Sunnah refers to the teaching and practice of the beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims are advised to follow the path of the Messenger of Allah. Sunnah acts as a guide for Muslims, alongside the Quran. Sunnah in Islam not only teaches major laws to follow rituals like praying but also teaches activities like how to cut fingernails or drink water.
Understanding the term Sunnah
The word is an Arabic word that means “path”. It is the hadith (saying or preaching), actions, and practices of Muhammad (PBUH). The sunnah in the Quran gives detailed information about the practices and teachings.
Importance of Sunnah
- It gives instructions on how to apply Quranic teachings in everyday life. The Sunnah clarifies the Quranic Verses. It provides how to implement the Quranic teaching in daily life. For example, the Quran asks the Muslims to perform Salah but does not explain how to do it, so Sunnah provides the timing and a way to perform it.
- The Prophet is the best example of a righteous life. His practices and practical behavior in daily life gave a way for Muslims to follow and escape from the wrong.
- The Quran and Sunnah both form Shariah (Islamic law). This provides a basic way to govern or deal with social, cultural, legal, and personal aspects of life.
Umrah as a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Umrah is the sacred journey to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia. It is of lesser time” and is the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is performed by large numbers of Muslims throughout the year, except the month of Hajj. It is not obligatory, but it provides immense spiritual benefits as it is a sunnah of the Beloved prophet.
The Significance of Umrah
Umrah, unlike the hajj, is performed at any time of the year. It comprises rituals, starting from entering a state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and cutting or shaving the hair. These acts symbolize purification, devotion, and the pilgrim's journey towards spiritual renewal.
How to perform Umrah according to the Sunnah?
Ihram:
Refers to the process where the pilgrims wear Ihram and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah before entering the holy city of Makkah. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed his followers on the appropriate supplications and practices during this state, emphasizing simplicity, purity, and humility.
Tawaf:
Pilgrims perform Tawaf (circulation around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction) on reaching the Kaaba. The Prophet (PBUH) showed the correct way of performing Tawaf, including the specific prayers to be recited.
Sa’i:
The pilgrims perform Sa’i by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This is to remember the struggle of Hagar (A.S.) in search of water for her son Ismail (A.S.), which symbolizes faith and trust in Allah.
Halq or Taqsir:
Refers to shaving the head (for men) or cutting a portion of the hair (for women). The Prophet (PBUH) symbolizes this as a renewal and submission to Allah.
Benefits of Umrah as Sunnah
Performing the Umrah as a Sunnah is a spiritual and personal benefit. The key benefits of performing Umrah are:
- Connection with Allah: Performing Umrah strengthens the faith and belief in Allah. It also allows Muslims to experience spirituality.
- Purification of Soul: The state of Ihram helps the Muslims purify their souls. The ihram symbolizes peace and humility for the soul and experiencing the energy of spirituality, leaving behind worldly matter.
- Repentance: Allah gives us a chance to repent of all our previous sins. It allows Muslims to ask for forgiveness and a chance to clean themselves.
- Multiplied Blessing: Performing Umrah and engaging yourself in several other Ibadahs (prayer) multiplies the blessings and rewards from Allah.
- Guidance: By correctly performing Umrah with the right intention, Muslims ensure that they are following the path and guidance of the Prophet (PBUH).
How to reach Umrah from Kolkata?
- Plan and Budget: Plan your Umrah tour months to avoid last-minute hassle. Plan the trip according to your budget. Do not get astonished by the luxurious things.
- Choose off-season: Plan your trip during the off-season as the prices are reasonable. Avoid going to Umrah during peak season, as everything seems more costly.
- Travel Agency: Get in touch with a reliable Umrah travel agency. Check their experience and reviews. Check the facilities in their Umrah package.
- Umrah Package Selection: While choosing the Umrah package from Kolkata, check whether the flight ticket, accommodation, and transportation are included or not.
- Visa Process: Apply for an Umrah visa through a certified Umrah travel agency to get guidance and the necessary paperwork done easily.
Conclusion
People from all across the world visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform the Sunnah. They indulge themselves in immense ibadah (prayer) to please Allah. The pilgrims purify themselves by repenting for their sins, asking for better rewards, and trying to cleanse their souls. Embracing Umrah allows you to get closer to Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).