Umrah is a sacred journey to Mecca. It is known as a minor pilgrimage. Muslims can perform Umrah at any time of the year. Umrah holds massive importance in the hearts of Muslims; it is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ). Umrah gives opportunities to Muslims to clean their hearts and seek forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are delegating to Allah if they call upon him, he will answer them if they ask for his forgiveness, he will forgive them”.
Umrah steps include ihram, tawaf, sa’i, and halq. Ihram is entering the state of white clothes symbolising purity. Tawaf includes circumambulating around the Kaaba seven times, then sa’i, which is walking between Safa and Marwa. The last step of Umrah is Halq, which is trimming or shaving the hair. This article will be helpful for Muslims living in the UK and planning to perform Umrah.
Spiritual Significance of Umrah in Ramadan
Performing Umrah in Ramadan is spiritually important because it is considered equivalent in reward to performing Hajj. In a Hadith, “Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj”. This highlights the great blessing of Umrah in the divine month of Ramadan. The rewards of all the good actions, including umrah, are multiplied in Ramadan. The divine journey of Umrah deepens the believer’s connection with Allah because this blessed month is already a time of forgiveness and Mercy.
It is also a great chance to renew faith and purify the heart from sins. The environment in Mecca during Ramadan is spiritually charged. Umrah and Ramadan are not about the journey but the lesson of patience, humbleness, and devotion in everyday life. Many Islamic travel agencies in the UK are providing Umrah packages in Ramadan, which include tickets, accommodation, food, and transportation.
Rewards and Blessings Compared to Other Months
Muslims living in the UK performing Umrah at any time of the year are highly rewarding acts of worship, but performing Umrah in Ramadan brings a high level of divine importance. During Ramadan, every good deed is multiplied, so when Umrah is performed in this holy time, the blessings are far greater than in other months. Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. This makes many UK Muslims feel that spiritual return on their effort during Ramadan is more heartfelt.
During Ramadan in Mecca, the atmosphere also changed. Pilgrims are fasting, engaging in long night prayer, reciting the Quran, and making duas. As compared to other months, the sense of unity, devotion, and humbleness feels more in Ramadan. UK pilgrims often say that the serenity, nearness to Allah, and divine transformation they experience during Umrah in Ramadan are unlike any other month.
Connection to the Night of Power
Lailatul Qadr is the special night in Ramadan when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Worshipping on Laylat Al Qadr is highly rewarding, as one has been worshipping for over 1,000 months. The Angel Gabriel comes to the earth with thousands of angels on this night and seeks forgiveness for those who are praying.
Many UK pilgrims plan their Umrah dates, hoping to spend the last few nights in Mecca or Madina so they can seek Lailatul Qadr. This connection makes Umrah in Ramadan memorable and cherished. Ramadan spending in Saudi Arabia is more rewarding as compared to spending in the UK, where daily commitments, work schedules, and worldly desires can limit worship.
Atmosphere of Worship and Community Spirit
Both Mecca and Madina are filled with pilgrims from every corner of the world in Ramadan, all fasting, praying, and calling upon Allah together. This shared purpose creates a divine environment that feels comforting, especially for those coming from a non Muslim country like the UK. For UK Muslims, it is one of the most memorable parts of Umrah.
In Mecca, the days are filled with Quran recitation, tawaf, dhikr, and acts of charity. The nights are filled with taraweeh, qiyam ul layl, and duas. In Mecca, during iftar, even a stranger feels like family. Umrah allows pilgrims to fully indulge themselves in spirituality without any distractions. Many pilgrims return with a renewed sense of brotherhood and a stronger connection to the global ummah.
Crowd Levels and Travel Experience
UK programs often need to book in advance to get good flight timings, reasonable hotel prices, and budget-friendly package deals. Jeddah and Madina airports are busier than usual during Ramadan. Many UK pilgrims still find the experience worthy because of the spiritual environment of Mecca and Madina in Ramadan. The presence of so many worshipers in Ramadan adds to the energy, unity, and excitement of being in the holy land during a blessed time.
Conclusion
Umrah and Ramadan give UK Muslims a special mixture of spiritual elevation and high reward. The journey may involve a larger crowd, higher demand for booking, and a more intense travel experience in Ramadan, but the blessings are more than the challenges. The multiplied rewards of worship and the possibility of experiencing Lailatul Qadr in Mecca or Madina feel deeply meaningful. Umrah during Ramadan is not just a journey, but it is a life-changing chapter of humility, gratitude, and nearness to Allah.
