Religion is a very personal choice. To some individuals it is a private issue and to others it is something that must be openly discussed and promoted. And to those of the Muslim faith, there is nothing more important to succeed in performing the five pillars of Islam:
- shahada — the profession of faith (similar when a Christian publicly announces taking Jesus Christ as his or her Savior)
- salah – performing the ritual prayers five times daily
- zakah – alms tax (where one gives to the poor)
- sawm – fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
- hajj – performing a holy pilgrimage to Makkah
Performing hajj only occurs once each year approximately 60 days after Ramadan. There are limitations on hajj visas and for so many reasons not every muslim may be able to have their arrival in Makkah coordinate with the annual hajj. So as a result, many will perform umrah.
Umrah can be taken and performed at any time of the yea. Umrah in arabic means to visit a populated place. There are two types of umrah which can be performed:
al-Umrat al mufradah refers to Umrah that is performed independently of Hajj.
Umrat al-tammatu refers to Umrah that is performed in conjunction with Hajj. More precisely, the rituals of the Umrah are performed first and then the Hajj rituals are performed.
Many muslim residents of Saudi Arabia will perform umrah often perhaps as frequently as once a month. Performing umrah makes many muslims feel even closer and stronger to their faith and gives them an added feeling of peace and tranquility.
Filed under: culture, islam, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel, Uncategorized | 38 Comments »
