Umrah in Muharram is a rich spiritual experience that many Muslims board on as they begin the Islamic New Year. Muharram, which is one of the most sacred months on the Hijri calendar, is a special opportunity to perform Umrah with greater contemplation and renewed faith.
Understanding Muharram: A Sacred Start to the Islamic Year
Muharram is the beginning of the Hijri calendar
Muharram is where the Islamic year begins, one of the four holy months mentioned in the Quran.
Muharram marks the beginning of spiritual reflections and therefore is a good time to commit oneself to worship and renewal.
For those planning Umrah in Muharram, it’s a chance to start the year off with a very religious act.
Muharram is one of the sacred months in Islam
Allah Almighty mentioned Muharram in Surah At-Tawbah (9:36) as a month of righteousness where good deeds are especially rewarded and bad deeds is heavier.
Performing Umrah in Muharram goes in perfect sync with the month’s sanctity, earning double the spiritual rewards.
The term “Muharram” itself speaks of its sanctity
“Muharram” means “forbidden” – referring to the earlier prohibition of engaging in battle during this month.
Its name reminds Muslims of keeping peace, obedience, and righteousness, virtues that go hand in hand with the experience of Umrah in Muharram.
The Day of Ashura falls in Muharram
Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) carries deep historical and religious importance, like the rescue of the Prophet Musa from Pharaoh.
For individuals performing Umrah in Muharram, including this pilgrimage as part of fasting or extra prayer on Ashura can be highly effective spiritually.
Muharram demands a fresh spiritual beginning
Being the first month of the Islamic calendar, it symbolizes new beginnings, and therefore it is ideal for fresh intentions and purposes.
Performing Umrah in Muharram can help believers begin their year with a heart focused on faith, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah.
Is Umrah in Muharram Allowed and Rewarded?
Umrah is permissible during any time of the year. Contrary to Hajj, whose time is fixed in Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah in Muharram is completely permissible and valid.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged the performance of Umrah throughout the year, and there’s nothing forbidding from doing it in Muharram.
The sanctity of Muharram gives spiritual importance on Umrah
Karating religious acts on the holy months, more so Umrah in Muharram, has extra reward.
Scholars say that righteous acts during sacred months are being doubled, hence this is the best time for those seeking more spiritual benefits.
A number of companions performed Umrah in sacred months
The history illustrates that Sahabah (the companions of the Prophet ﷺ) performed Umrah in various sacred months, one of them being Muharram.
No specific hadith forbids Umrah during Muharram
There is no credible account that excludes or prohibits Umrah in Muharram.
Actually, Islam encourages embracing all avenues of worship, especially in months Allah has made sacred.
Umrah in Muharram A chance to make amends and begin anew
Muharram is a new beginning, and Umrah in Muharram provides the perfect environment to make amends, purify the soul, and set new intentions.
It’s a nice way to start the Islamic year with hope and closeness to Allah.
Spiritual Benefits of Performing Umrah in Muharram
More reward
As one of the four holy months, Muharram, good deeds will be of greater reward, and therefore, Umrah in Muharram is especially admirable.
Performing Umrah in this time can increase your spiritual blessings and closeness to Allah.
Umrah in Muharram A chance for substantial spiritual contemplation
The serene and reflective environment of Muharram makes pilgrims desire to refresh their faith and revive their bond with Allah.
Performing Umrah in Muharram provides you with the chance to mix the rituals of Umrah with this spiritual mindset, making it even more fulfilling.
Synchronizing your Umrah with the mood of transformation
Muharram is the start of the Islamic calendar and a moment for new beginnings and new resolutions.
Performing Umrah in Muharram also allows you to combine worship and fasting, another powerful combination.
Umrah in Muharram a Chance to balance worship and fasting
Most Muslims fast on Ashura Day (10th of Muharram).
Conducting Umrah in Muharram in addition to fasting increases your commitment and religious reward, making it a full act of worship.
Connecting with Islamic heritage and culture
Muharram contains important historical events, such as the Hijrah and the story of Prophet Musa (Moses).
Performing Umrah in Muharram allows you to connect emotionally with these important events and deepen your appreciation and respect.
Comparing Umrah in Muharram vs. Other Months
Here is a comparison showing you the difference between Umrah in Muharram and other months:
| Aspect | Umrah in Muharram | Umrah in Ramadan | Umrah in Dhul-Hijjah / Shawwal |
| Spiritual Reward | High reward due to Muharram’s sacred status; good deeds multiplied | Very high reward; Ramadan is the holiest month for worship | High reward, especially during Dhul-Hijjah due to Hajj season and Eid |
| Crowd Levels | Generally, less crowded; peaceful and calm | Very crowded; many pilgrims perform Umrah | Very crowded, especially around Hajj dates |
| Weather Conditions | Cooler and more comfortable weather in many years | Hot and humid, making travel and worship challenging | Can be very hot, especially in Dhul-Hijjah |
| Cost & Availability | Often more affordable; easier to find flights and accommodation | Prices tend to be higher due to demand | High demand causes increased prices and booking challenges |
| Special Religious Days | Includes Day of Ashura for fasting and extra worship | Includes Laylat al-Qadr, a night of great significance | Includes Eid al-Adha and other related events |
| Spiritual Atmosphere | Focus on new beginnings and reflection; peaceful | Intense worship focus; spiritually charged | Festive and spiritually rich due to Hajj and Eid |
| Who It’s Best For | Those seeking a quieter, spiritually meaningful Umrah | Devout worshippers wanting maximum reward | Pilgrims combining Umrah with Hajj or Eid visits |
Want to Explore More About the Islamic New Year?
Learn how Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year across cultures with deep spiritual meaning.
Teach kids about the Islamic New Year with fun, age-appropriate learning activities.
Discover the inspiring history of the Islamic New Year and the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Understand the spiritual significance of Muharram and its place in the Islamic calendar.
Learn about the power of fasting on Ashura and why it’s a highly recommended Sunnah.
Find thoughtful and warm Islamic New Year wishes to share with your family and friends.
Try meaningful and fun Islamic New Year activities for kids to make the occasion memorable.
Thinking of traveling? Read about the spiritual rewards of Umrah in Muharram.
Conclusion
Umrah in Muharram offers a unique combination of spiritual reward, peaceful ambiance, and contemplative significance. As the sacred month installing the Islamic year, Muharram offers an ideal time to renew your faith and deepen your connection with Allah through this holy pilgrimage.
