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How to perform Umrah
Umrah performers are considered a guest of Allah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to perform Umrah.
He, himself ﷺ performed it four times in his lifetime.
Umrah is often described as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage. It is an act of worship which involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Makkah; where the Holy Ka’aba stands as the epicentre of Islamic faith and the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals as explained below.
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere Du’a and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.
Ghusl - General Body Cleaning
Remove unwanted hair and trim nails.
Wash full body and apply perfume on your body.
Put on Ihram Before Mīqāt
Men must wear Ihraam two white garments.
Women can wear any loose garments of their choice.
Two Rakat Salatul-Ihram
It’s sunnah to perform two Rak’ats of Salah before entering into the state of Ihram.
Intention and Talbiyah
Intention must be made before the Miqat followed by Talbiyah to validate intention and to enter state of Ihram.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Allāhumma Innī Urīdu l-ʿUmrata Fa Yassirhā Lī Wa Taqabbalhā Minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Llāhumma Labbayk, Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka labbayk, Inna l-ḥamda Wa n-niʿmata, Laka Wa l-mulk, Lā sharīka lak.
At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Ihram prohibition rules will now apply.
Seven Tawaf of Kaaba
Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make du’a with the utmost concentration and sincerity, as this is among those places where prayers are answered. Remember to recite Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ when making Du’a.
Must be is state of Wudu during Tawaf, and for men open the right shoulder. Make intention and start the Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad. Move anti-clockwise direction.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ, اَللَّهُ أكبر, و لِلَّهِ الحَمدَ
Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla Hil Hamd
In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest, and All praise belong to Allah.
Istilam to be recited at the start of each Tawaf keeping your open palms pointing at Hajar Aswad and kiss your palms. Recite Istilam one last time at the end of final circumambulation.
Keep doing Zikr and Duaa while circumambulating and do not touch the Kaaba while performing Umrah as the cloth on Kaaba contains perfume.
Two Rakat Salatut-Tawaf
Upon completing the seventh Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs of Salatut-Tawaf, preferably in a position behind Maqam Ibrahim. However, keep in mind that since Maqam Ibrahim is situated within the Mataf, there is often nowhere for pilgrims performing Tawaf to move except around and almost over the top of those praying just beyond Maqam Ibrahim, resulting in a great deal of congestion. If it isn’t possible to perform the prayer there due to crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
It is sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun (109) in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) in the second Rak'ah, after Surah al-Fatiha (1). Continue with plenty of Du’a after completing the prayer.
Drink Zamzam water. It is mustahabb to stand facing the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing.
Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk for. so make intentions that its consumption will be a means of fulfilling of your thirsts, Dua'as and wishes.
Sa'ee - Safwah and Marwah
Mas'aa - It is a sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, although you may take a break if necessary as you will cover over three kilometres during Sa’i, so ensure you have sufficient energy to complete the rite before starting.
Before Sa’i, it is sunnah to do Istilam of Hajar Al-Aswad one last time.
It is sunnah to recite on the hill of Safa the following before proceed with the 7 laps:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله
Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.
I begin with that which Allah has begun with.
Recite once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.
Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the Two Green Mileposts). Between these two lights, it is sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally.
From Safwah to Marwah is one lap and Marwah to Safwah is one lap, hence complete seven laps at Marwah.
Two Rakat Nafal Salah
It is recommended that you make a final Du’a in Marwah and perform two Rak’ats of Nafl Salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i, without causing any obstructions for other pilgrims.
There are plenty of Zamzam water along the way, between Safwah and Marwah, you may wish to take advantage of.
Hair Cut & Remove Ihram
Do not cut your hair within the boundaries of Masjid-Al-Haram as it is very disrespectful and unhygienic.
Women should have their hair trimmed by at least an inch on the completion of Sa'ee and that would be the completion of Umrah.
For men after Sa’i, you must have your hair shaved (Halq) or trimmed (Taqsir) in order to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. It is more virtuous for a man to have his head shaved completely.
There are a number of licensed barber shops in Makkah, which are open 24 hours a day and generally only close during salah times.
Congratulations on your Umrah!
Prohibitions in Ihram
ruling differs for
male and female in ihram
Covering of head, hands and face
No face covering and no gloves to be worn, additionally for men no head covering.
Women should not wear a niqab which covers their face except for specifically designed Ihram face coverings which can be used to cover their face.
Cutting hair
It is forbidden for both men and women to shave or cut any hair on their bodies, including the hair on the head, face, and body, until after Sa'ee.
Trimming nails
Trimming nails is prohibited for both men and women during ihram. Therefore, it is advised to trim the nails before entering Ihram and performing the rituals of Hajj or Umrah.
Using perfume
Using perfume or fragrances, whether on clothes or on the body, is considered among the prohibitions of ihram. However, if perfume was used before entering Ihram and its scent remains on their body, it is not considered a violation of ihram.
Sexual intercourse
It is considered one of the greatest prohibitions of Ihram for both men and women.
