Umrah Guide
How to Perform Umrah
How to Perform Umrah (Umrah guide)?
Perform Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, distinct from the more extensive Hajj but equally significant in the eyes of devout Muslims. This article will guide you through the intricate steps of Umrah, offering a comprehensive understanding of its rituals, preparations, and the profound spiritual journey it entails.
Table of Contents
What is Umrah?
Umrah, often called the “lesser pilgrimage,” involves a series of rituals concted in Makkah and holds immense spiritual value for Muslims worldwide. Understanding its significance requires delving into the historical and religious contexts surrounding this revered journey.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step Guide
1. Ihram:
- Before reaching the Miqat (Al-Juhfah), change into the Ihram garments. For men, these consist of two seamless white pieces of cloth: the Izar (lower body wrap) and the Rida (upper body shawl). Sandals should not cover the heel and ankle. The top part of the foot should remain exposed according to the Hanafi school of thought, During Tawaf-ul-Umrah, the right shoulder must be uncovered.
- Perform Ghusl (ritual purification) or Wudhu (ablution) before wearing Ihram.
- Men may apply Attar (perfume) to their heads and beards, avoiding contact with the Ihram garments.
- Put on your Ihram attire before crossing the designated Miqat. If flying to Saudi Arabia, change at the airport or during a stopover.
- Remove any clothing that violates Ihram conditions (e.g., socks, headwear, underwear) just before crossing the Miqat.
- Women should wear normal modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any color. Hands and faces must remain exposed, but socks may be worn (niqab is prohibited during Ihram).
Prohibited Actions in Ihram:
- Hair and Nails: Refrain from cutting your hair or nails during Ihram.
- Perfume: For women avoid using any perfumes or scented products.
- Sexual Relations: Abstain from intimate relations during this sacred state.
- Conflict: Maintain peace and avoid disputes or arguments.
- Constant Remembrance: Engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), prayers, and recitation of the Quran.
2. Niyyah:
- In Islam, intention signifies purposefully formulating intent before undertaking any effort. Every Muslim understands the importance of maintaining pure intentions before initiating any virtuous act. encapsulates the essence of deliberate intent and serves as a foundational requirement for the divine acceptance of righteous deeds.
Declare Your Niyyah:
- In your heart, mind, and words, sincerely declare your intention to perform Umrah. You can use the following words or express it in your own language:
“I intend to perform Umrah to please Allah and seek His blessings. O Allah, make this journey easy for me and accept it from me” or “Labbayk Umrah” or “Allahumma Labbayk Umrah”. - “Labbayk” (لَبَّيْك) is an Arabic term that translates to “Here I am”, It signifies submission to Allah’s call and intention to fulfill this sacred duty.
3. Talbiyah:
- The Talbiyah is a sacred invocation recited by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It is a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and expresses the pilgrim’s dedication to the pilgrimage. To make the Talbiyah responds with the same Talbiyah as the Prophet (peace be upon him) and says:
“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk, Inna al hamda wanni‘mata laka walmulk La sharika lak”, echoed with the repetition of “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, …” signifies complete submission and readiness to serve Allah, further emphasizing His uniqueness, oneness, expressing gratitude, and recognizing Allah’s sovereignty. - The Talbiyah is recited from the moment you declare your intention for Umrah until the commencement of Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba).
After Talbiyah
- When reaching the Sacred Mosque, place your right foot first upon entering and say:
“Allahumma aftah lee abwaaba rahmatika”, its mean, “O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy”. - Don’t forget to make an intention for the Tawaf.
4. Tawaf Al- Umrah:
- Enter the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al Haram): As you approach the Kaaba, enter the Masjid al-Haram with a state of ritual purity (having performed ablution or ghusl).
- Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): Stand facing the Kaaba and start Tawaf from the Black Stone in a counterclockwise direction.
- Recite the Supplication (Dua): As you start Tawaf, recite a supplication or any dhikr (remembrance of Allah) you prefer. There is no specific prescribed supplication, except it is Sunnah to recite the following when going between ArRuknul-Yamani (Yemeni Corner).
“Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wa feel aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa ‘adhaaban naar”.
