In this Umrah guide, I will teach you how you can perform Umrah, the blessed pilgrimage that holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.
Below is an overview of the rituals of Umrah:
- Start by entering the state of Ihram, wearing the special garments, and making the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah.
- Recite the Talbiyah prayer continuously while traveling to Mecca.
- Upon entering Masjid al Haram, recite the designated supplication and make a dua upon seeing the Kaaba.
- Next, perform Tawaf by walking around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, beginning at the Black Stone.
- After Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water.
- Then, perform Sa’i by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Finally, men should shave or trim their hair, and women should cut a small portion, completing the Umrah.
How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide
Performing Umrah is a deeply meaningful and spiritual journey for Muslims. As a US pilgrim, it’s essential to understand each step to ensure a fulfilling experience. This guide provides simple, easy-to-follow instructions on how you can do Umrah.
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
What is Ihram?
Ihram is a sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It involves wearing special garments and making a clear intention to perform the pilgrimage. Ihram signifies purity, humility, and the intent to seek closeness to Allah.
How to Wear the Ihram Garments
- For Men: Wear two pieces of white, unstitched cloth. One is wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body, and the other is draped over the shoulders. Avoid wearing any sewn clothing or undergarments.
- For Women: Wear modest clothing that covers the entire body, except for the face and hands. A simple abaya and headscarf are common choices. Women should avoid using perfumes or makeup.
Reciting the Niyyah (Intention) and Talbiyah
Before crossing the Miqat (the designated boundary), make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah. Say:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labbayk Allahumma Umrah (O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah)
After making the intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal-Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.
Continue reciting the Talbiyah frequently as you travel towards Mecca.
Step 2: Entering Masjid al Haram
Upon arrival in Mecca, proceed to Masjid al Haram, the mosque that houses the Kaaba.
Entering with the Right Foot: As you enter the mosque, step in with your right foot and recite the following supplication (dua):
اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ، وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ.
Allahumma haadha haramuka wa amnuka faharrimnee ‘ala an-naar, wa aminnee min ‘adhaabika yawma tab’athu ‘ibaadaka, waj’alnee min awliyaa’ika wa ahli taa’atika.
O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and place of safety. So make me forbidden to the Fire, grant me security from Your punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your close friends and those obedient to You.
Seeing the Kaaba: When you first see the Kaaba, stop and make a heartfelt dua, as this is a moment when prayers are accepted. You may say:
اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ أَهْلَ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً.
Allahumma zid haadh al-bayt tashreefan wa ta’zheeman wa takreeman wa mahabatan, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman hajjahu awi’tamarahu tashreefan wa ta’zheeman wa takreeman wa birran.
O Allah, increase this House in honor, nobility, and reverence, and increase in honor and nobility those who honor it and perform Hajj and Umrah here.
Step 3: Tawaf
What is Tawaf, and its Significance?
Tawaf is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. It symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of the One Allah, with Muslims moving in harmony around the center of their faith.
How to Perform Tawaf:
- Start from the Black Stone: Begin Tawaf at the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) is located. If possible, touch or kiss the stone. If not, point towards it with your right hand and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Walk Around the Kaaba: Move counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, keeping it on your left side. Complete seven rounds.
- Maintain Humility and Devotion: Walk calmly, reflecting on your purpose and maintaining a focus on worship.
Important Prayers and Supplications During Tawaf
While performing Tawaf, you can recite prayers, supplications (duas), and Quranic verses. One recommended dua is:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wafil akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar
Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
After Tawaf
- Pray at Maqam Ibrahim: After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Abraham). If the area is crowded, you may pray anywhere in the mosque.
- Drink Zamzam Water: Proceed to drink Zamzam water, available within the mosque, and make a dua for your needs.
Step 4: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, head to Safa to start Sa’i. Stand on the hill, face the Kaaba, and recite:
ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna ṣ-ṣafā wa l-marwata min sha’ā’iri llāh(i)
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah
After the above dua, say this:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.
I begin with that which Allah has begun with.
Walk quickly between the two green markers, then walk normally for the rest of the distance. When you reach Marwah, go up the hill and repeat the same procedure you did at Safa. This counts as one round. Complete seven circuits in total, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
While walking, engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), supplications, and prayers.
Step 5: Halq or Taqsir (Cutting/Shaving the Hair)
- For Men: After completing Sa’i, men should shave their heads completely, which is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice). Alternatively, they can trim at least a quarter of their hair.
- For Women: Women should cut a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip.
Cutting the hair signifies the end of Ihram, marking the completion of Umrah. After this, you are no longer in the state of Ihram and can resume normal activities.
How to Perform Umrah for Ladies
The basic rituals are the same for both men and women, but there are some specific considerations for women. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how women can perform Umrah:
Ihram Clothing:
Women wear modest, loose-fitting clothes like an abaya and a headscarf that cover the entire body, except the face and hands. They do not have to wear specific colors or unstitched garments as men do.
Prohibition of Perfume and Makeup:
Women must avoid wearing any perfume or makeup while in the state of Ihram.
Tawaf:
Women are not required to uncover their right shoulder or jog during Tawaf, as men sometimes do. They should maintain a normal, modest pace throughout.
Sa’i:
Women perform Sa’i in the same manner as men, but without any specific requirement to hasten their pace between the green markers. They can maintain a normal walking pace.
Halq or Taqsir
Instead of shaving their heads, women trim a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip, to symbolize the end of the state of Ihram.
