Hajj and Umrah are of immense importance to Muslims. And why wouldn’t they be? This is your chance to be hosted by the Almighty and pour your heart out in front of Him. A trip to the Holy Kaaba revives you spiritually and enables you to grow physically and mentally. It is surprising how Hajj and Umrah, as acts of worship, can alter your life. These pilgrimages can also change your perspective on life and bring you back to the right path.
As Muslims, we all yearn to be at the Holy Kaaba. Whether we can fulfill our obligation to the Almighty or want to renew our faith through Umrah, these pilgrimages are a significant part of our faith. These beliefs become much firmer when we learn about the deep-rooted teachings of the Quran about Hajj and Umrah.
If you are among the US citizens who are planning an Umrah from Chicago soon, here is everything you must know about Hajj and Umrah in the light of the Holy Quran. Knowing it will soothe your soul and motivate you to make the most of this golden chance.
Command of the Almighty and Obligation to Him
Hajj is an obligation of the believers to the Almighty that they must fulfill if they are eligible. It is a divine command and is explicitly stated in the Holy Quran.
فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌۭ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًۭا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًۭا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever can find a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from the need of the worlds.” (Quran 3:97)
This verse shows that whoever is eligible to perform the Hajj must do so. It makes our obligation to the Almighty very clear. We must know that this pilgrimage is for our benefit, as our Creator doesn’t need anything from this world. He created the world and everything in it.
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that you can take if you want to. It promises exceptional spiritual and personal growth benefits, which have attracted countless believers worldwide.
The Chance at Ultimate Spiritual Purification
There is no denying that Hajj and Umrah are a journey of spiritual renewal. How can you not feel the spirituality in your soul and heart while standing before the glorious house of the Almighty? This feeling alone increases your faith and gives you a surge of spirituality. A trip to this sacred cubic structure awakens your soul and makes you want to get closer to the Almighty. This journey is about self-reflecting and molding yourself according to how the Almighty pleases. Allah tells us in the Holy Quran:
“And when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mashar al-Haram. And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.” (Quran 2:198)
Opportunity to Be a Guest of the Almighty
As the Holy Quran says:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍۢ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِى بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًۭا وَهُدًۭى لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah—blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” (Quran 3:96)
This verse shows us that the Holy Kaaba is the first house of worship, and we also know it as the house of the Almighty. Here, you will get a chance to be hosted by the Almighty. What can be more incredible than this spiritual feeling? Here is a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that authenticates this exceptional reward and blessing of Hajj and Umrah.
“The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. If they call upon Him, He answers them, and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” (Ibn Majah 2892)
This Hadith shows us how rewarding Hajj and Umrah are. Imagine being rid of all your past sins while being the guest of the Almighty and experiencing the sanctity of his sacred house.
Lessons of Trust and Patience
Have you heard about the unwavering trust and patience of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) wife, Hajar? As Muslims, we grow up hearing this story from our elders and in Islamic history classes. Pilgrims commemorate this historical event during the Sa’i rituals by walking between the two sacred hills, Makkah and Madinah. Allah Almighty acknowledges the significance of this rewarding pilgrimage ritual in the Holy Quran.
إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers is good—then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” (Quran 2:158)
While pilgrims perform Sa’i, they learn to trust and be patient. It teaches us to put our faith in Allah Almighty from all walks of life, and He will help us miraculously.
A Journey of Gratitude and Self-Reflection
No doubt, Hajj and Umrah humble you and make you more grateful to the Almighty for this incredible opportunity. Imagine millions of people yearning to perform the pilgrimage, and Allah Almighty chooses you to be one of the pilgrims invited to His house. If this doesn’t make you grateful, what else will? Therefore, we cannot deny that Hajj and Umrah promise a journey of gratitude. As in the Quran, Allah makes it clear:
“…so that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days…” (Quran 22:28)
Moreover, Hajj and Umrah are also the ultimate journey of self-reflection. This journey allows you to reflect on your past life and encourages you to change your ways to please the Almighty before your time in this world ends. You ask forgiveness for all your sins and strengthen your bond with the Almighty, which changes your life immensely. While you perform the pilgrimage, you also realize the exceptional blessings of the Almighty and learn to take His guidance in all walks of life.
Summing Up
Hajj and Umrah are undeniably the most sacred acts of worship that promise immense rewards. These pilgrimages teach you many life lessons and give you the spiritual awakening you might have always dreamed of. You learn patience, unity, brotherhood, and gratitude from this pilgrimage. Moreover, it also teaches you to build a connection with the Almighty and be more consistent in asking for His forgiveness.
Therefore, it is time that you apply for an Umrah visa before you start planning how you will make the most of your spiritual retreat. You can learn various supplications and make a schedule for your acts of worship while you are at pilgrimage sites to ensure that you are doing your best to get closer to the Almighty.
