Umrah, frequently called the “lesser pilgrimage,” is a profoundly worthwhile spiritual adventure to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. For Muslims, it’s a risk to cleanse the soul, attempt to find forgiveness and deepen their reference to Allah (SWT). While it isn’t compulsory like Hajj, its virtues are tremendous. Performing Umrah correctly, following the practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – called the Sunnah – ensures you achieve its full blessings. This guide will walk you through every step in an easy, clean-to-understand manner. The adventure of Umrah begins long before you place your foot inside the sacred lands.
It starts with your intention and education, both spiritual and sensible. Many pilgrims planning this blessed journey consider various beginning factors. For those trying to embark on Umrah from Atlanta, there are regularly handy tour preparations and programs designed to ease the journey. Understanding the step-by-step process consistent with the Sunnah will help ensure your pilgrimage is well-known and brings you closer to Allah.
Step 1: Intention and Ihram – The Sacred State
The very first step is to purify your intention. Umrah must be performed solely for the sake of Allah.
Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state you enter before reaching specific designated points called Meeqat. These points mark the boundaries beyond which pilgrims cannot cross without being in Ihram.
- For Men: Remove all stitched clothing. Wear two unstitched white clothes: one wrapped around the waist covering the lower body, and the other draped over the upper body. Avoid wearing head coverings or shoes that cover the ankles. Simple sandals are permissible.
- For Women: Women no longer have a particular dress code for Ihram, like guys. They can wear modest Islamic apparel daily, ensuring their arms and faces are exposed. They must avoid carrying a niqab (face veil) and gloves.
Performing the Rituals of Ihram
- Ghusl (Ritual Bath): Ghusl (Ritual Bath): Before converting into Ihram attire, appearing in a full bathtub (Ghusl) to cleanse yourself is tremendously encouraged.
- Ablution (Wudu): If Ghusl isn’t possible, carry out Wudu (ablution).
- Fragrance: Men might also observe non-alcoholic fragrances on their bodies earlier than placing the Ihram clothes; however, no longer the clothes themselves.
- Fragrance: Men may apply non-alcoholic perfume to their bodies before putting on the Ihram clothes, but not the clothes themselves. Women may also use a light, non-obvious fragrance.
- Two Rak’ah Prayer: It is Sunnah to perform two rak’ahs (units) of prayer to enter Ihram.
- Niyyah (Intention): Make your intention. Say: “Allahumma labbaika Umrah” (O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah).
- Talbiyah: Once you’ve made your intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah aloud. This declaration marks your entry into Ihram.
- “Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wannimata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
- (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
- Recite the Talbiyah frequently and loudly (for men) throughout your journey to Mecca.
Prohibitions in Ihram: Certain exact behaviours are prohibited as soon as one is in the Ihram, together with cutting one’s nails, slicing one’s hair, using perfumes, searching, having intercourse, and carrying sewn clothing (for guys).
Step 2: Entering the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and Tawaf
When you arrive in Mecca, continue to the Grand Mosque. The invocation for getting into a mosque is “Bismillahi, Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin, Allahummaghfir li Dhunubi, aftah li Abwaba Rahmatik.” It is advised that you enter along with your right foot first.” (In the name of Allah, O Allah, ship blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, forgive my sins and open the gates of Your mercy for me.)
Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Start at the Black Stone: Begin Tawaf facing the Black Stone (Al-Hajar al-Aswad) at the corner of the Kaaba. If possible, kiss it; otherwise, point towards it with your right hand and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Seven Rounds: Perform seven rounds around the Kaaba. Each round starts and ends at the Black Stone.
- Ramal (for Men): If possible, men should perform Ramal (brisk walking with elevated chest) for the first three rounds and walk normally for the remaining four. Women walk normally for all seven rounds.
- Du’a and Dhikr: There are no unique supplications for every sphere, so you can recite any Quranic verses, make private Du’as, or perform Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). However, among the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, it’s Sunnah to recite: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.” (Our Lord, provide us in this international [that which is] correct and within the Hereafter [that which is] true and defend us from the punishment of the Fire.)
- Completion: After seven rounds, point towards the Black Stone one last time.
After Tawaf
- Two Rak’ah Prayer: Go to Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) and perform the two rak’ahs of prayer. You can pray anywhere within the Masjid al-Haram if it is too crowded. After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Kafiroon in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
- Drink Zamzam Water: Head to the Zamzam properly (or specified regions) and drink from the blessed Zamzam water, making Du’a.
Step 3: Sa’i – The Ritual Walk
Sa’i involves walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Start at Safa: Head to the hill of Safa. Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and recite: “Innas Safa wal Marwata min Sha’a’irillah…” (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah...) then say “Allahu Akbar” three times and make Du’a.
- Walk Towards Marwah: Walk from Safa towards Marwah. Between the green lights, it’s Sunnah for men to jog or run lightly; women walk normally.
- At Marwah: When you reach Marwah, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, say “Allahu Akbar” three times, and make Du’a, just as you did at Safa.
- Seven Rounds: This completes one round. You will perform seven such rounds, ending at Marwah. (Safa to Marwa is one, Marwa to Safa is two, and so on.)
- Du’a and Dhikr: Like Tawaf, there are no specific Duas for each segment of Sa’i, so engage in general remembrance of Allah and personal supplications.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir – The Hair Ritual
This is the final ritual of Umrah, signifying the completion of the pilgrimage and the exit from the state of Ihram.
- Halq (Shaving): It is highly recommended that men shave their heads completely. This is the most virtuous option.
- Taqsir (Trimming): Alternatively, men can trim their hair. For women, only a small portion of hair (about a fingertip’s length) must be cut.
Once you have performed Halq or Taqsir, you are out of the state of Ihram, and all the prohibitions are lifted.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a first-rate non-secular adventure that brings tremendous advantages and a profound connection to Allah (SWT). Following these steps in keeping with the Sunnah ensures your pilgrimage is completed successfully, leading to more spiritual rewards. Remember, the real essence of Umrah lies within the sincerity of your intention and the devotion you place into each step. As you intend your blessed adventure, ensuring the right Umrah package could make your pilgrimage clean and stress-free, allowing you to be entirely recognised for your spiritual growth. May Allah accept your Umrah and shower His blessings upon you.