Umrah is a beautiful act of worship that Muslims perform to seek Allah’s blessings and mercy. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. It is also called the ‘lesser pilgrimage’ and is a great way to refresh one’s faith, purify sins, and feel closer to Allah.
If you want to perform Umrah but are not sure how to do it, this guide will help you understand each step in simple and clear words.
1. Before You Begin: Prepare Yourself for Umrah
Before traveling to Makkah for Umrah, you should:
- Make Niyyah (Intention): Your heart should be sincere. You must make a clear intention that you are going to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah only.
- Get Necessary Documents: Arrange your passport, visa, travel tickets, hotel booking, and any required vaccinations.
- Learn About Umrah: Knowing the steps in advance will make your Umrah peaceful and easier.
- Pack Ihram Clothes: For men, Ihram is two white, unstitched sheets. For women, simple loose clothes covering the body are enough.
- Pray Before Leaving: Pray two rakats of traveling prayer (Salat-ul-Safar) before starting your journey.
2. Wearing Ihram and Intention of Umrah
Before crossing the boundary of Miqat (the place where Ihram becomes compulsory), you must do the following:
- Take a Bath (Ghusl): It is Sunnah to bathe before wearing Ihram.
- Wear Ihram: Men wear two white sheets, and women wear regular modest clothes covering the body.
- Pray Two Rakats (Optional): You can pray two rakats as Sunnah for Ihram.
- Make Niyyah and Say Talbiyah: Say the intention in your heart and recite this Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah”
Meaning: “O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah.”
Then keep repeating:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Shareeka Lak”
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
3. Entering Masjid Al-Haram
When you reach Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah:
- Enter with Right Foot: Step inside with your right foot and recite the Masjid Dua.
- See the Kaaba: When you first see the Holy Kaaba, stop and make any dua you want. This is a time when duas are accepted.
4. Perform Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
Tawaf is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Start at Hajar Aswad (Black Stone): Face the Black Stone and raise your hands like you do in prayer, and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”. If you can, touch or kiss the stone, but if not, just point towards it.
- Walk Seven Rounds: Walk around the Kaaba seven times. Each time you pass the Black Stone, say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar.” During the Tawaf, you can recite duas, Quranic verses, or praises of Allah from your heart.
- For Men – Raml (Quick Steps): In the first three rounds, men should walk briskly with small running steps (if possible). Women walk normally.
- Finish Tawaf: After completing seven rounds, stop near Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Prophet Ibrahim).
5. Pray Two Rakats near Maqam Ibrahim
After Tawaf:
- Pray Two Rakats: Offer two rakats of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the mosque. In the first rakat, it is Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun, and in the second, Surah Al-Ikhlas.
6. Drink Zamzam Water
After the two rakats:
- Drink Zamzam Water: This water is blessed. Before drinking, make a dua. You can also pour Zamzam water on your face.
7. Perform Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water, perform Sa’i.
- Go to Safa Hill: Begin at Safa Hill. Stand there, face the Kaaba, and raise your hands in dua.
- Walk to Marwah: Walk towards Marwah Hill. Between two green lights on the floor, men should run lightly; women walk normally.
- Reach Marwah: When you reach Marwah Hill, again raise your hands and make dua.
- Repeat: Complete seven rounds in total (Safa to Marwah is one round, Marwah to Safa is another). The Sa’i ends at Marwah.
8. Halq or Taqsir (Cutting Hair)
After Sa’i:
- For Men: Either shave all the hair (Halq) or cut the hair short evenly (Taqsir). Shaving is better if you are not performing Hajj soon.
- For Women: Women cut a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip.
9. Umrah is Complete!
When your hair is cut, Umrah is finished. You can now change into regular clothes. All restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
Important Tips for a Peaceful Umrah
- Stay Patient: There are crowds, so stay calm and kind.
- Keep Making Dua: Umrah is a time to get close to Allah. Make as many duas as you can.
- Follow Rules: Respect the rules of Ihram, such as no arguments, no harming anyone, and no cutting hair or nails during Ihram.
- Take Care of Health: Drink plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes when not in Ihram, and avoid over-exertion.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is an unforgettable and spiritual journey. Every step – from wearing Ihram to cutting your hair – reminds you of your devotion to Allah. By following these simple steps and having a sincere heart, your Umrah will become a source of blessings, peace, and forgiveness. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you His mercy. Ameen!