Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah
Each year Several Muslims begin this holy journey to seek mercy, repent for past sins and start a new life shadowed by Islamic Teachings and themes. Although the obligation is not necessary and required in Islam. It is a Sunnah as the holy Prophet PBUH performed multiple Umrah in his life and marked its importance, saying:
“There is an elimination of sins between one Umrah to another for Muslims.”
Here are the basic and necessary steps of Umrah:
Preparation before Departing:
When planning your sacred journey, the pre-Umrah prep is necessary to enjoy a practically and spiritually well-planned journey.
• Before booking your preferred Umrah packages, it is wise to consult your doctor and do a complete health checkup.
• Start with true and sincere intention
• Travel with a reliable, ATOL-protected and certified Travel agency
• Pack only necessary and light
• Complete and double check your travel documents and travel necessities
• Secures your visa and passport to support entry in KSA and Umrah activities
• Pack a medical kit, prayer items, and travel vitals
• Memorise duas to recite in Mecca and Madinah
• Practice rituals at home
• Preparing mentally and physically helps you to enjoy a smooth and spiritually focused trip.
Step-1: Entering the State of Ihram Properly
Ihram is the very first official step of Umrah. It is a holy state in which pilgrims remove their clothes and wear two white plain sheets (MEN) and covering, modest clothes (WOMEN) without covering the face and hands. It is necessary to do a Gusal, ambulation and wear neat Ihram. Men can use unscented perfumes, and perform two Rakat nwafil (Sunnah) as a thanks. Set your intention (true and sincere) and start reciting Talbiyah saying:
“Allahumma labbaika Umrah”
Entering into the state of Ihram symbolises removing the worldly tensions and stress behind and surrendering in front of the creator of Kingdoms. The step marks the beginning of Umrah from any Meeqat point.
Step-2: Making the Intention (Niyyah) and Reciting the Talbiyah
Niyyah (Intention) is the most important part of Umrah. After entering to the state of Ihram, pilgrims set a sincere and faithful intention saying:
“Allahumma labbayka”
Pilgrims must continue reciting the Talbiyah quietly and from the core of their hearts. Men should recite it loudly and women are advised to recite it softly under their breath. It highlights your compassion and submission to Allah. Repeat the verse continuously in your hotel, in the Haramain, while travelling and whenever you find some free time.
Step-3: Arriving in Makkah and Madinah to perform rituals
Once you are don e with your intention and Ihram, now is the time to move towards the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah to perform Umrah rituals. Enter the cities with respect and gratitude. Go to your hotel and take some necessary rest before moving to Harmain. After getting freshened up head to Masjid al-Haram and proceed towards completing Tawaf while reciting Dua.
In Madinah visit Masjid al-Nabawi and the grave of Prophet (May peace be upon him) with gratitude and respect and offer peace upon him while reciting Durood. Stay positive and help others as good deeds here multiply so do the bad deeds too, so refrain from them.
Step-4: Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
Tawaf is heart ritual of Umrah obligation involving the circumambulating Kaaba from Black Stone. The history of Tawaf dates back to the time of Hazrat Ibrahim AS when he with his son built the Kaaba, made Tawaf and recite Dua. The proven suannh is to recite:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
Between the Yameni corner to Black Stone. It is necessary to complete the seven rounds in a hurried walk (MEN) and soft walking (WOMEN) to complete the ritual. If your physical situations don’t allow so, you can complete them at normal pace or can opt for health aids.
Step-5: praying at Maqam Ibrahim
After finalizing the Tawaf travelers move towards Maqam Ibrahim to make two Raka’t prayers, honouring the endurance, unshakable faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim AS. Perform the Nawafil following the Sunnah: Surah al-Kafirun in first raka’t and Surah al-Ikhlas in second one. After completing the rituals move towards the well of Zamzam and drink plenty of water with your right hand and a true intention. Splash some water on your face and body ad seek forgiveness and blessings.
Step-6: Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah Hills
Sa’i involves walking between the Hills of Safa and Marwa. The importance of these hills is stated in Quran, Surah al-Baqrah as:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”
The history of Sa’i dates back to the trial of Hazrat Hajar AS when she ran between the hills in search of water for her infant baby- Ismail AS in the desert. The ritual of Sa’i is included in Umrah to honour the determination and unwavering trust in Allah. Pilgrims complete the ritual and make dua the seek strength and courage to walk on the path of Allah and His beloved PBUH.
Step-7: Shaving or Trimming the Hair to Complete Umrah
Halaq or Taqseer is the last ritual of Umrah marking the completion and after completing the ritual pilgrims can exit the state of Ihram. Men should shave their head completely and women can trim a fingertip length portion of their hair to complete the ritual. Once you complete the ritual, all the prohibitions are lifted and you can go back to normal worldly life to attend to your business.
Conclusion
Umrah is the first Islamic adventure filled with unmatched blessings and several divine rewards. It provides a thoughtful connection with the Almighty and connects the pilgrims with the ancient legacy of Islam and spirituality. Understanding the basic steps of Umrah are necessary to enjoy a spiritually enhanced experience.