Complete Hajj and Umrah for Allah
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196)
We perform Hajj and Umrah solely for the sake of Allah, and we must carry them out in the manner shown to us by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
Our Prophet (ﷺ), his sahaba (رضي الله عنها), and the scholars of islam after them all encouraged frequent umrah. However, for the people who don’t have time or money for frequent journeys always have this question, “Can I perform multiple umrahs”
Is Doing Umrah Frequently Necessary?
It may sound unusual to some, but this is a common question that few have the courage to ask. However, it pertains to an act of worship that is encouraged to be performed regularly. Below are references from the Hadith as well as scholarly commentary from the fuqah.
Narrated by Abdullah (رضي الله عنها)
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron and gold and silver, and Hajj Al-Mabrur brings no less a reward than Paradise
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنها)
An Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the next, and Hajj which is accepted will receive no other reward than Paradise.
Imam Nawawi (رحمه الله) wrote in Sharh Sahih Muslim, “The Hadith ‘Umrah to Umrah is expiation’ encourages Muslims to perform it regularly, especially in Ramadan.”
Imam Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) wrote in Zaad al-Ma’ad “The Prophet (ﷺ) performed Umrah four times to teach his Ummah its virtue. Frequent Umrah is a means of drawing closer to Allah.”
Can I Perform Multiple Umrahs (The Short Answer)
The simple answer is yes — it is permissible to perform multiple Umrahs during a single visit. However, it is not a Sunnah practice. This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. While they permit it, they do not encourage it unless there is a specific need or reason.
On the other hand, according to Imam Shafi’i, performing multiple umrahs in one visit is considered makruh (disliked).
Reasons for Exceptions
According to all schools of thought, repetition of umrah can be done if the person has some exceptional situations. This could be that the person has a strong possibility that he will never be able to do umrah again, then he can do multiple umrahs in a single visit.
This kind of situation can raise for the following reasons –
- For financial reasons
- Distance of travel
- Visa restrictions
- Perform umrah for someone else
Even in this exception, the umrah needs to be performed with the correct process. After completing one umrah, one must go to the area of the hill where Masjid Aisha or Tan’im is situated and enter into ihram.
Why This Ruling About Doing Multiple Umrahs
Scholars examine the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and derive rulings in a way that makes the religion easier for us to practice. In the same spirit, we will attempt to understand the reasoning behind this particular ruling. However, for a complete and reliable perspective, one should always consult with the Ulama. Here, we will simply explore the commonly cited reasons.
Sunnah of The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)
Rasul (ﷺ) never did multiple umrahs in one visit.
Narrated by Qatada
I asked Anas (Allah be pleased with him) as to how many Pilgrimages had been performed by Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and he replied: One Hajj and four `Umras were performed by him.
These umrahs were –
- Umrah of Hudaybiyah
- Umrah of al-Qada’ (the following year)
- The third from Ji‘ranah (after the Conquest of Makkah),
- And the fourth which he did along with his Hajj (Hajj al-Qiran).”
In many instances, The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) stayed multiple days. In one instance, he stayed 19 days in Makkah. But he did not perform multiple umrahs.
Deeds of the Sahaba (رحمهم الله)
With a few exceptions, the Sahaba (رحمهم الله) would not perform multiple umrahs in one visit. They would perform multiple Tawafs during a single visit.
Understanding the Ji’ranah Umrah: A Lesson in Ritual Flexibility
The Prophet (ﷺ) performed an Umrah from Ji’ranah (20km from Makkah) after the Conquest in 8 AH. This showed pilgrims could enter Ihram from nearby boundaries like Ji’ranah or Tan’im without returning to their original distant Miqat.
While this provides flexibility in choosing where to start Umrah, it doesn’t encourage multiple Umrahs in one trip – the Prophet (ﷺ) only did one.
The incident teaches that while Islam eases worship conditions, it maintains each Umrah as a complete act requiring proper Ihram from an appropriate boundary point. This balances convenience with ritual correctness.
Understanding Masjid Aisha’s Role: The Approved Way for Multiple Umrahs
After Hajj, Aisha (رحمهم الله) couldn’t perform Umrah due to menstruation. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent her to Tan’im (6km from Makkah) to enter Ihram for a makeup Umrah, now marked by Masjid Aisha.
This established Tan’im as an approved Miqat for Makkah residents or visitors wishing to perform another Umrah without traveling far. While permitting repeat Umrahs, the incident emphasizes proper procedure. Like Ji’ranah, this shows Islam’s balance between ritual correctness and practical accommodation.
Is it Permissible to Do Multiple Umrah Before Hajj
Yes, it is permissible to perform Umrah before Hajj. If you have the financial means and know you can still perform Hajj soon after, there’s no issue. However, if paying for Umrah delays your Hajj for many years, it’s better to save for Hajj. If someone gifts you an Umrah trip, you may accept it and go, even if you haven’t performed Hajj yet.