How to Perform Umrah

By, Md Mizanur Rahman

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Introduction

Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that Muslims embark upon to seek Allah’s blessings, cleanse the soul, and fulfill a key Islamic ritual. While it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah is highly recommended and offers immense rewards for those who complete it. If you’re planning to perform Umrah, understanding the steps is essential to ensure your pilgrimage is accepted. This blog post will guide you through the entire process, from preparation to completion.

Step 1: Preparing for Umrah

Preparation is key when it comes to performing Umrah. Here are the essential things to consider before setting off:

• Spiritual Preparation: Purify your intention (niyyah). Umrah is solely for the sake of Allah, and this intention should be clear in your heart and mind.
• Physical Preparation: Ensure you are in good health, as Umrah involves walking long distances and performing various physical acts of worship.
• Financial Preparation: Make sure your trip is financed through halal means, and you have settled any debts or obligations before leaving.

Additionally, you will need to acquire the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity
• A visa for Umrah
• Proof of vaccinations as required by Saudi regulations

Step 2: Entering the State of Ihram

The journey of Umrah begins with entering the state of Ihram, a sacred state of purity. Here’s how you do it:

• Donning the Ihram Garments:
  • For men, Ihram consists of two white, unstitched cloths—one to cover the upper body and the other to cover the lower half.
  • For women, regular modest clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands suffices, but it must meet the Islamic standards of modesty.
• Reciting the Niyyah (Intention):
  • Before reaching the Miqat (the designated boundary for Ihram), make the intention to perform Umrah by saying, “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah,” meaning “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”
• Reciting the Talbiyah:
  • After making the intention, continuously recite the Talbiyah:
    “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
    Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

Step 3: Performing Tawaf

Upon arriving at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, you will perform Tawaf, which is one of the key rituals of Umrah.

• Starting Point: The Tawaf starts at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). It is a Sunnah to kiss or touch the stone, but if it is too crowded, you can simply raise your hand in its direction.
• Circumambulation: Complete seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba, keeping it to your left. Each time you pass the Black Stone, you may raise your right hand and say, “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
• Prayers During Tawaf: While performing Tawaf, it is recommended to recite prayers and supplications. You may also glorify Allah by saying “Subhanallah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar,” or make any personal duas (supplications).

Step 4: Performing Sa’i

After Tawaf, you will proceed to the next important ritual—Sa’i. This commemorates the running of Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water for her son Ismail (AS).

• Start at Safa: Begin the Sa’i at Safa by facing the Kaaba and making the intention to perform Sa’i. Then, recite:
  “Inna as-Safa wal-Marwah min sha’aairillah.”
  Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
• Walking Between Safa and Marwah: Walk briskly between the two hills seven times, starting from Safa and ending at Marwah. For men, it is Sunnah to run between the two green markers, while women should walk at a normal pace.
• Prayers During Sa’i: Just like in Tawaf, you can make personal duas or recite prayers during Sa’i.

Step 5: Shaving or Trimming Hair (Tahallul)

The final step of Umrah is to end the state of Ihram by shaving or trimming your hair:

• For Men: It is preferable to shave the entire head, as it signifies complete humility and submission to Allah. However, if you prefer, you may trim at least a portion of your hair.
• For Women: Women are required to cut a small portion of their hair, approximately the length of a fingertip, from the ends of their hair.

Conclusion

Once you’ve completed the above steps, your Umrah is complete. You may now return to your normal activities and enjoy the peace and spirituality of being in the holy city of Makkah. Performing Umrah is a profound experience that renews your faith, purifies the soul, and brings you closer to Allah.

We pray that Allah accepts your Umrah and grants you the opportunity to visit His sacred house time and again. May your journey be filled with blessings, and may you return home spiritually enriched.

Ready to perform Umrah? May Allah guide you every step of the way.