উমরাহ

What Does উমরাহ Mean in Detail?

উমরাহ is often called the 'lesser হজ্জ' or 'minor হজ্জ' to distinguish it from হজ্জ, the 'greater হজ্জ.' Unlike হজ্জ, which can only be performed during the specific days of Dhul Hijjah, উমরাহ may be performed at any time of the year, making it far more accessible. Millions of Muslims perform উমরাহ annually, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan — নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said, 'উমরাহ in Ramadan is equivalent to হজ্জ' (Bukhari and Muslim), meaning in reward, though it does not fulfill the হজ্জ obligation. The rites of উমরাহ are simpler and shorter than হজ্জ. The হাজী enters ইহরাম at the designated miqat, makes the intention for উমরাহ, and begins reciting the তালবিয়াহ. Upon reaching মসজিদুল হারাম, they perform তাওয়াফ — seven counterclockwise circuits of the কাবা শরীফ. After তাওয়াফ, they pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water. They then proceed to the Mas'a to perform sa'i — seven traversals between Safa and Marwa. Finally, men shave their heads completely (halq) or trim their hair short (taqsir), and women cut a fingertip's length from their hair. With this, the হাজী exits the state of ইহরাম and the উমরাহ is complete. The entire process can be completed in two to four hours depending on crowd conditions. Regarding its legal status, the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools consider উমরাহ ওয়াজিব (wajib) once in a lifetime, while the Hanafi and Maliki schools classify it as a highly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah). All schools agree on its immense spiritual merit. নবী করীম said, 'From one উমরাহ to the next is an expiation for whatever sins come in between' (Bukhari and Muslim). There is no limit to how many times a person may perform উমরাহ, and many residents of Saudi Arabia perform it frequently.