How to Perform Umrah – Your Ultimate Guide

Learn how to perform Umrah with our comprehensive and ultimate guide. Discover step-by-step instructions and essential tips to make your Umrah journey a truly enriching experience.

For Online Quran Classes:

These Four essentials include How to Perform Umrah

a) Passing the Miqat in the state of Ihram
b) Performing Tawaf of the Ka’aba
c) Sa’i of Safa and Marwa
d) Completing the process of Halq (shaving) or Taqsir (shortening) of the hair.

Except the days of Hajj (pilgrimage), Umrah can be performed throughout the year. Although The process of  Umrah is included in the stages of Hajj, still it is not done during those special days, as Hajj itself is a tiring journey and demands energy.

How to Perform Umrah: Is Umrah an obligation?

Considering the life of Holy Prophet ﷺ it is clear that he  صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, performed Umrah four times during his entire life.
Islam has four prominent school of thoughts.
On the matter of either Umrah is obligation or sunnah, difference of opinion is found.

A) The Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought state that Umrah is not obligatory (Fardh), but they consider it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah). Performing Umrah is considered a rewarding act, but if it is left undone, there will be no punishment.

B) While, Shafi’i and Hanbali schools of thought heeds Umrah as an obligation.

How to Perform Umrah
How to Perform Umrah

Benefits of Umrah

  • Abu Hurairah narrate: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, ‘(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one).’ [Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]
  • Abdullah ibn Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the furnace removes impurity from iron.’ [Narrated in Sunan al-Nasa’i]

How to Perform Umrah:Types of Umrah

a) Umrah al-Mufradah

This can be performed independently, prior to Hajj, at any time of the year, except during the days of pilgrimage.

b) Umrah al-Tamattu

The package of Hajj includes and normally carries out the type of Umrah in the month of Dhul Hijjah, just before the commencement of Hajj or after its completion. People consider this to be the easiest type of Umrah.

Conditions for Performing Umrah

a) Being Mature:

One of the conditions needed to perform Umrah includes,reaching the stage of maturity which also refers to the age one hit puberty.

b) Sanity:

Mental stability of individual is necessary for performing Umrah.

c) Affordability:

Umrah falls under the category of rites that individuals can only perform if they have the financial capacity to afford it. In Islam, any person who does not have the means to cover the expenses is not obligated to perform Umrah.

d) Physical Fitness:

Umrah involves manual exercise and demands physical fitness. Ill or unfit person should wait to get well and then perform one.

Obligations (Wajibaat) of Umrah:

a) Wearing Ihraam from Meeqat(place)

b) After completion of Umrah Shaving the head or cutting the hair is obligation, unless due to any legal condition.

Omission of an Essential In Umrah:

Omitting any Fardh (obligation) during the rites of Umrah can invalidate it, requiring DAM (compensation) in the form of sacrificing a goat or sheep. However, Umrah remains valid if any non-obligatory (Wajib) rite is missed.

Four Essentials of Umrah:

a) Stage One:

Wearing of Ihram and Entering the State of Pilgrimage: Ihram (Arabic: إحرام) refers to the White cloth one has to wear prior to Umrah. It is worn before reaching Miqat (the designated place for dressing as per the necessity of Umrah). Those who cross the boundary without wearing Ihram must compensate as explained above.

a1) Essentials of Ihram:

  • Purifying the body 
  • Clipping the nails
  • Removing of the unwanted hair under the armpits
  • Trimming the moustache.
  • Bathing
  • Taking ghusl (bath) or at the very least, Wudhu (ablution).

a2) Ihram clothing needs:

  • For men, two sheets of white cloth.
  • For women, regular modest clothing is preferred.
  • It is recommended to put on the Ihram at the airport before departure.

a3) Salah of Ihram

  • Performming of the two Rakahs of Salah after wearing the Ihram.
  • Recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second after al-Fatiha.
  • Make Dua after the Salah.

a4) Niyyah(Making the intention clear in heart)

  • Niyyah for Umrah should be done at the airport to avoid any misadventure.
  • Removal of any clothing that may violate the conditions of Ihram should be done on urgent basis.
  • It is recommended to make a verbal intention which can be done in any language. However dua for intention is as follows:
  • لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَة
    Labbayka llāhumma ‘umratan.
  • O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

a5) Talbiyah. Recite the Talbiyah:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ –
Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.

