Performing Umrah in Ramadan: A Journey of Devotion and Blessings

For Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, fasting, and drawing closer to Allah. While it’s widely known for its obligatory fast, Ramadan also holds a special place for performing Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and has a fixed time, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that can be undertaken at any time of the year. However, performing it during Ramadan carries an extraordinary spiritual weight, offering multiplied rewards and a unique sense of fulfillment. As I sit to write this, I imagine the Kaaba surrounded by countless worshippers, their hearts beating with devotion, especially in the sacred month. Let’s explore why Muslims perform Umrah, its significance in Ramadan, and the Quranic and Hadith references that guide this beautiful practice.

Why Do Muslims Perform Umrah?

Umrah, at its core, is an act of love and submission to Allah. It’s a journey where a believer steps away from the chaos of daily life to stand before the Kaaba, the House of Allah, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and a renewed connection with their Creator. For many, it’s a personal reset—a chance to cleanse the soul, repent for past mistakes, and make heartfelt dua (supplications) in a place where prayers are believed to be answered.

The word "Umrah" in Arabic means "to visit a populated place," but in Islamic terms, it refers to a specific set of rituals: entering a state of ihram (spiritual purity), performing tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), praying two rak’ahs behind the Station of Ibrahim, drinking Zamzam water, and completing sa’i (walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah), before trimming or shaving the hair. These steps echo the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, reminding Muslims of their obedience and trust in Allah.

The Quran doesn’t explicitly command Umrah as an obligation, but it encourages pilgrimage to the Sacred House. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…” (Quran 2:196).

This verse ties Umrah to devotion, suggesting it’s a highly recommended act of worship. Scholars interpret "for Allah" as a call to sincerity—performing it purely for His sake, not for show or worldly gain.

Then there’s the Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasizes its spiritual benefits. In one narration, he said:

“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one…” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1773).

Imagine that—a chance to wipe the slate clean, to stand before Allah as if reborn. For Muslims, this promise is a powerful motivator, a beacon of hope that no matter how far they’ve strayed, Allah’s mercy is always within reach.

The Special Significance of Umrah in Ramadan

Now, let’s talk about why Ramadan elevates Umrah to another level. The month itself is a spiritual powerhouse—fasting purifies the body, extra prayers like Taraweeh strengthen the soul, and the gates of paradise are said to swing wide open. Performing Umrah during this time feels like adding a golden thread to an already rich tapestry of worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave us a glimpse of this blessing in a famous Hadith:

“When Ramadan comes, perform Umrah, for Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj [in reward].” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1782; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1256).

In another narration, he told a woman who couldn’t perform Hajj with him,

“Umrah in Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj with me.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2994).

These words are like a warm embrace for the believer. Hajj, with its massive gatherings and specific timing, isn’t always possible for everyone. But Umrah in Ramadan? That’s a door Allah has left open, a chance to earn rewards akin to Hajj without leaving the accessibility behind.

Picture this: the Grand Mosque in Mecca buzzing with life, the air thick with recitations of the Quran, and the faithful weaving around the Kaaba under the Ramadan moon. The fast sharpens your focus, stripping away distractions, so when you raise your hands in dua, it’s just you and Allah. That’s the magic of Umrah in Ramadan—it’s not just about the rituals; it’s about the state of your heart.

A Personal Reflection on the Experience

I’ve spoken to friends who’ve performed Umrah in Ramadan, and their stories paint a vivid picture. One described the exhaustion of fasting all day, yet feeling an unexplainable energy as she circled the Kaaba at night. Another shared how the crowds, though overwhelming, felt like a family united in purpose. The Zamzam water tasted sweeter, they said, and the sa’i between Safa and Marwah felt like walking in Hagar’s footsteps, a mother’s trust in Allah mirrored in their own.

The rewards aren’t just spiritual—they’re emotional, too. Ramadan’s atmosphere of patience and gratitude spills into Umrah, making every step feel lighter. You’re not just performing a ritual; you’re living a legacy, connecting to the Prophet (peace be upon him), his companions, and centuries of Muslims who’ve walked the same path.

Practical Tips for Umrah in Ramadan

If you’re considering this blessed journey, know that Ramadan brings its own challenges and joys. The Grand Mosque is packed, especially in the last ten nights when Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) nears. Plan ahead—book your travel early, pack light, and prepare for the heat if you’re fasting. Patience is your companion here; the crowds test it, but they also teach you humility.

The Quran reminds us of this patience in Surah Ash-Sharh:

“Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Quran 94:6).

Ramadan’s fast, the long hours of worship, the bustle of Mecca—it’s all hardship with a promise of ease, a reward waiting at the end.

Why It Matters

So why do Muslims perform Umrah, especially in Ramadan? It’s about more than ticking off a religious checklist. It’s a pilgrimage of the heart—a chance to stand before Allah, to ask for forgiveness, to seek guidance, and to feel His presence in a way that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. The Quran and Hadith light the way, showing us that Umrah is a gift, and in Ramadan, that gift is magnified.

As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times to seven hundred times, or more as Allah wills…” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 189).

In Ramadan, every act of worship is amplified, and Umrah becomes a crown jewel of devotion. For Muslims, it’s a reminder that Allah’s mercy is vast, His rewards generous, and His house always open to those who seek Him.

So, if you ever get the chance, step into ihram, join the throngs in Mecca, and let Ramadan’s blessings wash over you. It’s not just a journey—it’s a homecoming.