UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF ‘UMRAH

 

FAJR REMINDER: UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF ‘UMRAH

Jumādā al-‘Ūlā 12, 1448 AH | Friday, 23 October 2026

What immense goodness do Muslims gain when they travel to Makkah to perform ‘Umrah? The rewards are indeed tremendous!

Abū Hurayrah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said:

“From one ‘Umrah to the next is an expiation for whatever (minor) sins are committed between them, and the accepted Ḥajj has no reward except Paradise.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1773; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1349]

Did you know that our beloved Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) performed four ‘Umrahs after the Hijrah to Madīnah? This is established in authentic narrations recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim.

Hammām narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed four ‘Umrahs, three of which took place in Dhū al-Qa‘dah, apart from the ‘Umrah he performed alongside his Ḥajj. They were:

• The ‘Umrah of al-Ḥudaybiyyah.
• The ‘Umrah of the following year, known as ‘Umrat al-Qaḍā’.
• The ‘Umrah from al-Ji‘rānah, following the Battle of Ḥunayn.
• The ‘Umrah performed alongside his Ḥajj.

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1780]

In another authentic narration, Qatādah asked Anas ibn Mālik (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) how many times the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) performed Ḥajj and ‘Umrah. Anas replied that he performed one Ḥajj and four ‘Umrahs.
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1253]

Let us explore the history of each ‘Umrah and reflect on the valuable lessons Muslims can draw from these remarkable events.

(1) The ‘Umrah of al-Ḥudaybiyyah (6 AH)

In the sixth year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions set out towards Makkah with the intention of performing ‘Umrah. They did not set out to fight the Quraysh; rather, they came seeking to worship Allāh, carrying their sacrificial animals and entering the state of Iḥrām.

However, the Quraysh prevented them from entering Makkah. The Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions consequently camped at al-Ḥudaybiyyah, where negotiations between the Muslims and the Quraysh culminated in the historic Treaty of al-Ḥudaybiyyah.

One of the treaty's principal terms was that the Muslims would return to Madīnah that year and come back the following year to perform ‘Umrah.

This was a difficult moment for the Companions. They had travelled with sincere intentions to worship Allāh, yet they were prevented from reaching the Ka‘bah. What they had anticipated as a straightforward act of worship became a test of patience, obedience, and trust in Allāh.

In response to the events surrounding the treaty, Allāh revealed:

“Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest.”
[Sūrah al-Fatḥ 48:1]

Although the treaty initially appeared unfavourable to some of the Companions, it proved to be a turning point in Islamic history. The resulting period of peace enabled greater interaction between Muslims and others, contributing significantly to the spread of Islām.

When the Muslims were unable to enter Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed his Companions to sacrifice their animals and shave their heads or shorten their hair, thereby exiting Iḥrām.

Although they did not complete the ‘Umrah rites in Makkah that year, this journey is counted as the first of the Prophet’s four ‘Umrahs in the authentic narrations.

Lessons from the First ‘Umrah

1. Allāh’s Wisdom May Be Hidden Behind Apparent Setbacks

The Companions were eager to enter Makkah and perform ‘Umrah, but events unfolded differently from what they had expected. What initially appeared to be a disappointment ultimately became a significant victory for Islām.

Similarly, a Muslim pursuing something good may encounter unexpected obstacles. Rather than immediately concluding that Allāh has forsaken them, they should remain patient, continue obeying Him, and place their trust in His Wisdom.

We may not always understand why a particular door remains closed, but we can continue seeking what is good while trusting Allāh and acting in accordance with His guidance.

2. Not Every Victory Looks Like Victory at First

The Treaty of al-Ḥudaybiyyah was difficult for many Companions to accept at first, yet its consequences proved immensely beneficial to the Muslim community.

This teaches us not to judge every situation solely by its immediate appearance. Some outcomes that seem disappointing may eventually bring unexpected benefits. We should remain patient without assuming that every delay necessarily guarantees a better outcome; rather, we should trust Allāh while continuing to make sound decisions and take beneficial action.

3. Obedience to Allāh and His Messenger (ﷺ) Must Take Precedence Over Personal Feelings

The Companions experienced understandable disappointment, but the Prophet (ﷺ) honoured the agreement and guided them through the situation.

Their experience teaches us the importance of controlling our emotions and adhering to the Sharī‘ah, even when circumstances do not align with our personal desires. Our feelings are real, but they should not lead us away from obedience to Allāh.

To Be Continued, In Shā’ Allāh

Let us take this journey one step at a time. Allāh willing, next Friday we will explore the second ‘Umrah of the Prophet (ﷺ), known as ‘Umrat al-Qaḍā’, and the lessons it offers us.

The journey of ‘Umrah is not merely about reaching Makkah. It is also an opportunity to renew our faith, cultivate patience, practise humility, and strengthen our trust in Allāh.

Is ‘Umrah on your mind? It is on mine, too.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to invite us to His Sacred House soon, grant us the opportunity to perform both ‘Umrah and Ḥajj, accept our acts of worship, forgive our shortcomings, and allow us to return with hearts purified by faith.

Āmīn, Yā Rabb al-‘Ālamīn.