Sincere Umrah: How to Maintain Humility and Focus on Your Pilgrimage

Performing Umrah is a sacred act of worship intended to purify the soul, seek the blessings of Allah, and express sincere devotion. However, certain actions during Umrah can detract from the true spirit of the pilgrimage, spoiling the abundant reward from the Almighty. Below is a detailed explanation of some of the common actions that can diminish the reward of Umrah, along with references from the Quran and Hadith to emphasize the importance of performing the pilgrimage with sincerity and humility.

1. Worldly Pride and Boasting About Pilgrimage

Talking about worldly achievements or boasting during Umrah detracts from the humble and spiritual nature of the act. Umrah is meant to be a deeply personal and spiritual experience, focusing on repentance and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Quranic Reference:

Allah says in the Quran:

• “And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:37)

This verse discourages pride and arrogance, reminding us to maintain humility, especially during acts of worship like Umrah.

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim 91)

Boasting about one’s pilgrimage or worldly status contradicts the spirit of humility that is required in such an act of devotion.

2. Announcing Umrah in a Prideful Manner

Informing others that you are performing Umrah with an air of pride or for the sake of showing off diminishes the sincerity of the act. The intention behind the pilgrimage should be purely for seeking Allah’s pleasure, not for social recognition or praise from others.

Quranic Reference:

Allah reminds us of the importance of sincere intentions:

• “Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” (Surah Al-An'am, 6:162)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

• “Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to their intention.” (Sahih Bukhari 1)

Therefore, announcing your Umrah to seek worldly praise spoils the reward, as it shifts the focus from pleasing Allah to pleasing people.

3. Taking Photos, Videos, and Making Video Calls During Tawaf

Engaging in photography, video recording, or video calls while performing Tawaf takes away from the focus and spiritual concentration that should be present during this act of worship. It turns Tawaf into a spectacle rather than a sincere act of devotion, distracting oneself and others from the remembrance of Allah.

Quranic Reference:

Allah commands us to be focused and mindful in worship:

• “And establish prayer for My remembrance.” (Surah Taha, 20:14)

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “When a servant stands to pray, Allah’s attention is on him as long as he does not turn his attention away. If he turns his attention away, Allah also turns away from him.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 909)

By taking photos and videos, you divert your attention from Allah, risking the loss of the reward for the Tawaf.

4. Talking on the Phone and Disturbing Other Pilgrims

Speaking on the phone or engaging in worldly conversations during Tawaf not only distracts you but also disturbs other pilgrims. The sanctity of the place and the purpose of the act should be respected, and such behavior can spoil the peaceful atmosphere for others.

Quranic Reference:

Allah says:

• “And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your previous remembrance of your fathers or with much greater remembrance.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:200)

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah during pilgrimage, rather than engaging in worldly distractions.

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “Part of the excellence of a person's Islam is leaving that which does not concern him.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2318)

Worldly conversations during acts of worship such as Tawaf not only distract but also demonstrate a lack of respect for the sacredness of the place.

5. Hurting and Inconveniencing Others in the Name of Worship

Some pilgrims, in their eagerness to touch the Black Stone or pray near the Maqam Ibrahim, may push and shove others, causing harm and inconvenience. While these actions are virtuous, they should never be done at the expense of others’ comfort and safety.

Quranic Reference:

Allah says:

• “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)

This verse instructs Muslims to act with kindness and consideration for others, especially during acts of worship.

Hadith Reference:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

• “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” (Sahih Bukhari 10)

Pilgrimage is about fostering unity and peace among Muslims, and causing harm to others for personal gain, even in worship, goes against the principles of Islam.

Conclusion: The True Purpose of Umrah

Umrah is an opportunity to humble oneself before Allah, to seek His mercy, and to cleanse the soul of sins and impurities. To gain the full reward of Umrah, it is essential to maintain sincerity, humility, and respect for others throughout the pilgrimage.

Umrah is not a journey for self-glorification, but it is rather a journey to purify the heart and seek nearness to Allah. By avoiding actions such as boasting, causing harm to others, and indulging in distractions, we ensure that our Umrah is accepted and that we receive the abundant rewards and blessings of the Almighty.

May Allah grant us the ability to perform Umrah with pure intentions and in the best of manners. Ameen.

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