[At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty is Yours. You have no partner.]

Men should chant the Talbiyah in hearable voice and women should recite it in their hearts or in low voice that shouldn’t be heard by any men.

a6) Dorood:

Send Salam(greetings) on the Prophet ﷺ and make Dua after pronouncing the Talbiyah.

a7) Proceed to Makkah:

While proceeding to Makkah while reciting Talbiyah, Dhikr and Salawat.

a8) Entering to Masjid al-Haram:

  • Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, step inside with your right foot, preferably through Bab al-Salam and recite the Dua of entering the mosque.
  • Keep your gaze lowered until you see the Kaaba. Upon seeing it, say Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa-llāh three times. •Raise your hands, make an abundance of Dua and send salam on the Prophet ﷺ.

b) Stage two: Tawaf – Circumambulation of the Kaaba:

b1) Uttering Dua:

  • Enter the Masjid Al-Haram with right foot first and recite the following Dua:

‏ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ ‏
 (Bismillah, was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah, Allahummagh-firli dhunubi waftah li abwaba rahmatika)

  • Translation: [ In the name of Allah, and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open the gates of Your mercy for me. (Ibn Majah: 771)]

b2) Looking at the Kabaa:

  • Upon sighting the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and pour your heart out in Duas as it is a place and an occasion of acceptance of Duas.
    Idtiba.
    Men need to uncover the right shoulder by passing the upper Ihram garment under the right armpit (Idtiba).

b3) Starting point:

Position yourself in line with the Hajar al-Aswad(The Black stone sent by Allah from heaven). This is the starting point of the Tawaf and easy to remember.

b4) Niyyah:

  • Make your Niyyah for Tawaf. A verbal intention is recommended.
    اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
    Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.
  • Translation: O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of the Sacred Mosque, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

b5) Istilam:

This refers to the act of Kissing or touching the Hajar al-Aswad if you can reach it. If it is beyond reach due to rush then gesture towards it from distance.To complete the stage of Istilam, one needs to raise their hands to their ears and say Bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar.

b6) First round

Start the first round of the Tawaf, and it should be made sure that the Ka’aba is on your left.

b7) Raml:

Men may walk briskly with the chest sticking out (Raml) in the first three Rounds. Don’t do this if there is too much congestion.

b8) Dhikr & Dua during Tawaf:

  • An individual may recite Quran, do Dhikr, make any Dua and send Salawat during Tawaf. Between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad, you can recite:
    رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
    Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba n-nār.
  • Translation: [O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.]

b9) End of Rounds:

Returning to the Hajar al-Aswad marks one circuit or round. Next start off the second by making Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad and saying Allāhu akbar.

b10) End of Tawaf:

Complete seven rounds continuously (unless Salah starts). You will finish doing Istilam eight times in totality.

b11) Ending the Idtiba:

Cover your right shoulder with your Ihram.

b12) Salah of Tawaf:

  • After completing the Tawaf, perform two Rakahs of Salah, preferably in a position where Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. If this is not possible, pray anywhere in the Masjid.
  • Recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second after al-Fatiha. Make Dua after the Salah.

b13) Zamzam:

Drink Zamzam water and make Dua.

b14) Multazam:

If possible, go to the area between the Hajar al-Aswad and Kaaba door (Multazam). Cling to the wall and make Dua. If it’s inaccessible, face it and make Dua.

b15) Final Istilam:

Before Sa’i, it’s recommended by scholars to make Istilam for the ninth time, which will be considered as the last one.

