Introduction: The Divine Wisdom of the Qur’an

In Surah Yaseen, verse 2, Allah Almighty swears by the Qur’an Al-Hakeem—the Wise Qur’an. This profound declaration emphasizes that the Qur’an is not an ordinary book, but one full of divine wisdom (Hikmah). It is revered as the heart of the Qur’an, a Surah that encapsulates the essential teachings and guidance for humanity in a precise and impactful way.

The Qur’an: A Unique and Eternal Revelation

Unlike any other book on Earth, the Qur’an is a timeless, divine revelation that surpasses all human-made knowledge and literature. It is not based on assumptions or man-made philosophies. It is Al-Hakeem, meaning full of wisdom, flawless in its guidance, and eternal in its truth.

Previous Revelations and the Role of Prophets

Before the Qur’an, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) sent down several scriptures to various nations through His chosen prophets. Over 124,000 prophets (Ambiya) were sent across the world with the purpose of guiding mankind. These included scriptures such as the Torah (to Musa عليه السلام), the Zabur (to Dawood عليه السلام), and the Injil (to Isa عليه السلام).

Some people accepted the truth, while others questioned or rejected it. Many even distorted or misinterpreted the earlier scriptures. However, the Holy Qur’an remains unchanged, preserved in its original form, serving as the final and complete guidance for all of humanity.

Qur’an Al-Hakeem: Philosophically, Ethically, and Practically True

The Qur’an stands unmatched in its depth and clarity. It is philosophically sound, ethically enlightening, and practically implementable in all aspects of life. From the basics of human nature to advanced sciences, countless subjects are mentioned in the Qur’an, all of which point toward one direction: the path of righteousness, success, and connection with Allah.

Endless Knowledge (Uloom) in the Qur’an

The Qur’an is not just a book of laws or stories—it is a treasure of knowledge. Many sciences (Uloom) are hidden within its verses. However, to unlock its deeper meanings and divine truths, we must not only read the Qur’an but reflect, understand, and implement its guidance in our daily lives.

Every Word is Divine and True

Since the Qur’an is the actual word of Allah, it is impossible for any falsehood to exist within it. Each verse holds truth and serves as a guide to a meaningful, purposeful, and successful life. It is a mercy for mankind, a light in the darkness, and a rope of salvation for those who seek the path of Allah.

Conclusion

The statement “By the Wise Qur’an” reminds us that the Qur’an is not only a book of guidance but also of divine wisdom. Every Muslim must recognize its significance, read it regularly, and strive to follow its teachings. Surah Yaseen is a powerful reminder of this truth—it is a spiritual heart that nourishes the soul and strengthens faith.

The Quran is our source of guidance. It contains everything a Muslim needs to live a fulfilling life according to the will of Allah Almighty. Taking guidance from the Holy Quran during the pilgrimage also proves to be an enriching experience. The Holy Quran does not explicitly describe Umrah, but it discusses the obligatory pilgrimage, the Hajj, in detail. Every Muslim needs the Quran’s guidance on pilgrimage for the most rewarding experience. 

While you leave your home and embark on the journey to the sacred house of the Almighty to please Him, you get exceptional rewards. Umrah might not be mandatory, but it promises exceptional spiritual rewards. So, if you have booked an umrah package from Montreal, it is time that you learn what the Quran says about the pilgrimage to help you during your spiritual retreat. Here is everything you must know. 

Command of Performing the Pilgrimage

As we all know, the Hajj is an obligation of the believers to Allah Almighty. The obligation of this pilgrimage is reflected in the divine words of the Almighty in the Holy Quran. 

Verse:

فِيهِ ءَايَٰتُۢ بَيِّنَٰتٞ مَّقَامُ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنٗاۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَاعَ إِلَيۡهِ سَبِيلٗاۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ

Translation:

There are clear signs, such as the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House, for whoever can find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.

(Surah Al-Imran: Ayat 97)

This verse from the Holy Quran shows the importance and command of performing Hajj. Even though Umrah is not obligatory, it is still a pilgrimage to the sacred house of Allah Almighty and is taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Therefore, its significance cannot be denied. This voluntary pilgrimage has exceptional benefits and unmatched rewards. 

Restrictions of the State of Ihram

While learning about Umrah, the state of Ihram might be the first few things you will learn about the pilgrimage. Every pilgrim must observe this ultimate state of purity before they enter Masjid al-Haram for their pilgrimage rituals. All pilgrims must wear the same clothes and abide by the same rules while in the state of Ihram. You will be freed from these restrictions after completing your pilgrimage rituals. The Holy Quran teaches us about the state of Ihram. 

Verse:

ـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُحِلُّواْ شَعَـٰٓئِرَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا ٱلشَّهۡرَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ وَلَا ٱلۡهَدۡيَ وَلَا ٱلۡقَلَـٰٓئِدَ وَلَآ ءَآمِّينَ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلٗا مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرِضۡوَٰنٗاۚ وَإِذَا حَلَلۡتُمۡ فَٱصۡطَادُواْۚ وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّكُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ أَن صَدُّوكُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ أَن تَعۡتَدُواْۘ وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٰنِۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ

Translation:

O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you go out of ihram, then [you may] hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

(Surah Al-Ma’idah: Ayat 2)

Performing Tawaf Around the Holy Kaabah

Another prominent ritual of both Hajj and Umrah is performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah. It is a surreal experience that allows you to prove your devotion and submission to the Almighty. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says:

Verse: 

وَإِذۡ بَوَّأۡنَا لِإِبۡرَٰهِيمَ مَكَانَ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ أَن لَّا تُشۡرِكۡ بِي شَيۡـٔٗا وَطَهِّرۡ بَيۡتِيَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلۡقَآئِمِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ 

Translation:

And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.

