Which Hadith better underlines the importance of Umrah?

The sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the ethical, legal and social teachings of the prophet. These narratives survive as his contribution to solving social and religious controversies. And continue to endure as a subtext to God’s word. In all cases, the narratives of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are seen to complement the Holy Quran. Whenever a Muslim finds himself indecisive in life, he seeks help from the Holy Quran, or the Ahadith or both.

The realization of this fact makes it desirable for pilgrims to search out and evaluate the different narratives of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Having contemplated an Umrah Hadith or two, pilgrims can better participate in the religious service ahead. The sooner they do the better. The words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that are presented here are taken from the Sahih Bukhari book 26th. This is the first narrative in that book and is narrated by Abu Huraira. Here the Hadith is presented in its English translation:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ الْعُمْرَةُ إِلَى الْعُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلاَّ الْجَنَّةُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Allah's Apostle said, "(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise."

As elsewhere, Umrah is so much cherished in Ahadith as well. No Muslim can read or listen to them and not be tempted to perform Umrah. On another occasion, the nature of Umrah is likened to the crucible of a goldsmith. This is where sins are separated from a person's genuine goodness much like the kiln that separates iron, gold and silver ores leaving behind virtue in its purified form.

Owing to these facts, Umrah becomes a means of gaining the Almighty's favour. It becomes a reason for prayers. And an excuse to ask for forgiveness. Apart from that, there are several other narratives of the Prophet that target a particular occasion during the Umrah or explain the virtue of some specific act. Keep exploring for further enlightenment.