Performing Umrah in a certain manner, with all the acts involved, is important because that is how Allah has willed it. Every year, millions of pilgrims head to Makkah to perform Umrah and Hajj in order to get a deeper spiritual connection and fulfil their religious obligations. Each act that is performed during the pilgrimage holds significance and serves a purpose. Learn about the reasoning behind some of the actions below: 

Ihram

The ihram is clothing that is worn by men and women with a specific intention before the performance of Umrah. The clothing for men is a simple white cloth that has no stitching and women wear a head covering and loose fitting robes. 

The intention behind the modest and simple clothing is that Allah sees he’s people as equal. There should be no difference seen between the wealthy and those less fortunate. The ihram is a way to equalize everybody who performs the pilgrimage, while ensuring that clothing is not a distraction for anyone there. 

Tawaaf

The circumambulation of The Kaaba is known as the highest form of worship. Much like the Earth revolves around the sun for survival, in the same way muslims circle The Kaaba in order to submit to Allah for survival. This act is also significant to show harmony among the pilgrims as they perform the act together. 

Kissing the Black Stone

The first reason people do this is because it is Sunnah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was seen doing this on many occasions, and muslims do it in a way to emulate his lifestyle because of the great respect and love they hold for him. 

The stone is believed to have divine origins; it is said to have been sent to Earth from Heaven with Hazrat Adam (AS). It is also believed that the stone will be able to speak for those who touched it with sincerity on the Day of Judgement. 

Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa

The act of running or walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa are a way to recall the suffering faced by Bibi Hajra, the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim, as she ran between the two hills by the order of God in order to find water for her son, Hazrat Ismail. The act is meant to make pilgrims feel compassion while surrendering to the mercy of God. 

Drinking Zamzam

Linking back to the act of Sa’i, it is said that while Bibi Hajra ran between the hills in search of food and water for her son, Hazrat Ismail cried and rubbed his feet together in hunger and thirst. As he rubbed his feet, a well sprouted through which Zamzam water flowed. This water is said to have started flowing from that day, and is believed it will flow for eternity. Zamzam water is said to cure many illnesses, and is believed to be a cure for whatever reason it is drunk. 

If you want to see the sites at which these acts are performed up close, in magnificent detail, download the WUZU app on your smartphone. The app has a beautiful 3D rendition of the holy sites of Makkah, and allows you to move freely through the space with the use of an avatar. Plus, you get the additional benefit of having melodic recitations of duas that are read during the performance of Umrah.