Welcome to our detailed guide on how to perform Umrah, a spiritual pilgrimage that holds immense significance in Islam. Embarking on this sacred journey is a deeply personal experience that offers profound reflection, renewal, and a closer connection to the divine.
Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of Umrah’s meaning and its rituals or it’s your first time preparing for Umrah, this blog post is designed to provide you with essential insights. From the initial preparations to the conclusion of this sacred act of worship, we’ll walk you through each step to perform Umrah, ensuring your pilgrimage is as spiritually rewarding as possible. Join us as we explore the rites and rituals of this holy pilgrimage in some simple steps.
What is Umrah?
For millions of Muslims around the globe, the dream of pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Makkah and Madinah is a lifelong aspiration. While the annual Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, Umrah, the ‘lesser pilgrimage’, remains a significant act of worship that can be performed year-round.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
The Umrah consists of several key rituals, each replicating distinct acts performed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and for many, as a symbolic re-enactment of the lifestyle of the early Muslim community. This guide helps you how to perform Umrah for beginners and females through easy step-by-step guidelines:
Entering the State of Ihram (Obligatory Act)
If it is possible, wear Ihram at the Miqat (designated boundary before proceeding to Mecca). Otherwise, if you are at home, take a bath, put on the Ihram garments, covering both shoulders, and perform two units of voluntary prayer.
For male pilgrims, this involves wearing two white, seamless pieces of cloth, and women are encouraged to wear simple, modest clothing.
Make Intention
If Ihram was worn at the Miqat, make the intention to perform Umrah there and recite the Talbiyah. However, if Ihram is worn at home or in your city, do not make the intention for Umrah immediately. Instead, wait until the plane takes off, then make the intention to perform Umrah and recite the Talbiyah during the journey until you reach the Masjid al-Haram. Once you entered the Ihram you were required to uphold some prohibitions/restrictions of the Ihram.
Istibaa
Upon entering the Mataf area, perform Istibaa (uncovering the right shoulder)
The Tawaf (Obligatory Act)
Upon entering the Kaaba, if it is not the time for obligatory congregational prayer, the first rite should be to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. It entails circling the Kaaba seven times. Each circuit begins and ends with the pilgrim kissing, touching, or pointing to the Black Stone, known as Al-Hajar Al-Aswad. This is obligatory Tawaf. There are seven more types of Tawwaf.
Ramal
If possible, perform Ramal during the first three circuits (which means walking briskly while slightly shaking the shoulders).
Istilam
Istilam (Touching or kissing the Black Stone) is preferred if possible; however, if direct contact is not feasible or if there is concern about overcrowding or being hesitant regarding fragrance in the state of Ihram, one can gesture towards it from a distance and then kiss one’s own hands.
Touching Rukn-e-Yamani
In each circuit, touch or gesture towards the Rukn-e-Yamani (the Yemeni corner) with your right hand only. If the opportunity is not available, then do not do anything else. Between the Rukn-e-Yamani and the Black Stone, recite the following supplication:
ربنا آتنا في الدنیا حسنةً وفي الآخرة حسنةً وقنا عذاب النار
Two Rak’ahs of Prayer after Tawaf
After performing Tawaf, it is obligatory to pray two Rak’ahs (units) of prayer. Therefore, if it is not disliked (makruh) timing, one should pray to them immediately. Otherwise, one should pray for them after the disliked time has ended. These two Rak’ahs are to be prayed facing the Kaaba with the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) in front. If the area near the Maqam Ibrahim is crowded, one may perform these Rak’ahs anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.
Iltizam (Holding the Wall of Kaaba)
Drink the water of Zamzam. If possible, make contact with the Multazam and offer heartfelt prayers. (These days, there is also congestion and fragrances there, so if you cannot make contact with it, stand nearby and pray without making contact).
The Sa’i (Wajib)
After drinking from the Zamzam, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which consists of walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates the search for water (which led to the discovery of the well of Zamzam) by the wife of Prophet Ibrahim.
Before leaving, it is recommended to kiss, touch, or point toward the Black Stone for the ninth time. Begin Sa’i from Safa and walk towards Marwa, completing one circuit. Then, walk back from Marwa to Safa, completing the second circuit. When you reach the area with green lights, run from there to the next area with green lights. Continue this pattern for a total of seven circuits.
After completing Sa’i, return to the Masjid al-Haram and offer two Rak’ahs of prayer. (Performing these two Rak’ahs is recommended but not obligatory. If they are not performed, the Umrah is still considered complete).
Dua’s to Recite During Sa’i
While ascending Safa, Read this dua:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللهِ، أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِه
While climbing up, face towards the Kaaba and say “Allahu Akbar” three times. Then recite the following supplication three times:
لاإله إلا الله وحده لا شریک له، له الملک وله الحمد یحيي ویمیت وهو على کل شيءٍ قدیر، لا إله إلا الله وحده، أنجز وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده
“There is no god but Allah, alone, without any partner. To Him belongs sovereignty, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is overall things competent. There is no god but Allah, alone. He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the [enemy] factions alone.”
After that, make any supplication for the well-being of this world and the Hereafter as you wish. Then descend from Safa and begin walking. And repeat it again and again
Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Wajib)
Upon completion of Sa’i, pilgrims exit the state of Ihram by either shaving their heads completely or trimming their hair. This act signifies the end of the Umrah rites and the pilgrim’s return to their normal state.
Obligations and Recommendations
Two obligatory (Fard) acts must be kept in mind while you perform Umrah i.e. putting on Ihram and performing Tawaf. Failure to complete these obligatory (Fard) acts will result in Umrah not being fulfilled.
Along with obligations, two recommended (Wajib) acts also be kept in mind while you perform Umrah i.e. performing Sa’i and trimming or shaving the hair. If one fails to fulfill these recommended acts, by mistake. It is mandatory for him/her to give Dum (sacrificing a goat) in the name of Allah
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spiritual voyage of Umrah is a beautiful and enriching experience, characterized by a series of sacred rituals that bring believers closer to their faith. Every pilgrim who is eager to go on this sacred journey must understand how to perform Umrah correctly. By following the step-by-step guide and understanding the procedure in detail, pilgrims can ensure they perform Umrah with reverence and devotion. Remember, the preparation for such a holy pilgrimage goes beyond physical readiness; it encompasses spiritual readiness as well.
Embark on your Umrah journey today with the right guidance and support. If you seek further clarity and wish to ensure your Umrah is performed correctly, consider seeking one-to-one coaching. This way, you can undertake this spiritually rewarding expedition with confidence and peace, fulfilling the rites with the profound understanding they warrant.