How to Perform Umrah
How to Perform Umrah

c) Stage three; Sa’i – Walking between Safa and Marwa:

c1) Proceed to Safa:

Go to the peak Safa and make Niyyah for Sa’i(rounds).

c2) Dua at Safa:

  • At Safa, face the Kaaba and say Takbir (Allāhu akbar)
  • Then say Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh)
  • And send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Make as much Dua as possible at this point.

c3) Proceed to Marwa:

On the way to Marwa, men should quicken their pace between the set of green lights. Women may continue normally.

c4) Dhikr & Dua:

Do Dhikr, Dua and Salawat of your own choice as you walk between the two peaks.

c5) Dua at peak Marwa:

After reaching Marwa, make Dua as done at Safa. This is one lap.

c6) Return to Safa:

Go back to Safa for the second round.

c7) End of Sa’i:

Repeat this until you have completed seven laps, which would finish at Marwa,respectively.

c8) Dua and Salah of Sa’i:

Make Dua and performs two Rakahs of Salah in the Masjid.

d) Stage 4; Halq or Taqsir – Shaving or Trimming the Hair:

  • Men have two options after completing the Sa’i:
    Halq: Shaving heads completely.
    Taqsir: Trimming small portion.
  • Women should only trim a small portion of their hair (around one inch) to fulfill the requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid during Umrah:

Rushing through the rituals:

Some pilgrims may rush through the Tawaf or Sa’i due to overcrowding or impatience ,which can result in hurting any one around. It is important to maintain calm and remain focused  throughout the process of Umrah.

Neglecting etiquettes and manners:

Never Neglect Good Manners and Etiquettes While Visiting the Ka’aba. Maintain Considerate Behavior Towards Fellow Worshippers and Avoid Arguments or Disputes.

Excessive engagement in worldly Affairs:

The core purpose of performing Umrah is spiritual reflection and connecting with Almighty Allah. It is essential to avoid any distractions, such as smartphones and unnecessary gossip, during this sacred journey

Lack of knowledge about the rituals:

Guides, on the way to perform Umrah, are available in multiple laguages,which should be bought to avoid any misadventure that may lead to compensation.

Taking cleanliness and hygiene for granted:

Cleanliness is half of the faith. Doing ablution and describing waste on its property designated place should be done.

Conclusion:

Umrah,in conclusion is the spiritual need and way to connect to with the creator of the whole universe. It is journey that changed the lives of people and made them aware of the reality of world. Every Muslim must pray to Almighty to give them a chance of visiting his Home one day.

List of Important Supplications

Leaving home:

  • بِسْمِ اللهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلي اللهِ، لَا حَوْلَ و لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا باللّه
  • Transliteration: Bismillahi Tawakkaltu Alallahi wa La Hawla wa La Quwwata Illa Billahi.

For when getting on a vehicle:

  • سُبْحَانَ الذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَ مَا كُنَّا لهُ مُقْرِنِيْنَ
  • Transliteration: Subhanallazi Sakhkhara Lana Haza wa Ma Kunna Lahul Muqrinin.

Entering Umrah:

  • اللّهُمَّ إِنّي أُرِيْدُ العُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وتَقَبَّلْها مَنِّي
    Transliteration: Allahumma Inni Uridul Umrata Fayassirha li wa Taqabballha Minni
    Talbiyah
  • لَبَّيّك اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيَك. لَبَّيّك لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيّك. إنَّ الحَمْدَ و النِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَ الْمُلْكَ. لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
    Transliteration: Labbayak Allahumma Labbayak. Labbayak La Sharika Laka Labbayak. Innal Hamda wan Ni’mata Laka wal Mulka. La Sharika Laka./Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

For entering the Masjid:

  • بِسْمِ اللهِ والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلَامُ عَلي رَسُوُلِ اللهِ اللَّهُمَّ افْتحْ لِي أبْوابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
  • Transliteration: Bismillahi was Salatu was Salamu ‘Ala Rasulillahi, Allahummaftah-li Abwaba Rahmatik

When seeing the Ka’bah:

  • اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلهَ إلّا اللهُ
  • Transliteration: Allah Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah.

Between Rukn Yamani and Hajar Aswad:

  • رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فَي الدّنْيَا حَسَنَةً و فِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
  • Transliteration: Rabbana Atina fid Dunya Hasanatan wa fil Akhirati Hasanatan Waqina Azabannar.
  • Translation: Our Lord, give us the best in this world and the best in akirah and save us from the fire of hell

When drinking for Zam Zam:

  • اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا و شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاْءٍ
  • Transliteration: Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘Ilman Nafi’an wa Rizqan Wasi’an wa Shifa’an Kulli Da’.