- Maintain Ihram Etiquette: For men, during Tawaf, keep the upper garment (Rida) under the right arm and over the left shoulder, exposing the right armpit. This is known as Idtiba. There is no specific requirement for women.
- Circumambulate the Kaaba Seven Times: Walk around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction for seven complete circuits. Each circuit is known as a “shawt”.
- Touch or Point Towards the Black Stone and also kiss: If possible, in each round, try to touch or point with your right hand towards the Black Stone, and recite – Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). If it’s crowded, do not push or harm others in an attempt to reach it.
- Recite Dua and Make Personal Supplications: As you go around the Kaaba, continue reciting any dhikr, and you can also make personal supplications to Allah.
Prohibited Actions in Tawaf:
- Men should walk briskly (Raml) during the first 3 circuits only, the remaining 4 circuits are done at a normal pace until the 7th circuit.
Completion of Tawaf:
- After completing the seven circuits, you have finished Tawaf. cover your right shoulder and perform two rakahs of salah, Recite after Al-Fatiha: “Say, Surah al-Kafirun in the first rakah and Surat al-Ikhlas in the second rakah. voluntary prayer is known as Tahiyyat al-Tawaf behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible. known as Tahiyyat al-Tawaf, are ideally performed behind Maqam Ibrahim, if feasible.
- Quench with Zamzam, Elevate Your Duas, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said concerning the water of Zamzam, “It is a blessing, and it is food that satisfies.” (in one narration, “and a cure for the sick.”).
5. Sa’i (Completion of 7 rounds of Safa and Marwah):
- Head Toward Safa: Begin Sa’i by heading towards Safa, one of the two small hills in the Masjid al-Haram.
- State of Ihram: Ensure you are still in the state of Ihram, as Sa’i is performed within the boundaries of the Haram.
- Climb hill of Safa: Upon reaching Safa, stand facing the Kaaba and recite the prescribed supplication “Innas-safaa marwata min sha’aa’irillaahi faman hajj al baita’awi`tamara falaa junaaha ‘alaihi an yattawwafa bihimaa wa man tatawwa’a khiran fa’inn Allaha shaakirun ‘aleemun”.
- Descend and Walk Towards Marwah: Descend from Safa and walk towards Marwah. This marks the beginning of the first leg of Sa’i.
- Arrive at Marwah: Upon reaching Marwah, climb it and face the Kaaba. Recite the supplication on Marwah, similar to what you did on Safa.
- Perform Seven Rounds: Complete seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, walking briskly in the designated area. Men are encouraged to jog between the two green markers for men.
- Recite Supplications: You may recite various supplications and make personal prayers while walking. There is no specific dua (supplication) that must be recited during Sa’i. Each time you complete one round (Safa and Marwah) It is recommended to face the Qibla, praise and magnify Allah, saying: “laa ‘iilah ‘iilaa allah wallah ‘akbaru, la ‘iilah ‘iilaa allah wahdah la sharik lahu, lah almulk walah alhamd wahu ealaa kuli shay’ qadirun, la ‘iilah ‘iilaa allah wahdah ‘anjiz waedah wanasar eabdah wahazam tatirahu” Then, supplicate with what is feasible, raising your hands, and repeat this remembrance and supplication three times.
- Complete Seven Rounds: Repeat the process, walking back towards Safa. Complete seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, making a total of seven trips.
- Finish at Marwah: After the seventh round, you finish Sa’i at Marwah.
6. Halq or Taqsir
Halq (Complete Shaving of the Head):
- Ensure State of Ihram: Confirm that you are still in the state of Ihram, as shaving the head is one of the actions that signify the completion of the Umrah pilgrimage.
- Choose a Barber or Perform Self-Shaving: You have the option to either go to a barber in Mecca or perform the shaving yourself. If you choose a barber, they will typically complete the process for you.
- Shave Entire Head: If you opt for Halq, the barber will shave your entire head. The razor should be passed over the entire scalp, removing all hair. This symbolizes humility and equality before Allah.
- Ensure Thorough Shaving: Make sure that the barber shaves your head completely, leaving no patches of unshaved hair. The act of shaving signifies the removal of sins and the beginning of a new spiritual chapter.
