to certain conditions. These include:
- Islam: It is necessary to be a Muslim.
- Maturity: You must have reached puberty. You can perform Umrah before this age, but it is only accepted after the age of puberty.
- Sanity: You should be mentally sound and in control of your mental faculties.
- Financially able: You must have enough funds to cover the expenses if travel, accomodations and other requirements during your Umrah. You should also be able to support your dependents while you are away. Being debt -free is not mandatory, but arrangements for debt repayment should be made beforehand.
- Physical ability: You must be physically capable of travelling to Makkah and performing the rituals of Umrah, either in foot or in a wheelchair.
- Transportation: You should have access to transportation and be able to afford the costs of travelling to Makkah for Umrah. It is also important that the journey is safe, without any foreseeable danger.
- Visa rules: Certain conditions must be met to obtain an Umrah visa from the UK such as holding a valid passport for at least six months
These conditions ensure that individuals are ready and capable of fulfilling the rites of Umrah.
Performing Umrah on behalf of relatives:
You can perform Umrah on behalf of relatives. However, you can only do so if the relative is decreed, chronically unwell, or physically unable to perform Umrah. This means that they are too physically weak of themselves throughout the journey.
In order to perform Umrah on the behalf of relatives one must make the intention of performing Umrah in their name when entering the state of ihram. They should then perform all the rituals of Umrah on behalf of their family member. You do not need to repeat any rituals,- making the intention of performing the Umrah on behalf of a relative is sufficient.
It's important to note that you can only perform Umrah on the behalf of one relative at a time. So if you are intending to perform Umrah on behalf of multiple relatives, you will have to perform Umrah multiple times.
It's permissible to perform Umrah on behalf of a relative who has passed away. When performing Umrah on behalf of someone else, start by saying "Labaik umrahan ( name of person who intend fo perform Umrah for).
What should be avoid during Umrah:
- Applying perfume and perfumed cosmetics for men and women.
- Women covering their face, wearing tight fitted clothing or wearing gloves.
- Men covering their head with a cap, or wearing stitched clothing.
- Trimming nails.
- Cutting hair.
- Hunting on animal.
- Cutting down a tree
- Killing an insect.
- Smoking or taking drugs
- Engaging in a quarrel or fight.
- Swearing and backbiting.
Islamic sites to visit when going for umrah:
Many Umrah packages providers include include arrangements for an Islamic historical tour ( ziyarat). You can also arrange to visit these sites uf you are travelling without a package provider. We have put together a lost of the most noteworthy sites near Makkah and Madina outside of the Haramain Sharif, for when you go for Umrah:
Near Makkah:
- Jabal al- Noor: "Mountain of light" hosts Gar e Hira the cave in which the Prophet Muhammad SAW would go to for seclusion, contemplation and meditation. It is also the place where the first words of the Quran Kareem were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW through angel jibreel.
- Mount Arafat: Mount Arafat is a holy site of Hajj ana d considered to be a blessed place to visit.
- Maktaba Makkah -al- Mukarramah: This is the holy birthplace of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which is located in Sheeb Banu Hashim in Makkah. Previously mountain, this place has been converted into a national library.
- Jannat al- Baqi: This is the most significant cemetery for Muslims, and is the resting place of many ancestors and relatives of Prophet Muhammad SAW. It is located to the north of the Masjid al- Haram is around 15 minutes walk.
- Masjid- Ayesha: The second largest mosque in Makkah, Masjid-e- Ayesha is one of the oldest establishment in the city. It is also a site where pilgrims can assure ihram.
Near Madina:
- Masjid al- Quba: Situated on the outee area of Madina.
- Masjid al- Quba is known fo be the first mosque in the history of Islam and is the second largest mosque in Madina.
- Mount Uhdu: This is the site of the battle of Uhud, an is blesses site, sanctified as the resting site for martyrs who gave their life for Islam.
- Dar Al-Madina Museums: This museum host rare artifacts and archaeological collection from the holy City.
- Masjid al- Qiblatayn: this beautiful mosque in the site in which Allah commanded Prophet Muhammad SAW fo change the direction of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Makkah.
Madina ( history, facts, religious significance, travelling to Madina during Umrah trip):
Madina also known as a Madina al Munawwarah is the blessed city where the prophet Muhammad SAW lived, spread Islam and the resting place of his blesses tomb.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW migrated to Madina from Makkah in 622 AD also known as the Hijrah sharif.
It ja home to the Masjid an- Nabawi the holy mosque of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which was established by the Prophet Muhammad SAW himself.
Prophet Muhammad SAW spent some of the most important years of his blessed life in Madina and many Quranic verses were revealed to him here ( Madani Ayat's).
The Prophet Muhammad SAW holy mosque is located next to be his blessed home.
As the city of the prophet Muhammad SAW, Madina is a blessed and holy place. Although visiting Madina is not one of the rites of Umrah, visiting the city can bring great rewards and benefits if one has the correct adaab.
The following Hadith demonstrate the benefits and rewards of visiting Madina.
" The person who offer 40 prayers consecutively in my mosque, without missing a prayer in between, will secure immunity from the fire of hell and other torments and also from hypocrisy.
Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" The prayer in my masjid ( Masjid an Nabawi) is better than one thousand 1000 prayers in any other masjid with the exception of Masjid al- Haram and a prayer in Masjid al- Haram is better than one hundred thousand 100,000 prayers.
The messenger of Allah SWT said:
"I have made Madina a sanctuary between it's two ( harrat,) mountains."
Conclusion:
Umrah is a set of rituals of worshipping Allah by entering into the state if ihram, performing Circumambulation of the Kaaba paak performing Sa'i between safa and Marwa, and having one's hair shaven or trimmed.Conclusion on the Importance of Umrah in Islam. Umrah holds a significant place in Islam as a deeply spiritual act of worship. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, it is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and offers immense rewards. Performing Umrah allows Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. It serves as a means of spiritual purification, symbolizing the believer's devotion, humility, and submission to God's will.Through its rites—Tawaf, Sa’i, and the shaving or trimming of hair—Umrah connects Muslims to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Its performance reinforces unity in the Muslim Ummah, as pilgrims from all over the world gather in worship.In essence, Umrah is not only a physical journey but also a profound spiritual experience that strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, encourages self-discipline, and cultivates gratitude and humility.