(Surah Al-Hajj: Ayat 26)

This verse shows the significance of performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah. It is undoubtedly a source of purification and yields exceptional spiritual rewards and benefits. 

Here is another verse. 

Verse:

ثُمَّ لۡيَقۡضُواْ تَفَثَهُمۡ وَلۡيُوفُواْ نُذُورَهُمۡ وَلۡيَطَّوَّفُواْ بِٱلۡبَيۡتِ ٱلۡعَتِيقِ

Translation:

Then let them end their untidiness, fulfill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.”

(Surah Al-Hajj: Ayat 29)

Safa and Marwah as the Symbols of Allah

Another central obligatory and voluntary pilgrimage ritual is performing Sa’i at Safa and Marwah. These sacred hills are associated with the exceptional story of Hajar and her son, Prophet Ismail (AS). While pilgrims walk between these hills, they commemorate her struggles and learn exceptional life lessons.

Verse: 

إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلۡمَرۡوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِۖ فَمَنۡ حَجَّ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ أَوِ ٱعۡتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَاۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيۡرٗا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

Translation:

Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers well, then indeed, Allah is appreciative and knowing.

(Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat 158)

Summing Up

As Muslims, we need to take the Quran’s guidance on pilgrimage. The holy book teaches us a lot about pilgrimage rituals and rewards. So, once you have got your Umrah packages from Canada, you can start learning about Umrah in the light of the Holy Quran. This will surely make your experience much more rewarding and memorable.

As pilgrims embark on the exceptional spiritual retreat of Hajj and Umrah, they prepare themselves for the ultimate transformation. This journey is about transforming yourself spiritually and physically. Entering the state of Ihram is one of the most prominent pilgrimage rituals and a source of many moral and Islamic lessons. Understanding Ihram in light of the Quran and Sunnah will greatly guide you and make your journey more rewarding and memorable. 

Although some might think that Ihram is just the garment that pilgrims must wear during the pilgrimage, there is so much more to this ritual. It is a state of purity which surpasses physical purity. You have to purify your soul and heart while you assume Ihram. So, if you have got Umrah Packages from Los Angeles, it is time that you learn more about Ihram to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes. 

What is Ihram?

The Arabic root of the word Ihram means to make forbidden or sacred. According to Islam, Ihram is a state of purity. Every pilgrim must observe physical purity and the spiritual state of consecration before they enter the glorious Masjid al-Haram. It is a mandatory ritual of both obligatory and voluntary pilgrimage, which highlights its importance. 

Ihram in the Light of Quran

Even though the Quran doesn’t discuss the physical garments of Ihram in detail, it talks about the sanctity and associated rules. Numerous verses of the Holy Quran tell us about the regulations and prohibitions of Ihram. And learning them is essential to ensuring that you do justice to this sacred state and don’t neglect its sanctity or make your Hajj or Umrah invalid. Here are some verses from the Holy Quran that discuss the rules and restrictions of the sacred state of Ihram. 

“The Hajj is (in) the well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering Ihram), there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj…”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197)

“O you who believe! Do not kill game while you are in a state of Ihram…”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:95)

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter…”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196)

Ihram in the Light of Hadith and Sunnah 

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed Umrah four times in his life. He taught about the pilgrimage and its rituals through Hadith and practically performed it for our understanding. Here are some Hadiths and Sunnahs of the Prophet (SAW) that will enable you to observe Ihram perfectly. 

• Donning the Garment

Even though the inner state while entering Ihram is important, the physical state is no less important. One of the main rules of Ihram is to wear a specific garment. Ihram, for men, is two pieces of plain, unstitched white clothing. One piece is for the upper body and is called rida, while the other is for the lower body and is called izar. This is not the rule for women. Women can wear any regular clothes, but they must be modest. Also, it is to keep in mind that a face veil and gloves are prohibited for women. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘A woman in Ihram should not wear a niqab or gloves.’”

— (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1838)

• Making the Intention

Intention is another prominent part of the Ihram. While you enter the state of Ihram, you purify your intention and make your purpose to perform the pilgrimage clear. As pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, they make their intentions clear through the following supplication. 

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamda wal-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

This makes it clear that the pilgrims have said yes to Allah Almighty’s command and have reached His sacred house to prove their devotion and submission. It serves as a declaration demonstrating their readiness to fulfill Allah’s command. 

• Prohibited Acts During Umrah

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also guided us about the prohibited acts during Umrah. Some of them are listed below:

• Cutting hair or nails is not permitted.
  
• Wearing stitched clothing (for men) is not allowed.
  
• Using perfume is prohibited.
  
• Hunting or killing animals is prohibited.
  
• Marrying or proposing marriage is not allowed. 

“A Muhrim (a person in Ihram) must not wear a shirt or a turban, trousers, a hooded cloak, or leather socks.”

— (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1542)

Final Words

Learning about the state of Ihram is one of the initial steps of preparing for your Umrah journey from the USA this year. You cannot embark on this spiritual retreat without clearly understanding the state of Ihram. It is one of the most crucial steps of the pilgrimage. So, you must realise Ihram in light of the Quran and Sunnah. You can also look for guidance through other authentic sources for more clarity.