Is Umrah an obligation or a Sunnah?

Scholars have reached a consensus on the permissibility and virtue of Umrah (definition), but they differ on its obligation. Abu Hanifa and Malik held the view that it is a recommended Sunnah (definition) and not obligatory, citing a weak hadith (definition). Al-Shafi'i and Ahmad, however, maintained its obligation, substantiating their view with several pieces of evidence, including:

1. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) statement to Aisha concerning women: "They have a jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and Umrah." The word "upon" (عليهن) implies obligation. 2. The Hadith of Gabriel, which includes the mention of Umrah alongside Hajj: "Islam is to bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give zakat (definition), to perform Hajj to the House, and to perform Umrah." 3. Umar ibn al-Khattab's affirmation to al-Subay ibn Ma'bad when he embraced Islam and pronounced the Talbiyah (definition) for both Hajj and Umrah, saying: "You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace be upon him)." 4. The opinion of a group of Companions, such as Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, and Jabir ibn Abdullah, who held it to be obligatory.

This view was chosen by Imam al-Bukhari, Sheikh Ibn Baz, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, and the Permanent Committee.