Dua to read when starting Sa’i:

  • اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيْدُ السَّعْيَ بَيْنَ الصَّفَا و الْمَرْوَةَ سَبْعَةَ أشْوَاطٍ لِلّهِ تَعَالي عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
  • Transliteration: Allahumma Inni Uridus Sa’ya Baynas Safa wal Marwata Sab’ata Ashwatin lillahi Ta’ala Azza wa Jalla Fayassirhu Li Wa Taqabbal Minni

Takbir Tashreeq:

  • اللّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبِرُ، لَا إلَهَ إلّا اللهُ، وَ اللّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَ للّهِ الحَمْد
  • Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illalla, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd

May Allah bless every Muslim with the ability to perform Umrah in his/her life. Ameen

FAQs:

Q1)What is Umrah?

A1) Umrah is a religious practice, mafe by Muslims across the world, to the holy city of Mecca.

Q2)When can I perform Umrah?

A2) Except for the days of Hajj, pilgrims can perform Umrah at any time of the year without any specific dates or restrictions.

Q3)Do I need to be in a state of Ihram for Umrah?

A3) Yes, Ihram refers to the white cloth and is a sacred state of consecration that one must enter before performing Umrah.

Q4) How do I enter the state of Ihram?

A4) To wear Ihram, you need to make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah, follow the rules of Ihram,as mentioned above.

Q5) Can I perform Umrah without Hajj?

A5) Yes, Umrah can be performed independently without the restriction of performing Hajj, and it is known as the Umrah Al-Mufradah

Q6) What are the rituals of Umrah?

A6) The main rituals of Umrah include Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the peaks of Safa and Marwah), and trimming or shaving the hair.

Q7) Do I need a visa to perform Umrah?

A7) Yes, you will require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah,and it can be obtained  through an authorized travel agent or agency.

Q8) Is there an age limit for performing Umrah?


A8) No, there is no specific age limit for performing Umrah. However, young children and elderly individuals may face physical challenges.

Q9) Is it necessary to be physically fit for Umrah?

A9) While there is no strict fitness requirement, being in reasonable physical condition is beneficial due to the manual exercise involved.

Q10)How long does it take to complete Umrah?

A10)The duration of Umrah varies from person to person, but it typically takes a few hours to complete all the rituals.

Q11) Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan?

A11) Yes, Umrah during Ramadan is highly rewarding, and the holy month attracts a large number of pilgrims.

Q12) Can I perform Umrah multiple times?

A12) Yes, you can perform Umrah multiple times in your life, as there is no restriction on the number of times.

Q13) Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?

A13) Yes,  Umrah can be performed on behalf of someone else, a deceased person, or for those who are unable to do it themselves.

Q14) What are the restrictions during Ihram?

  • Using scented products
  • Cutting hair
  • Engaging in sexual activities.

Q15) Can I combine Umrah and Hajj in one trip?

A15) Yes, you can combine Umrah and Hajj in one journey, known as Hajj Tamattu, which involves performing Umrah first, followed by Hajj.

Q16) Are there specific prayers for Umrah?

A16) There are no specific obligatory prayers exclusively for Umrah, but performing voluntary prayers (Nafl) is encouraged during the pilgrimage.

Q17) Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

A17) It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to ensure a comfortable stay during your time in Mecca. Various agencies are working on booking process to make it easy for performers.

Q18) What should I do if I get sick during Umrah?

A18) If you fall ill during Umrah, seek medical attention, and focus on recovering before continuing with the pilgrimage.

Q19) Can I perform Umrah if I am menstruating?

A19) Women in their menstruation period cannot perform Umrah. They can complete the rituals once their cycle ends.

Q20) Is there any specific dress code for Umrah?

A20) Men must wear the traditional white, seamless two-piece garment, while women are required to dress modestly, covering their entire body except their face and hands.

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