Tuesday Fusion with Abidah Dixon-Mohamed interviews Ayyoob Allies gives me all the information about his Umrah Group Trip Facebook: Inspire Elsies Radio WhatsApp: 068 102 4094 www.inspireelsiesradio.co.za Download our app on Google Play and the App Store. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims in Saudi Arabia. It is often referred to as the "lesser" or "minor" pilgrimage. Key points about Umrah: Voluntary: Unlike Hajj (the major pilgrimage), which is one of the five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim to perform once in their lifetime, Umrah is generally considered voluntary (Sunnah Mu'akkadah - a highly recommended tradition of the Prophet Muhammad). Timing: Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, with the exception of the specific days designated for Hajj. Duration: It is a shorter pilgrimage, typically taking only a few hours to complete. Purpose: Muslims perform Umrah to seek forgiveness for sins, refresh their faith, and gain a closer connection to God (Allah). The main rituals of Umrah are: Ihram: Entering a sacred state of purity and dedication, which involves performing cleansing rituals and wearing specific attire (two seamless white cloths for men, and modest, simple clothing for women) before crossing certain boundary points known as the Miqat. Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba (the cube-shaped structure in the center of the Grand Mosque) seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. Sa'i: Walking and running briskly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar's search for water for her son Ishmael. Halq or Taqsir: Concluding the state of Ihram by shaving the head (Halq) or trimming the hair (Taqsir - a symbolic shortening).