What it means
عمره (omre) is the minor pilgrimage to Mecca, known in Arabic as Umrah. The word is borrowed from Arabic, where it derives from a root related to visiting or populating a place. Unlike حج (hajj), which is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able and must be performed during specific days of the Islamic year, عمره can be undertaken at any time and is considered a highly recommended but non-obligatory act of worship. The rituals of عمره include wearing the ihram (ritual garments), circling the Kaaba, and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
How to use it
- ماه رمضان عمره رفتم. (mâh-e Ramezân omre raftam.) “I went to Umrah during the month of Ramadan.”
- عمره واجب نیست ولی خیلی ثواب داره. (omre vâjeb nist vali kheili savâb dâre.) “Umrah is not obligatory but it carries great spiritual reward.”
- قبل از حج، عمره کردم. (qabl az hajj, omre kardam.) “Before Hajj I performed Umrah.”
- خواهرم نیت عمره داره. (khâharam niyat-e omre dâre.) “My sister intends to do Umrah.”
Cultural note
Among Iranian Muslims, performing عمره is seen as a meaningful spiritual journey even for those who have already completed حج. It is especially popular during the month of Ramadan, when its spiritual reward is considered to be multiplied. Because عمره does not require the strict annual timing or the quota system that applies to Hajj, it is often more accessible. Travel agencies in Iran offer عمره packages throughout the year, and returning pilgrims are typically greeted by family and friends at the airport with flowers and celebration.