Hunting
It is not permissible to hunt any wild animals that are edible as long as you are in the state of ihram. Directing someone to hunt or help others in any way that facilitates hunting also prohibited
Wearing stitched clothing
Men must refrain from wearing any stitched clothing. They can only wear two white, seamless clothes, symbolising equality and simplicity.
Wearing makeup
Wearing makeup are forbidden. Adorning oneself with cosmetics or fragrances contradicts the spirit of simplicity and purity that Ihram embodies.
History behind Umrah
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Umrah for the first time in the Islamic year 6AH, along with 2,000 of his followers. It followed a period of intense struggles and sacrifices by the Muslims.
After the migration in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Madinah in order to escape persecution by the disbelievers in Makkah, tensions between the Muslims and the Non-Muslims of Makkah were still high. A few years after the migration, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had a dream where he was undertaking the rituals of Umrah. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions then returned to Makkah with the intention of performing Umrah.
When the disbelievers of Makkah heard about the huge number of Muslims approaching Makkah, they were concerned that the Muslims intended to attack the people of Makkah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent an emissary to the people of Makkah on reaching the outskirts of Makkah to address their fears and explained that he only intends to perform Umrah. However, they were stopped at Hudaybiyyah where the Non-Muslims refused to let them enter the city, and were asked to come the following year to perform Umrah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ refused to enter Makkah by force out of respect to the holy Ka’bah. Diplomatic negotiations took place, which resulted in The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah that stipulated a 10-year period, during which there would be no hostilities and the Muslims would be granted access to the holy site of the Ka’bah for three days a year.
Complying with the terms of the treaty, in 6AH, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, along with 2,000 companions performed the first Umrah.
Significance of Umrah
Umrah is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and is an important journey for Muslims in their path to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to great lengths and struggled to establish it as a practice for Muslims. He then made the holy journey four times, demonstrating its significance.
Umrah is a means for Muslims to attain purification, cleanse their hearts and become closer to Allah Almighty. It’s a chance to have Dua’s answered and to gain Allah’s forgiveness.
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger ﷺ of Allah (SWT) said: The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them. [Hadith | Sunan Ibn Majah]
Rewards of performing Umrah
Umrah offers Muslims the opportunity to have all of their sins forgiven, and to earn great rewards.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ considered it as one of the most effective ways of worship, and to earn great rewards by following his Sunnah of performing Umrah.
The reward for performing Umrah is equivalent to jihad (struggle in the path of Allah). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Jihad of an elderly, young, weak and the women is Hajj and Umrah. [Hadith | Sunan An-Nasa'i]
It was narrated from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: The pilgrim performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allah. He invited them, so they responded to Him, and they ask Him and He gives to them. [Hadith | Sunan Ibn Majah]
The most rewarding time of year to perform Umrah is during Ramadan, which equals the reward of performing Hajj: Umrah performed in the month of Ramadan will equal (in rewards) to that of Hajj or Hajj performed with me. [Hadith | Sahih Bukhari, Muslim]
What are the main differences between Umrah and Hajj?
Whilst, both Umrah and Hajj involved the sacred sites in Makkah. there are notable differences, between the two:
- Obligation
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage and is an optional act of worship. Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, and is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim who has the financial means to undertake the journey.
- Time & Duration
Umrah can be performed at any time throughout the year, except for the days of Hajj. It can be completed in a shorter duration than Hajj, typically within 2 hours.
There are two types of Umrah:
- Umrah al-Mufradah – this type is performed independently to Hajj and can be carried out at any point during the year, except during the days of Hajj.
- Umrah al-Tamattu – this type is performed in conjunction with Hajj and is normally carried out in the month of Dhul Hijjah, before the commencement of Hajj.
Hajj takes place during the specific days of Dhul Hijjah. from the 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. It is a longer pilgrimage that spans several days and involves various rituals and activities.
- Rituals
The rituals of Umrah include entering the state of Ihram (a sacred state of purity and dedication), passing the Miqat (the boundary from where it becomes necessary for pilgrims to enter Ihram) performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka’ba, carrying out Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa), and finally, either shaving the head (Halq) or trimming the hair (Taqsir).
Hajj comprises a set of additional rituals. These include spending time in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, performing specific prayers and supplications and stoning the pillars representing Shaytaan (Rami).
1) Type the departure airport of your choice.
2) Choose where you want to go first, Makkah or Madinah.
3) Enter the departure date.
4) Choose how many nights to stay in first location.
5) Select number of passengers.
6) Hotel rating is optional
7) Click on ‘Add Another Destination’
8) Choose the second destination, Makkah or Madinah.
9) Choose how many nights to stay in second location.
10) Click on ‘Search’
11) Select a flight of your choice (use filters to your advantage)
12) Select a hotel of first destination (Makkah or Madinah)
13) Select a hotel of second destination (Makkah or Madinah)
14) Add any optional Extras or Skip and Continue
15) Review your Umrah Package
16) Enter names of travellers as it appears on their passports
17) Date of birth and gender as on passport
18) Enter a mobile number with country code (e.g. 447777906036)
19) Enter an email address where you will receive all correspondences
20) Continue to next page and make payment.
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