Importance and Virtues of Umrah in the Light of Quran and Hadith

Allah says in the Holy Quran: 'That is the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind.' (Surah Al-Baqarah: 185).

Allah has made fasting in this month obligatory, saying: 'So whoever among you is present in the month, let him fast.' (Surah Al-Baqarah: 185). Talha bin Ubaidullah (RA) narrates that a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): O Messenger of Allah, what fasts has Allah made obligatory upon me? He said: The fast of Ramadan. The man asked: Is there anything else upon me? He said: No, unless you do voluntary fasts.' (Bukhari: 1891).

Thus the merit of this month is increased because the obligatory fast is in Ramadan. When this month came, the Messenger (peace be upon him) would give glad tidings to the Companions and say: The blessed month of Ramadan has come to you.' (Nasai).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, establishes prayer, gives Zakat, and fasts in Ramadan—Allah has decreed that he be admitted to Paradise.' (Bukhari).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: In Ramadan the supplication of every believing Muslim is accepted.' (Bazzar, Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib: 988, Musnad Ahmad: 7450).

Every night and day of this month, Allah frees many people from the Fire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah frees many people from Hell every night and day in Ramadan.' (At-Targhib wat-Tarhib, Musnad Ahmad: 7450).

In this month the reward for good deeds is multiplied. It is related in hadith that performing Umrah in Ramadan brings the reward of Hajj. Not only that—performing Umrah in Ramadan holds the merit of performing Hajj with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Likewise, the reward of all worship and good deeds is multiplied many times.

Through worship in this month, much spiritual profit is gained. In this regard it is narrated that Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to an Ansari woman: Why did you not perform Hajj with us? She said: We have only two camels for carrying water. My husband and son went for Hajj on one, and the other was left for us to carry water. He said: When Ramadan comes, perform Umrah, for Umrah in that month is equivalent to Hajj.' (Sahih Muslim). In another narration: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.' (Bukhari: 1782, Muslim: 1256, Musnad Ahmad: 2025).

In another narration, Umm Ma'qil (RA) said: O Messenger of Allah, I intend to perform Hajj but my camel is weak. He said: Perform Umrah in Ramadan, for Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in reward.' (Musnad Ahmad: 27285).

O Allah, grant us the tawfiq to perform Umrah in Ramadan.