All You Need to Know About the First Umrah

Posted by Ady Grewal on December 4th, 2019

A lot of Muslims, millions in number, perform umrah every year. The cities of Makkah and Madinah are never empty. People come here to perform umrah every single month of the year. Because of which there is a variety of umrah package 2020 UK offered by a lot of travel agents in the market. Haram remains always crowded with a sea of people who have traveled thousands of miles to perform the holy ritual. Hajj, the 5th pillar of the Islamic faith is often referred to as Pilgrimage. Consequently, Umrah is the “Lesser pilgrimage or Minor Pilgrimage”. Unlike Hajj, Umrah isn’t a religious obligation but a sunnah. Just like every Islamic event, Umrah also has a strong history associated with it.

Here’s all you need to know about the first umrah

1. Migration to Madinah

Makkah was the home and birthplace of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). He (SAWW) loved Makkah. However, things changed when Hazarat Muhammad (PBUH) started preaching the message of Islam. The tyranny and disobedience of non-believers increased to such an extent that it was unbearable. Therefore, by the will of Allah Almighty, Hazarat Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, leaving Makkah with a heavy heart.
The Muslims in Madinah were welcoming of their fellow brothers and sisters. The not only welcomed the Makkans but also gave them shelter, food and every single necessity of life. The brotherhood and Muslim unity were exemplary.

2. Going back to Makkah

Once everything settled in Madinah and the Makkans adjusted to their new home, Hazarat Muhammad (PBUH) felt an utmost desire to go to Makkah and decided to perform Umrah in 628 CE. The Muslims were filled with joy. However, it didn’t go as planned. When Muslims reached Makkah, they were denied entry by the Quraysh to the holy place.

3. The “Treaty of Hudaybiyah

Muslims were unable to perform umrah in 628 CE as the Quraysh didn’t let them. They had to return to Madinah this time also. Muslims were deeply saddened. However, a pact was bound between the believers and non-believers. Also known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the agreement allowed Muslims to come to Makkah and perform umrah peacefully in the following year i.e. 629 CE.

4. The First Umrah

Muslims upon coming back to Madinah waited desperately for the new year to come so that they can go for umrah. The time passed. They were very enthusiastic this time as there were no restrictions made by the Quraysh. Although they weren’t assured whether the Quraysh will give them safety or not. Still, as per the contract, they left their weapons 8-miles away from Makkah and entered the city under the leadership of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Almost 2000 Muslims – Men, Women, Kids performed umrah this year (629 CE), on the morning of the fourth day of Dhu al- Qi’dah. 60 camels were also brought for slaughter and sacrifice in the way of Allah Almighty. The lesser pilgrimage lasted a total of 3 days, as Muslims performed the holy rituals.

As a Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) Muslims perform Umrah. Most of them prefer to Book Ramadan Umrah packages, as it’s the most sacred month of the Islamic year.