What is Umrah and its Obligations?

What Is Umrah and What Are Its Pillars (Fard Acts)?

In Islam, Umrah refers to a pilgrimage in which Muslims visit the Kaaba outside of the obligatory Hajj period. While the rituals of Umrah resemble those of Hajj, there are key differences. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and does not include standing at Arafat and Muzdalifah, sacrificing an animal, or the ritual of stoning the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat). Due to these differences, Hajj is often referred to as the “Major Pilgrimage,” while Umrah is known as the “Minor Pilgrimage.”

Umrah consists of two obligatory acts (fard):

1. Entering the state of Ihram

2. Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba

Whether Umrah itself is considered obligatory or Sunnah depends on the Islamic school of thought. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools, Umrah is Sunnah, whereas the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools regard it as obligatory (Fard).

When Should Umrah Be Performed?

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except for the days of Arafah and Eid al-Adha, during which the rituals of Hajj are carried out. As such, Umrah tours are typically scheduled outside of these specific days and vary according to the calendar of the agencies organizing Hajj and Umrah trips.

In many countries, including ours, issues with travel arrangements—such as flights, visas, passports, accommodation, or tour itineraries—can lead to trust issues among prospective pilgrims. Our company stands out by ensuring a safe, smooth, and well-organized Umrah tour experience through the services and support we provide.

With the help of qualified religious guides, available for both male and female groups, we ensure that every stage of the journey is spiritually meaningful and well-informed. By offering affordable Umrah packages and flexible payment options, our company guarantees high-quality service and customer satisfaction for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.