Doha, February 25 (QNA) - When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) returned after performing his pilgrimage (Hajj), he asked a woman from the Ansar why she had not performed Hajj, She replied that her husband had two camels for fetching water: he rode one for Hajj while the other watered the land for them. The Prophet (PBUH) said to her, "The performance of 'Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (pilgrimage)", Or said, "Equal to the performance of Hajj with me".

This hadith, highlighting the exceptional merit of ‘Umrah in Ramadan, has offered hope to those unable to fulfill the obligatory Hajj due to circumstances, without relieving them of the Hajj obligation itself.

Over the centuries, Muslims across diverse historical contexts have undertaken journeys to Makkah for Ramadan ‘Umrah, seeking its spiritual rewards and following the Prophet's (PBUH) guidance.

In this particular period, performing ‘Umrah represented an opportunity for the pilgrims to realign their psychological, spiritual, and moral lives in accordance with the requirements of this rite and the objectives it instills within the soul.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Nawaf bin Fahad Al Otaibi, a Sharia specialist at the Institute of Da‘wah and Islamic Sciences within the Department of Da‘wah and Religious Guidance of Qatar's Ministry of Awqaf, emphasized that ‘Umrah during Ramadan carries a special merit, abundant with reward and spiritual benefit, and represents a cherished aspiration for all Muslims.

Al Otaibi noted the unique distinction of Ramadan ‘Umrah in the convergence of two values: the temporal value represented by Ramadan, and the spatial value embodied by the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. This combination endows the rite with additional solemnity, motivating Muslims to vie for the opportunity to perform it.

He further explained that ‘Umrah requires the pilgrim’s wholehearted presence and spiritual purity, ensuring that the act is free from ostentation or boastfulness.

Al Otaibi said that ‘Umrah can shift from a source of reward to a nullified act if love of fame or pride intrudes during its performance. He points out that the phenomenon of photographing and sharing one’s pilgrimage on social media has led many to fall into ostentation, undermining one of the principal purposes of the rite—spiritual refinement and the cultivation of piety—since the act demands sincerity and devotion solely for the Creator.

Following the approach of understanding evil and pointing it out in order to avoid it, Al-Otaibi highlights certain negative phenomena during ‘Umrah that may strip the rite of its religious, spiritual, and even ethical significance. He draws attention to harmful crowding during the performance of the rituals, as well as to instances of anger that are incompatible with the pilgrim’s proper conduct in these sacred places, where the heart should be emptied of material attachments, desires, or misplaced anger.

According to Al Otaibi, there is no specific time in Ramadan that is considered ideal for performing ‘Umrah. However, he infers from the virtue of the last ten nights of the month that performing ‘Umrah during this period may carry greater merit than earlier in the month, due to the special significance of the final nights.

The Sharia specialist at the Ministry of Awqaf emphasizes that genuine ‘Umrah is not merely a temporal event; rather, it constitutes a transformative act of faith that instills both outward and inward integrity in the pilgrim and inspires the realignment of one’s moral and spiritual compass in life after the pilgrimage.

Al Otaibi further asserts that any absence of the effects of ‘Umrah in a Muslim’s life after returning from the rite reflects a deficiency in sincerity, wholehearted presence, or in understanding the purpose for which this ritual was ordained.

The congregation of Muslims performing ‘Umrah during Ramadan reflects the enduring inclination toward religiosity and the continued vitality of their relationship with the Allah, which serves to regulate the balance of words and deeds in accordance with the legal and ethical objectives derived from Islamic texts.

Founder and Director-General of the Almanasik for Hajj and Umrah campaign, Abdulaziz Al Malki, notes in remarks to QNA that the last ten nights of Ramadan witness an unprecedented influx of pilgrims. He attributes this primarily to the virtue of these nights, and secondarily to the fact that many employees and school students enjoy extended leave continuing beyond Eid.

Al Malki noted that pilgrims registered in Ramadan ‘Umrah campaigns are mostly family-oriented, with parents often bringing all members of the household to Makkah to perform the rite.

He added that crowding has generally become a persistent feature throughout the year. However, logistical challenges, particularly regarding the smooth flow of people during the rituals, have been addressed: the organization of ‘Umrah has become more structured following the decision to restrict access to the Sacred Mosque to registered pilgrims only. This measure, has created spaces within the mosque where pilgrims can comfortably perform their prayers.

Based on his experience managing ‘Umrah campaigns, Al Malki emphasized the importance of performing ‘Umrah during the early days of Ramadan for those seeking to avoid crowds. He also advised pilgrims intending to perform the rite during the holy month to prepare themselves for the rigors of travel, keeping in mind that the reward corresponds to the effort exerted.

Each year, observers are struck by the flow of pilgrims, individually and in groups, to Makkah for ‘Umrah, marveling at the extraordinary spiritual energy that draws such vast numbers to the Sacred Mosque.

Saudi Arabia announced that more than 16 million pilgrims performed ‘Umrah during Ramadan 2025, and that the total number of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques throughout the year exceeded 122 million.

Through this massive congregation, Ramadan ‘Umrah conveys to the world the enduring religious bond —a relationship guided by the human aspiration for moral perfection. The ritual framework fosters discipline within the soul and enhances the spiritual dimension, equipping the pilgrim to confront the burdens of materialism that characterize the modern era.

During Ramadan, millions of Muslims depart from all corners of the world to converge in a valley without cultivation, where hearts and souls are imbued with subtle spiritual refinements. This experience transforms the pilgrim into a person of greater inner balance and tranquility—an outcome that contributes to the well-being of the Muslim community, whose security and serenity are nourished by the practical realization of religious rulings and the objectives of the rituals. (QNA)