Taqsir (Trimming a Portion of the Hair):
- Ensure State of Ihram: Similar to Halq, ensure that you are still in the state of Ihram.
- Choose a Length for Trimming: Decide on the length you want to trim. Traditionally, a fingertip’s length is taken, but you have the flexibility to choose a length that is meaningful for you.
- Trim Hair Gently: Trim the chosen portion of hair gently. You don’t have to shave the entire head; just trim the specified length. This symbolizes the fulfillment of a vow to Allah.
- Equal Trimming for Men: For men, it is recommended to trim from all sides of the head equally.
- Trimming for Women: Women should gather their hair and take a portion of it approximately the size of a finger.
After Halq or Taqsir:
- Perform Two Rak’ahs of Prayer: Offer two Rak’ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid as a gesture of gratitude to Allah for completing your Umrah. This prayer is commonly performed after entering the mosque but is also recommended after Halq or Taqsir.
- Make Supplications (Du’a): Engage in personal supplications, asking Allah for forgiveness, blessings, and the acceptance of your Umrah. This is a special time for sincere communication with Allah.
- Thank Allah for the Opportunity: Express gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to perform Umrah and for guiding you through the various rituals. Acknowledge the significance of the spiritual journey you have undertaken.
- Consider Acts of Charity (Sadaqah): It is customary to consider acts of charity after completing Umrah. This can include helping those in need, donating to charitable causes, or contributing to the well-being of others.
7. Tahallul:
- Completion of Umrah Rites: Ensure that you have completed all the necessary rituals of Umrah, including Tawaf, Sa’i, and the prescribed act of hair removal (Halq or Taqsir).
- Change into Regular Clothing: After Halq or Taqsir, you are now allowed to change out of the Ihram clothing into regular attire. This signifies the release from the state of Ihram and the end of the restricted state.
- leaving the Sacred Mosque: Upon leaving al-Masjid ul-Haraam with the left foot, recite- “Allahumma innee ‘as’aluka min fadhlika”.
- Permissible Activities: You are now permitted to engage in activities that were restricted during Ihram, such as using scented products, wearing perfume, cutting nails, and engaging in marital relations.
Remember that this release from Ihram signifies the conclusion of the special consecrated state and allows you to resume your regular activities in accordance with Islamic teachings
Visit the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid-al-Nabawi):
- Visiting Madinah is not an obligatory act for either Hajj or Umrah, but there is great value in visiting Al Masjid-AlNabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque).
- Enter with your right foot and recite the recommended dua for entering the mosque.
- The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has said: “One prayer in this mosque (Madina) of mine is better than 1,000 prayers offered anywhere else except the Masjid Al-Haram (Makkah), and one prayer in Masjid AlHaram is better than 100,000 prayers in any other mosque.”
Unlocking the Spiritual Essence of Umrah with Marwa Travel and Tours
As we conclude this comprehensive Umrah guide, Marwa Travel and Tours invites you to embark on a transformative spiritual journey to Makkah. Our focus on providing a step-by-step approach ensures that every pilgrim can confidently perform Umrah, the noble act of worship. From entering Ihram to performing Tawaf, every step is a sacred progression toward Allah’s blessings.
In the footsteps of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, whose noble countenance and teachings guide us, we understand that Umrah is truly all praise for the One who grants us salvation and protects us from the punishment. Each ritual, each circumambulation, is an opportunity to connect with Allah and seek His mercy.
As you enter Ihram, envision the sacred pilgrimage unfolding before you. Marwa Travel and Tours is committed to making your journey seamless, allowing you to focus on the profound spiritual experience. Perform Tawaf with a heart full of devotion, echoing the praises of Allah in the sanctuary of His mosque.
May this guide serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to a successful Umrah. Marwa Travel and Tours stands ready to grant you a pilgrimage experience filled with spiritual fulfillment and divine blessings. May Allah accept your Umrah, grant us the privilege to perform Tawaf in His noble sanctuary, and bestow His mercy upon us. Ameen.
Real Reviews by Real Customers
Thinking why we are always the first choice of USA pilgrims to Book Umrah Packages ? Take a look below:
