In another narration, Ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said:

When the Prophet ﷺ returned from Hajj, he asked Umm Sinan Al-Ansari, “What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?”

She replied that her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, while the other was used for work.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan, for it is equivalent to Hajj (in reward).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 29, Hadith 86)

The given Hadith clearly highlights the importance and benefits of Umrah in Ramadan. It is considered the best time to perform Umrah, and whoever performs it during the holy month of Ramadan gets the reward equal to a Hajj.

However, it should be noted that performing Umrah in Ramadan does not discharge a person from the obligations of Hajj. Both terms become equivalent in rewards but not in fulfilling the duty. Umrah is not obligatory, whereas Hajj is compulsory for every Muslim if the person is capable of performing it.

The Spiritual Atmosphere of Ramadan in Makkah

Millions of Muslims from every corner of the world gather in the Grand Mosque to achieve closeness to Allah by fasting and worshipping together. It is truly a breathtaking sight when a sea of people breaks their fast during Iftar with a common objective, which is to connect to Allah (SWT).

The nights are filled with:

• Extended prayers and Taraweeh
• Increased recitation of the Qur’an
• Continuous remembrance of Allah
• A heightened sense of mercy and forgiveness

his spiritual environment leaves a lasting imprint on the heart of every believer.