The Historical Significance of Umrah in Islam
As Muslims, we all know about the voluntary pilgrimage, the Umrah. Although Hajj is Muslims’ obligation to the Almighty, the Umrah promises a spiritually enlightening journey filled with countless rewards and blessings. Once you learn about the historical significance of Umrah in Islam, you will understand how our beloved Prophet (SAW) and his followers endured countless hardships and struggles to make this pilgrimage possible for us.
Are you planning to join the many US citizens going on Umrah this year? If so, it is time to book Umrah packages and start learning about the historical significance of this incredible faith-reviving journey. Once you know its history and importance, you will surely enjoy your pilgrimage more, so let’s learn it together.
Pre-Islamic History of the Holy Kaabah
The Holy Kaabah is the house of Allah Almighty on earth. This sacred cubic structure stood in all its glory hundreds of years before Islam. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) built it on the command of the Almighty. Ever since then, it has been a prominent spiritual landmark. But before Islam, the idol-worshippers and polytheists of Mecca used to house their idols within this cubic structure and make rounds around it.
When he was declared the prophet during the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) era, he started trying to restore this sacred landmark for his followers. The Prophet (SAW) and his followers endured many struggles and hardships to gain the right to access Mecca and its holy landmarks. Despite all the struggles, it became vital to restore the Holy Kaabah for Hajj and Umrah, especially after the Holy Quran declared Hajj obligatory for all Muslims.
Historical Events Leading to Umrah
Learning about the historical events that led to performing an Umrah for the first time will motivate you for this pilgrimage. It will provide insight into the Prophet’s (SAW) struggles and his followers.
First Attempt at Performing Umrah
It all started with the Hijra of the Prophet (SAW) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. They did this to survive persecution from the Arab pagans and the city’s authorities. Once the Prophet (SAW) completed his migration, it marked the first Islamic year. Even though the people of Medina warmly welcomed the Prophet (SAW) and his followers, revisiting their homeland remained the utmost desire of the immigrant Muslims.
In 628 CE, Prophet (SAW) and 1400 followers embarked on the journey to Mecca to perform the voluntary pilgrimage. This happened because the Prophet (SAW) had a dream in which he was performing the rituals of Umrah. Inhabitants of Mecca thought that the huge army of the Prophet (SAW) and his followers were coming to attack the city. But once the Prophet (SAW) reached the outskirts of Mecca, he sent an emissary to the people of Mecca to tell them that he just wanted to perform an Umrah peacefully and addressed their concerns.
The Treaty of Hudaibiyah
However, the Quraysh still stopped the Prophet (SAW) and his followers in Hudaibiyah and refused them entry to the sacred city of Mecca. They asked the followers of the Prophet (SAW) to come the following year for Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) didn’t want to forcefully enter the city that houses the holy house of the Almighty, so he negotiated with the Quraysh. This diplomatic negotiation resulted in the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.
According to this treaty, Muslims were granted access to Mecca for three days yearly without hostilities. It was valid for ten years. Therefore, the Prophet (SAW) and his followers returned to Medina without performing their pilgrimage. This is one of the most historic events in Islam and provides a glimpse of the hardships of the Prophet (SAW) and his followers.
The First Pilgrimage in 629 CE
Complying with the terms of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and 2000 of his followers travelled to Mecca and completed their Umrah. But this didn’t last for long. The Quraysh went against the treaty and the allies of the Makkans attacked the Muslims after two years. Many of the Muslims died. As the Prophet (SAW) did this treaty to avoid violence and bloodshed, he announced that he would dissolve the treaty.
The Succession of Mecca
After the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was dissolved, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ordered and led the conquest of Mecca in 630 CE. The leaders of Mecca surrendered when they saw a vast and powerful army of 10,000 Muslims led by the Prophet (SAW). After Muslims were in power in the city, our beloved Prophet (SAW), being a merciful man, forgave all the Makkans who persecuted the early Muslims. It was a massive victory for the Muslims.
Summing Up
The historical significance of Umrah in Islam takes you back to the time of the Prophet (SAW), who and his companions went through so many hardships to make the pilgrimage easy for us. Imagine being unable to travel to the holy house of the Almighty and perform Hajj and Umrah. It was only possible because the early Muslims, led by the Prophet (SAW) fought for it. If you’re already feeling inspired, now is the perfect moment to book your Umrah Packages 2026 from Canada and begin your journey toward spiritual renewal. Surely, after reading the history, you might not be able to wait to arrive in Mecca in gratitude and make the most of this spiritual retreat. So, it is time to consult an Islamic travel agency if you haven’t already and start planning your pilgrimage to fulfill the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).