The pilgrimage of Umrah is a golden opportunity to expiate for your sins and it is said that any sin committed in the past is forgiven once you go to Makkah for Umrah. This is why Islamic scholars have also recommended more than one pilgrimage to lead a more fulfilling life. While this holy journey to the city of Makkah does purify one’s soul and it provides tranquillity, the pilgrim does not have the liberty to indulge in an immoral life after returning from his/her pilgrimage. When you come back from Umrah or Hajj, you are supposed to be role model for others and continue living a virtuous life. Allah will be pleased with your rituals if you continue to perform good deeds even after returning from His holy land.

Going for Umrah or for the annual tour of Hajj is a golden opportunity and pilgrims should be thankful to Allah who gives them a beautiful chance of worshipping around the Ka’aba. They must show their gratitude to Allah by being kind to their fellow human beings and animals, and live a moral life without cheating anyone.

After returning from the sacred land of Makkah the followers of Islam are also urged to keep their mind and soul attached to Allah, remembering Him in everything they do. A verse related to this counsel says: “And when ye have completed your devotions, then remember Allah as ye remember your fathers or with a more lively remembrance…” (Al-Baqarah 2: 200)

Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) had said: \”The performance of `Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. And the reward for Hajj Mabrur (pilgrimage accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.\” ~ (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 27, Hadith no. 1)

We also know that the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) stated : \”Alternate between Hajj and `Umrah, because both rid one of poverty and sins just as the blacksmith\’s bellows removes all impurities from metals like iron, gold and silver. The reward for Hajj Mabrur is nothing short of Paradise.\” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, chapter on the Reward of Hajj and Umrah). However, while interpreting these lines, you should not forget the conditions that are essential for acceptance of Hajj and Umrah by Allah. And these are:

1) To have total sincerity in performing the pilgrim rituals for Allah and Allah alone.

2) To perform the rituals of both Umrah and Hajj in the same way as it has been mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him)

The essence of these conditions is that the pilgrims going for Umrah or Hajj should be earnestly keen to avoid all wicked and disgraceful deeds especially because Allah, the most merciful obliterated their past sins as a reward of performing the rituals. The pilgrims must also abide by the pillars of Islam that, in addition to Hajj include Shahaadah – Declaration of Faith; Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan; Zakat – Almsgiving or Charity; Salaah – Five compulsory prayers daily.

Remember, Allah is omnipresent and omnipotent. He watches over all your deeds and the way you lead your daily lives. To be a real believer and abide by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him), you must retain the qualities of a pilgrim even after coming back from the pilgrimage. The aura of holiness and religious beauty that you see in towns like Makkah and Madinah must be carried everywhere you go. That is what makes you a true follower of Islam and a good human being.

A Way to Makkah is an agent of Zam Zam Travels Ltd, authorised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we have direct access to Hajj and Umrah Visas from Saudi Arabia. Contact us to book your Hajj and Umrah packages for 2015 at most reasonable rates.

A Way to Makkah is an agent of Zam Zam Travels Ltd, authorised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we have direct access to Hajj and Umrah Visas from Saudi Arabia. Contact us to book your Hajj and Umrah packages for 2015 at most reasonable rates.

Author Bio: A Way to Makkah is an agent of Zam Zam Travels Ltd, authorised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we have direct access to Hajj and Umrah Visas from Saudi Arabia. Contact us to book your Hajj and Umrah packages for 2015 at most reasonable rates.

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