For the pilgrims traveling through Umrah packages in order to perform the minor pilgrimage, certain prerequisites need to be fulfilled. One of them is assuming the state of Ihram for the holy rituals.
Ihram is a sacred state of absolute purity that the pilgrims have to undertake in order to proceed with the Umrah pilgrimage. It not only includes wearing a specific type of ceremonial clothes but also adhering to the specific guidelines of Ihram i.e., dos and don’ts. Otherwise, the pilgrimage might become invalid.
Ghusl has very much importance in our daily life that’s why it has ultimate importance during the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Islam teaches the lesson of cleanliness. That’s why whenever we offer prayers, we do ablution before offering prayers. According to a hadith, the holy Prophet PBUH said that whenever a person takes a bath five times in a day, then no dirt will remain on his body same as in the Prayers if someone offers the prayers five times in the day so no sins in his life will remain.
Before assuming Ihram, pilgrims have to clip their nails and hair; shave unnecessary hair from the body, and perform Ghusl. Ghusl is a recommended sunnah act, however, if a person isn’t in a state of any major physical impurity, Wudu can also be made.
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What is Ghusl?
Ghusl is a means of attaining Taharah (purification) by the act of bathing, however, as per the specific rules and regulations of Islam. Therefore, to perform Ghusl, one not only has to bathe himself/herself but also follow some specific guidelines to perform it in a proper manner.
In Islam, physical purification is highly considered to be maintained at all times by the believer. As a matter of fact, certain conditions of major physical impurity make Ghusl ‘Wajib’ (necessary) for a Muslim, and he/she is not allowed to engage in acts of worship until the Taharah is attained through Ghusl.
Ghusl before Umrah
It is a sunnah of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) to assume Ihram and wear the Ihram clothes after having performed Ghusl.
If the person is in a state of any major physical impurity that makes Ghusl necessary for him/her, it is essential to do it and then enter Ihram. However, if there’s no major physical impurity for a believer, he/she is also allowed to make wudu (ablution) and wear Ihram.
Therefore, in any scenario, a pilgrim enters Ihram after attaining the required level of physical purity and performing the rituals.
It is highly significant to maintain this level of purification throughout the course of your Umrah rituals. Wudu should be made frequently, while Ghusl must be opted for as per the need.
Ghusl after Umrah
When a pilgrim completes his/her Umrah rituals and removes Ihram, physical purity is present. In other words, a pilgrim coming out of Ihram remains physically pure. So, showering after completing the Umrah rituals is not mandatory but a highly recommended act.
Many pilgrims choose to shower or perform Ghusl after Umrah as a way to symbolically cleanse themselves from the physical and spiritual journey of the pilgrimage.
Additionally, the physically laborious nature of Umrah rituals combined with the intense weather conditions of Makkah cause pilgrims to sweat a lot. So, many pilgrims opt for Ghusl to cleanse themselves of it as well as feel fresh.
Symbolic significance
Showering after Umrah holds symbolic significance because it represents the purification of both the body and the soul. It is a way to renew one’s state of purity and draw closer to Allah after the physical exertion and spiritual experience of the pilgrimage. While it is not a strict requirement to shower right after Umrah rituals, many pilgrims find it spiritually as well as physically refreshing and perform Ghusl. One of the most Trusted Umrah Travel Agency in the UK, Baitullah Travel’s travel consultants can guide you about the Ghusl after and before Umrah. All in all, providing a sense of spiritual renewal and physical refreshment after the efforts of the pilgrimage.
If circumstances are not favorable enough to offer facilities for immediate showering, pilgrims can perform Ghusl at a later time when convenient and continue with their Ibadah because they are still in a state of purity.
While showering after Umrah is not obligatory for any pilgrim (as long as there’s no major physical impurity), performing Ghusl is a praiseworthy practice that allows pilgrims to spiritually cleanse themselves and enhance their connection with Allah Almighty.
