In your search for spiritual fulfilment, you may have come across the sacred journey known as Umrah, an Islamic tour that is highly revered by Muslims worldwide. Unlike Hajj, which is imperative for those who can afford it and is performed during specific days of the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. If you’ve been searching for a detailed guide on how to perform Umrah, you’ve come to the right place. This article will break down the steps, requirements, and the significance of this act of worship.
Understanding the Significance of Umrah
Before you embark on this blessed journey, it’s essential to understand the spiritual sense of Umrah. Performing Umrah is not only a physical journey but also a deeply personal one. It’s an act of devotion and submission to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and blessings. Umrah is sometimes referred to as the “lesser tour” because it is not imperative like Hajj. However, its reward is immense, and those who perform it with sincere intention can cleanse themselves of their sins.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of Umrah, stating that performing it helps expiate sins committed between it and the next Umrah. This opportunity for spiritual renewal draws millions of Muslims from all over the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Preparation for Umrah
Just like any significant act of worship, preparation is key. The first step in your journey of learning how to perform Umrah is understanding the necessary preparations:
Spiritual Preparation: Before setting off, one should purify their heart and renew their intentions (niyyah). Performing Umrah should be done solely for the sake of Allah, free from any desire for fame, recognition, or worldly gain.
Physical Preparation: Since Umrah involves considerable physical exertion, it’s crucial to be in good health. Walking long distances, especially in the heat, can be tiring, so be sure to be physically fit.
Travel Arrangements: Book your flights and accommodation early, especially if you plan to go during busy times. You will also need to obtain an Umrah visa. Your local mosque or travel agency can assist with this, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork. It’s a good idea to work with trusted service providers like Hajj Umrah Travels to ensure a smooth and well-organized journey.
Guide on Perform Umrah
Now that you’ve prepared yourself spiritually, physically, and logistically, it’s time to focus on the rituals of Umrah itself. Understanding how to perform Umrah correctly is essential to ensure that your pilgrimage is accepted by Allah. The pilgrimage consists of several key stages:
1. Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state that all pilgrims must enter before starting Umrah. To do so:
Bathing and Cleanliness: Before entering the state of Ihram, you must take a full-body ablution bath (ghusl) and wear your Ihram garments. For men, this consists of two unstitched white cloths: one to wrap around the waist and the other over the shoulders. Women should wear simple, modest clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands.
Niyyah (Intention): After donning the Ihram, pilgrims should make the intention (niyyah) to perform Umrah by reciting, “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah). This intention should be made from one of the designated Miqats (places outside of Makkah where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram).
Talbiyah Recitation: Throughout the journey to Makkah, it is recommended to continuously recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa-n-ni’mata laka wa-l-mulk, la sharika lak” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, favor, and dominion are Yours, You have no partner).
2. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
Once you arrive at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, you will perform the Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Each round begins at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad), which is located in one corner of the Kaaba.
Start at the Black Stone: If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone, but if you cannot reach it, simply raise your hand toward it and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
Seven Circuits: Complete seven circuits, ensuring that you remain focused on your prayers and remembrance of Allah. This act symbolizes the unity of Muslims in worshipping the one true God.
Pray Behind Maqam Ibrahim: After completing Tawaf, proceed to pray two units (rakat) of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Prophet Ibrahim). This is a recommended Sunnah.
3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After performing Tawaf, the next step is Sa’i, which commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail. Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located inside the Masjid al-Haram.
Start at Safa: Begin at Safa by facing the Kaaba, raising your hands in prayer, and reciting: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…” (Quran 2:158).
Walk and Run: You will walk between Safa and Marwah seven times, covering a distance of approximately 3.5 kilometers. Men are encouraged to run between the two markers known as the green lights, while women should walk at a normal pace.
4. Haircut or Shaving (Tahalul)
The final step of Umrah is Tahalul, which marks the end of the pilgrimage. For men, this involves shaving their heads (which is highly recommended) or cutting their hair short. Women, on the other hand, should cut a small portion of their hair, roughly the length of a fingertip.
After completing the Tahalul, you are no longer in the state of Ihram, and your Umrah is complete. You are free to exit the state of Ihram and resume your normal activities.
Conclusion
Umrah is a profound spiritual journey that allows Muslims to reconnect with their faith and seek forgiveness from Allah. Understanding how to perform Umrah ensures that you can complete the pilgrimage with sincerity and devotion. From entering the state of Ihram to performing the rituals of Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahalul, each step of Umrah has deep spiritual significance and should be performed with mindfulness.
By following this guide on how to perform Umrah, you can prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually for this blessed journey. Whether it’s your first time performing Umrah or you are returning for a second or third visit, remember that this act of worship is a personal dialogue between you and Allah. May your pilgrimage be accepted, and may you return with renewed faith and blessings.