Millions of Muslims make the holy journey to Makkah every year as part of Umrah. However, Umrah is a choice to pray that has great spiritual benefits, while Hajj is something that all Muslims who can afford it and are physically able must do once in their lifetime. If this is your first time doing Umrah, this detailed guide will help you understand how to perform Umrah step by step and make sure you do it with seriousness and dedication.
Understanding Umrah
Umrah is a set of rituals that are done in and around Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram. It's sometimes called the "minor pilgrimage," and you can do it at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has set dates on the Islamic calendar.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Umrah
- Entering the State of Ihram
To do Umrah, the first thing you have to do is enter the holy state of Ihram, which means being pure and devoted.
Where to Wear Ihram?
- Before crossing the Miqat, which is the line around Makkah, you have to wear Ihram. Before you reach this border, you must take Ihram if you are traveling from outside of Makkah.
- To do another Umrah while already in Makkah, you can enter Ihram from Masjid Ayesha (also called Masjid at Tan'eem), which is the closest Miqat for people who live or visit Makkah.
How to Wear Ihram?
For men:
- Wear two white clothes that aren't sewn together. Wrap one around your waist and lay the other over your upper body.
- Be careful not to cover your head.
- Wear shoes that are plain and not stitched.
For women:
- Wear humble clothes that don't fit too tightly and cover your whole body except for your hands and face.
- Do not wear clothes that are too fancy or have a lot of embroidery.
Intention for Umrah (Niyyah)
Say these words before passing the Miqat to make the desire for Umrah:
"Labbayk Allahumma Umrah" (O Allah, I respond to Your call for Umrah)
Then, recite Talbiyah:
"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’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 and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.”
- Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
When you walk into Masjid al-Haram, make sure you put your right foot down and say:
"Bismillah, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa sallim, Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik."
How to Perform Tawaf?
- Start Tawaf from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), which is in the Kaaba's corner.
- If you can, kiss or touch the Black Stone. If this isn't possible because of the crowd, point it out.
- Do seven laps around the Kaaba, going counter-clockwise.
- Say prayers and supplications during Tawaf.
- When you're done with seven rounds, go to Maqam Ibrahim, offer two Rak’ahs of prayer, and drink Zamzam water.
- Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Go to Safa and Marwah, two small hills inside Masjid al-Haram, after Tawaf.
How to Perform Sa’i?
- "Inna as-Safa wa al-Marwah min sha’airillah" (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are from the signs of Allah)
- Complete seven rounds (each walk between Safa and Marwah counts as one round).
- When the lights turn green, guys should jog quickly between them, while women should walk regularly.
- Shaving (Halq) or Trimming (Taqsir) of Hair
- For men: It's better to shave the head, but cutting is also fine.
- For women: Just cut off a little bit (about an inch) of their hair at the end.
This means that Umrah is over. Once you're done with this step, you can take off your Ihram and go back to your normal life.
