Is Umrah Farz? A Fact-Based Guide for Every Muslim
Is Umrah Farz? A Fact-Based Guide for Every Muslim
Many Muslims ask a simple but important question: “Is Umrah farz?” There is great significance behind the answer. The response shapes planning, expenses, and spiritual goals and intentions for the long-run. As with all legal questions, many individuals are confused as there are different opinions provided by different scholars.
This article clarifies the legal ruling of Umrah in a simple, logical, and human-centered approach. It is constructed with short sentences, clear transitions, and authentic, factual Islamic knowledge that is derived from classical fiqh sources.
Understanding the Concept of Farz
Before exploring whether Umrah is farz, we have to understand what is meant by “farz” in Islamic law.
• Farz is an obligatory act from Allah.
• To miss a farz act is sinful without a valid excuse.
• To perform it earns a guaranteed reward.
• Farz must be performed once the conditions have been achieved.
Examples of farz acts include Salah, Fasting, Zakat and Hajj.
So, where do we position Umrah within the context of Islam?
Is it in the same category of Hajj? Or is it another act that falls under a separate ruling?
The Clear Scholarly Answer: Is Umrah Farz?
Islamic scholarship, ranging across different times from classical to modern, gives two main views.
Both views are valid based on sound scholarly evidence.
Opinion 1 (Consensus view): Umrah Is NOT Farz. It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah.
This is the majority and consensus view amongst the Muslims.
This is the ruling of:
• Hanafi scholars
• Maliki scholars
This view holds:
• Umrah is highly emphasized.
• Umrah is not obligatory.
• A Muslim who does not perform Umrah is not at fault.
• A Muslim who performs Umrah is rewarded greatly, and spiritually purified.
Evidence used by this group:
1. The Qur'an only mentions Umrah, but does not regard it as obligatory like Hajj.
The Qur'an mentions Umrah, but does not specifically say it is obligatory.
2. Sayyidah Aisha (R.A.) a key scholar--said that Umrah was not obligatory.
The narration she gave is given significant weight in Islamic Fiqh.
3. The Prophet ﷺ did perform Umrah multiple times
But he never made it compulsory upon every Muslim as he did for Hajj.
This is why the preponderance of opinion is very simple:
Umrah is a Sunnah Mu'akkidah, as opposed to a farz.
Opinion 2 (Minority View but Strong): Umrah IS Farz Once in a Lifetime.
This viewpoint is well-rooted and is followed in practice by two significant schools of legal reasoning (fiqh).
The ruling of:
• Shafi’i scholars
• Hanbali scholars
They see Umrah as obligatory one time in a lifetime, like Hajj.
The evidence they present includes:
1. Qur’anic Verse (2:196):
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
The Shafi’i and Hanbali scholars assert it is obligatory when they use the term “complete.”
2. Multiple Ahadith encourage Umrah strongly.
The Prophet ﷺ urged Umrah several times and even highlighted its virtues, including:
• "Umrah clears away sins between it and the next Umrah."
• "Perform Umrah, for it will clear away poverty and sins."
This strong emphasis led some scholars to determine that it must be an obligation.
Which Opinion Is Stronger Today?
Both opinions are sound but generally one of the two opinions is valid in the vast majority of the Muslim world.
The practical ruling is:
Umrah is not farz.
Umrah is a highly emphasized Sunnah.
Umrah brings immense reward and spiritual uplift.
Failure to make Umrah will not incur sin.
This is the position that most Muslims follow today.
So Why Does Umrah Feel Obligatory to Many Muslims?
Although Umrah is not an obligation, countless Muslims still feel:
• A very strong emotional attraction
• A spiritual need
• A wish to enter the Kaabah
• A feeling that “completes” their faith journey
Many scholars agree that this spiritual attraction is totally normal.
Allah has put a love for His House into pure hearts.
This emotional experience is rich, but it is not the same as an obligation.
Why Scholars Strongly Recommend Umrah
Even though Umrah is not obligatory, scholars strongly encourage Umrah for five main reasons:
1. Umrah purifies the heart and is a wash of sins with mental clarity.
2. Umrah renews a believer’s iman (faith) as many pilgrims share deep emotional healing and clarity from being there.
3. Umrah prepares a Muslim to make Hajj: it teaches patience, discipline, and sacred etiquette.
4. Umrah fosters closeness to Alla: being present in Masjid al-Haram does bring feelings of awe and tranquility in the heart.
5. Umrah facilitates high reward - The Prophet ﷺ described Umrah as a spiritual cleansing of sorts.
These five benefits of the faith experience that arises from the ritual of Umrah reinforces the spiritual importance of Umrah over an obligation: even though Umrah is not technically a farz.
Who Should Prioritize Umrah?
Umrah should be considered a priority for people who:
• Have the financial means
• Have the physical capability
• Do not have a lot of obligations that stop them from traveling
• Are seeking spiritual rejuvenation
• Want to enhance their relationship with Allah
For these people, an unreasonable delay of the Umrah trip may lead to a loss of spirituality.
Who Does NOT Need to Prioritize Umrah Immediately?
Islam does not place a burden on a person, which he/she is unable to bear.
You do NOT have to consider Umrah:
• There is debt.
• Your family is dependent on you financially.
• You do not feel you can travel safely.
• Your health prevents you.
• You do not have a mahram. (Depending on what you belong to)
Islamic law is merciful and practical.
Final and Clear Answer: Is Umrah Farz?
Here is the most authentic, most accurate and most convincing summary:
1. Majority ruling (Hanafi + Maliki):
Umrah is NOT farz. It is sunnah Mu’akkadah.
This is the view that is the most common practice today.
2. Minority ruling (Shafi’i + Hanbali):
Umrah IS farz once in life.
3. Practical conclusion for Muslims:
You are NOT sinful if you do not perform Umrah.
You get a MASSIVE reward if you do.
Umrah is a beautiful sunnah, not an obligation.
But it is a pathway for blessings that should not be turned down when Allah opens the door.
