
Many Muslims all over consider Ramadan to be the most holy month; many view it as a period when one attempts to grow closer to Allah. Given their demanding work, school schedules, and daily obligations, many Muslims look for honest means to utilise this holy month fully. Umrah and i’tikaf are two major events seen throughout Ramadan. Combined, these behaviours offer great advantage, even if personally they are good; taken together, the spiritual rewards turn into a quest that could fully transform one’s life.
Combining Umrah and I’tikaf in Ramadan
One of the ahadith relates that a woman who couldn’t perform the Hajj came to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as narrated by Ibn Abbas, RA.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to her:
“Perform Umrah when Ramadan comes, for Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.” [Sahih Bukhari 1782; Sahih Muslim 1256]
The above hadith puts a rather clear emphasis on Umrah in Ramadan. These days, this narration encourages many UK Muslims to find suitable Ramadan Umrah packages throughout the month of Ramadan so that they may grasp these blessed days to their fullest.
Spiritual Power of I’tikaf in the Last 10 Nights
Spending the final ten days of Ramadan at the mosque shows an absolute allegiance to religion. Among the most blessed sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is it’ikaf, which aspires to Laylat al-Qadr, a Night of Power more powerful than a thousand months of prayer.
A believer who is in I’tikaf focuses his attention on:
- Performing additional nafl prayers
- Recitation of the Holy Qur’an
- Making sincere du’a
- Contemplation of life and character improvement
- Dhikr hardens the heart.
Recommended: Importance of Tahajjud Prayer During Umrah: Rewards & Benefits
Seeking Forgiveness on Laylat al-Qadr
Apart from jobs, computers, and all other life stressors, a peaceful retreat from the frenetic pace of life in the UK enables worshipers to concentrate solely on Allah. It is a great opportunity for all Muslims around the world to seek forgiveness and His blessings on this blessed night. It is a jackpot for all the Muslims.
The Reward of Combining Umrah and I’tikaf
While Umrah and I’tikaf are separate, highly rewarding acts of worship, doing them together in the same month of Ramadan is a whole different story. Most UK Muslims who go early in Ramadan to perform Umrah return home in time to do I’tikaf in their local masjid; some spend the whole month in Makkah or Madinah and do I’tikaf there.
Here are the major benefits of combining both acts :
- A Complete Spiritual Restart Umrah cleanses your previous sins, and you get a fresh start; then you enter into I’tikaf and can hold onto that purity, building on your relationship with Allah in a serene and focused environment.
- Maximum Rewards in the Holiest of Months. There is a greater reward in Ramadan as compared to any other month; the ways to draw benefits from the blessings of the whole month are doing Umrah in the initial days of Ramadan and I’tikaf in the last 10 nights.
- A Better Chance to Be in Laylat al-Qadr. Spending the last ten nights in full worship increases the chances of you catching the most powerful night of the year. Your duas, your prayers, and your recitation of the Qur’an are multiplied many times over.
- A Beautiful Way of Following the Sunnah The Prophet -peace be upon him-performed Umrah and always kept on performing I’tikaf. Performing both of them in combination will enable you to emulate him in the most complete and balanced way.
- Deep Inner Peace and Emotional Healing Most Muslims describe a feeling of lightness, calmness, and even hope when they combine both acts. Such a combination of physical worship with Umrah and reflective worship with I’tikaf helps the heart heal from stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens.
- A Stronger Relation with the Qur’an Umrah draws one closer to the House of Allah and to the holy sites where the Qur’an was revealed. I’tikaf offers uninterrupted time for reading, memorising, and reflecting upon the Qur’an in its most blessed nights.
Muslims following Umrah and I’tikaf: Practical Tips
If you want to resolve these two passions this year or throughout the next Ramadan, these are some useful goods you can bring:
- Early registration for Umrah reduces hotel and trip expenses.
- Choose from opulent, basic, or family-friendly choices depending on your own preferences.
- By signing up at your nearest mosque, you can engage in I’tikaf.
- More Holy Qur’an reciting and prayer will get your mind and heart ready for Ramadan.
With deliberate planning and focus, this combination offers Muslims several advantages. Ramadan contacts will always be present with you.
Conclusion
One method to have a transformed heart besides gesture is to incorporate Umrah and I’tikaf. Every second one draws nearer Allah from the instant one enters the Masjid al-Haram to the silent nights one spends in I’tikaf. Coming back with improved faith, more tranquillity in your life, and a better action plan. Among the most successful methods, British Muslims can seek forgiveness, blessings, and spiritual development by undergoing I’tikaf and Umrah together this month.
Recommended: Umrah in Ramadan: Virtues of Performing It in the Last Ten Days