What is the History of Umrah – the Lesser Pilgrimage

As a Bengali Muslim, people often wondered where the minor Hajj aka Umrah originated. With the History of Umrah, you can get all the answers from its origin to other stuff. Well, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) got the Wahi in 628 AH and did the first Umrah in 629 AH.

It was that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) wanted to do the pilgrimage but couldn’t because of conflict with the Quraish tribe. However, they got into a peace treaty and got a free pass for 3 days on Kab’ah. Then, He (SAWS) and his people did the Umrah next year.

To know everything about the Umrah origin, keep on reading till the end!

The History of Umrah

Despite the first Hijra that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) did in 622 CE from Mecca to Madina, there was no Wahi about Umrah. To know the exact history of Umrah, here’s the detail:

The Treaty of Hudaibiya

The Hudaibiya Treaty was a big deal in early Islamic history. Instead of fighting to get into Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) talked things out with the Quraysh tribe. This shows how talking and finding peace is important, even when things are tense.

It is narrated in many books that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) had a dream about doing Umrah in the Kab’ah in the 6th AH or 628 CE. This happened when He (SAWS) was in the Madina.

Due to this, He (SAWS) and his people did go to Mecca to do Umrah but the Quraysh disagreed with them and sent them back.

Even if they couldn't go there easily, they didn't use force to attack. During that time, Muslims really respected the Kab’ah in Mecca. This shows how vital it is to respect religious places, even if you disagree with others.

The treaty gave a 10-year break from fighting between Muslims and the Quraysh tribe. This lets both sides focus on other stuff without worrying about fighting.

It’s true that Muslims couldn't do Umrah that year, but the treaty was still a win for them. It showed they were ready to compromise for peace, even when things were tough. It showed how smart and peaceful Prophet Muhammad was.

The First Umrah

In the 7th year AH or 629 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) guided his people, especially those who had seen the Hudaibiyah Treaty, to get ready for the Umrah at the end of Dhul I-Qidah month.

He (SAWS) led a group of 2000 men, women, and children to do the first ever Umrah which lasts for around 3 days. During that time, the group also contained 60 camels to sacrifice in the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca.

Fearing the disloyalty of the Quraysh, the Muslims took their weapons but left a group of 200 men at a place.  The place is around eight miles from Mecca.

Then, all of them entered Mecca with their swords covered, with Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) leading on his she-camel. The name of the camel was Al-Qaswa.

As they did the Tawaf, they were vigorous and brisk, following the Prophet (SAWS)’s recommendation to look strong and steadfast.

All of them were ordered to run in the first 3 rounds and walked in the remaining 4 ones, showcasing their strength to counter rumors spread by the polytheists about their weakness.

The Quraysh, observing from Qu‘aiqa‘an Mount, were amazed by the Muslims' strength and piety, remaining quiet in awe.

Umrah Timeline of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)

628 CE (6 AH)

●       Event: Muhammad and his followers came to Mecca from Medina to do Umrah but were stopped at Hudaibiya by the Quraysh tribe.

●       Outcome: Diplomatic negotiations lead to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in March 628 CE, making a 10-year period of peace. Muslims are granted access to the Kab’ah for 3 days per year only.

629 CE (7 AH)

●       Event: The First Umrah takes place in 629 CE, following the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.

●       Outcome: Muhammad (SAWS) and around 2000 people performed Umrah for 3 days.

FAQ's

1. Who was the first person to perform Umrah?

The first person to do Umrah was Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and his 2,000 people who came from Madina to Mecca.

2. Why did Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) perform Umrah?

Based on most scholars, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) performed Umrah in Dhul I-Qidah month to go against the acts of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).

3. How old is Umrah?

As the first Umrah was done on the 7th date of AH, it is almost 1438 years old.

4. How many Umrah Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) did it?

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) performed the Umrah (the lessen pilgrimage) for up to four times in his life.

Wrapping Up

That is all about the simple history of Umrah! Now that you know the little background of this pilgrimage, it would remind you of the period when Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and his people did that.

This thing is vital for you to feel the sacrifice and devotion of them when doing Umrah. After knowing the Umrah origin, if you are planning to do it, be sure to contact a reliable travel agent like ITS Holidays Ltd. and get the best packages.

Hope you find this guide insightful to know it all. May Allah Accept All to Do Umrah Once!