How to Perform Umrah?
Step-by-Step Guide

INTRODUCTION

Umrah is an important spiritual journey for Muslims, taking them to the holy city of Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which every Muslim must do at least once, Umrah is optional and can be performed anytime during the year.

This guide is here to help you with everything you need to know about performing Umrah. Whether it’s your first time or you just want a quick refresher, we’ve got you covered with the key rituals, important duas, and some handy tips. At Makkah2Madinah, we provide reliable Umrah taxi services to make your Umrah journey easier, allowing you to focus on your spiritual connection with Allah.

What is Umrah?

The word Umrah in Arabic means “visiting a populated place.” In Islam, it refers to visiting the Kaaba in Makkah and performing specific acts of worship, includ preforming Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).

Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed throughout the year. Allah commands in the Qur’an:

“وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ…”

(“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…” – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196).

Umrah offers significant spiritual benefits, helps cleanse one’s sins, and deepens the connection to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما، والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة.”

(“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.” – Sahih Bukhari).

Preparation for Umrah Spiritual Preparation

Before embarking on this sacred journey, purify your intentions. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“إنما الأعمال بالنيات“

(“Actions are judged by intentions…” – Sahih Bukhari).

Learn the rules for Umrah, practice important duas, and understand the significance of each ritual.

Packing Essentials

1. Ihram garments: Two plain white cloths for men.
2. Modest, loose-fitting clothing for women.
3. Unscented toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant).
4. Comfortable footwear for walking.
5. A small prayer mat and dua book.

Best Time to Go for Umrah

The best time for Umrah depends on personal circumstances. Many prefer performing Umrah during Ramadan due to the multiplied rewards. Others choose off-peak months for cooler weather and smaller crowds.

Step-by-Step Umrah Guide

Step 1: Niyyah (Intention)

Before starting the pilgrimage, make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي

(“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”)

Recite the Talbiyah to declare your submission:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ.

(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. There is no partner for You. Surely, all praise and blessings are for You, and the kingdom belongs to You. There is no partner for You.”)

Step 2: Meeqat: The Designated Boundary

At the Meeqat, you must declare your intention for Umrah (Niyyah) and enter the state of Ihram. The Prophet (saw) identified specific locations for pilgrims to don their Ihram for Umrah:

• Dhul Hulaifa for the people of Madinah.
• Yalamlam for pilgrims from Yemen, etc.

Make sure to offer two Rakats of prayer before making your Niyyah. For air travelers, the Meeqat boundary is crossed about 15 minutes before landing in Jeddah.

Step 3: Enter the State of Ihram

Ihram is a sacred state of purity that requires specific clothing and behavior.

For Men:

• Wear two unstitched white cloths: one as a lower garment (izaar) and one as an upper garment (rida).

For Women:

• Wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands.

Recite the dua for entering Masjid Al Haram:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُوْ لِ اللَّهِ ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

(“In the name of Allah, blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.”)

Step 4: Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba)

Upon arriving at the Kaaba, begin Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

Steps During Tawaf:

1. Start at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Touch or kiss it if possible, or point towards it and say:

• “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَر“

(“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”)

2. As you circle the Kaaba, recite general duas or:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ.

(“Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no deity except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.”)

3. After completing seven circuits, pray two rakats near the Maqam Ibrahim.

Step 5: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

After Tawaf, proceed to perform Sa’i, commemorating Hajar’s search for water.

Steps During Sa’i:

1. Start at the hill of Safa and face the Kaaba. Recite:

• “إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ“

(“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158).

2. Walk to Marwah, then back to Safa. Complete seven circuits, ending at Marwah.

Dua During Sa’i:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ

(“My Lord, forgive and have mercy. Indeed, You are the Most Exalted, the Most Generous.”)

Step 6: Halaq/Qasar OR Cutting/Shaving Hair

The final step in your Umrah pilgrimage is to either shave your head (Halaq) or trim it (Qasar). For women, trimming about an inch of hair is sufficient

• For men: Shave the head (Halaq) or trim it (Qasar). Shaving is preferred as it follows the Sunnah.
• For women: Trim about an inch of hair.

 Once the hair is cut or shaved, your Umrah pilgrimage is complete.

Spiritual Significance of Umrah

Umrah is more than just rituals. It is an opportunity to renew your faith, seek forgiveness, and connect deeply with Allah.

Conclusion

Performing Umrah is a spiritual milestone that brings immense rewards and closeness to Allah. With proper preparation and guidance, you can ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage.

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