The spiritual journey of the umrah is traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The Quran mentions the struggles and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim(AS). Allah Almighty not only told us about the Prophet’s journey but also turned it into the greatest Islamic ritual. The journey of hajj and umrah is a way to honour and understand the roots of Islam.
The Journey of Prophet Ibrahim
Prophet Ibrahim(AS) is recognised as the Khalilullah(the friend of Allah). He left his wife and son on the command of Allah Almighty. He built Allah’s house also known as kaaba. Allah honoured his faith and devotion by making it the centre of every worship. Pilgrims go there and follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim(AS) and Hazrat Hajra(RA) during Umrah and Hajj. People from the USA can look for Umrah packages from Houston to strengthen their faith.
Faith of Prophet Ibrahim(AS)
The faith of Prophet Ibrahim(AS) was tested again and again. He never staggered from his beliefs. He rejected idol worship and spread the knowledge about only one God. He surrendered himself to the will of Allah Almighty. The quran highlights his journey and trials as he spread the message of Tauheed.
In Surah Al-Baqarah(2:124) Allah says
وَإِذِ ٱبْتَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ رَبُّهُۥ بِكَلِمَـٰتٍۢ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًۭا ۖ قَالَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۖ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِى ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
Recall when Abraham’s Lord tested him in certain matters and when he successfully stood the test, He said: “Indeed I am going to appoint you a leader of all people.” When Abraham asked: “And is this covenant also for my descendants?” the Lord responded: “My covenant does not embrace the wrong-doers.”
The Construction of the Kaaba
The important link between Hazrat Ibrahim(AS) and the Umrah is the construction of the kaaba. Allah chose Hazrat Ibrahim(AS) and Hazrat Ismail(AS) for this crucial task. We pay tribute to the efforts of the Prophet by praying five times a day while facing the kaaba. Pilgrims perform tawaf around the kaaba during the umrah and the hajj.
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:127) Allah says
وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمُ ٱلْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
“And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
Kabba is not just a building but a representation of faith, devotion and unity.
Call for Pilgrimage
Allah commanded Hazrat Ibrahim(AS) to call people for pilgrimage after the construction of the kaaba. His call reached far beyond the deserted land of Makkah. This call is still listened to by the muslims around the world.
In Surah Al-Hajj(22:27) Allah says
وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass”
The Test of Hazrat Hajra(RA)
At the command of Allah, Hazrat Ibrahim(AS) left his wife Hazrat Hajra(RA) and his son Hazrat Ismail(AS) in the desert of Makkah. After she ran out of water, she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water. Her struggle and perseverance are among the most powerful connections to Umrah. This struggle will live on as the rite of Sa’i till the end of time.
In Surah Al-Baqarah(2:158), Allah honours her struggles by saying
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, as-Safa and al-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.”
The Well of Zamzam
Allah saw the resilience and faith of Hazrat Hajra(RA). Therefore, he sent Hazrat Jibrael for help. He stroked the earth, and the well of Zamzam burst from the ground beneath Hazrat Ismail’s feet. The well of Zamzam is a reminder of Allah’s mercy and rewards.
Ihram
The simple white clothes draped around the waist and one shoulder represent the simplicity and purity. It resembles the humble clothing of Hazrat Ibrahim(AS). The ihram is the reflection of obedience and spirituality.
Conclusion
The journey of Hazrat Ibrahim is not just a story of the past, but it was and will remain a light of hope and devotion for Muslims. It is a journey of faith and obedience. Performing the Umrah is about following and paying tribute to the life of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Every Muslim wants to go on this spiritual journey. There are some good Umrah deals available to make this journey convenient and accessible for every pilgrim. If you’re a USA citizen, you can also easily book an Umrah package from Sans Francisco, with services tailored for American pilgrims seeking a seamless spiritual experience.