Here’s the step by step guide on how one can perform Umrah. First of all one should know that Umrah is a significant act of worship for Muslims, symbolizing devotion and submission to Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not time-specific and can be performed at any time of the year. This step-by-step guide ensures that every aspect of performing Umrah is covered, making it easier for first-time pilgrims to understand and fulfill this spiritual journey.
Umrah is a willing pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. It holds huge spiritual value as a means to seek Allah’s forgiveness and strengthen of one’s faith. While it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended for those who are physically and financially capable. So it is very necessary for all to know about the complete process of how to perform Umrah?, and at the bottom the complete and step by step guide on how to perform Umrah?
Importance of Umrah
Umrah is an elective pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah Umrah that’s why it is very necessary to know that how to perform Umrah because it holds great spiritual significance in Islam. Umrah offers Muslims a chance to seek forgiveness, cleanse themselves from sins, and strengthen their connection with Allah. By performing Umrah, Muslims follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and experience a sense of unity with fellow believers from around the world. It is a deeply fulfilling journey that enhances one’s faith and provides spiritual renewal.
Meeqaat and Ihram: The Sacred Beginning of Umrah
- Here’s started the method of Umrah that how to perform Umrah?
If your flight is to Jeddah:
You should wear Ihram before departing from the Pakistan airport itself. This is because Jeddah is the primary entry point for pilgrims arriving for Umrah, and you will cross the Meeqaat (usually Yalamlam) while still in the air. Thus, it is better to enter the state of Ihram at the airport in Pakistan.
If your flight is to Riyadh:
If you have connected flight, you can also wear Ihram at the Riyadh airport before your connecting flight to Jeddah. However, if you plan to enter the state of Ihram earlier, you can do so in Pakistan before your departure, but it is permissible to do it at Riyadh airport too.General Information:
In both cases, Ihram should be worn before reaching the Meeqaat, which is a designated boundary point. For most flights from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, the required Meeqaat is Yalamlam, and you should enter Ihram before you pass this point, which typically happens during your flight.
Remember that once in Ihram, certain actions like cutting hair, nails, or engaging in intimate relations are prohibited, so it’s essential to follow these guidelines strictly during your journey.
Complete Method of Wearing Ihram: For Men and Women
For Men:
- Preparation:
Before entering the state of Ihram, everyone will must take (Bath) or a full body wash (Ghusl). Moreover clean yourself by trimming nails, cutting hair, and cleaning the pubic area and armpits.
2. Dress for Ihram:
- Men should remove their sewn clothes. They are required to wear two unstitched pieces of cloth:
- Izar: The lower cloth wrapped around the waist, covering the area from the navel to the ankles.
- Rida: The upper cloth draped over the shoulder and covering the upper body.
- Both pieces should be simple, white, and free from any stitching or sewing.
- Men should remove their sewn clothes. They are required to wear two unstitched pieces of cloth:
3. Intention (Niyyah):
After wearing the Ihram Dress you should read Dua for Umrah Niyyah or Intension. These are the main points of Niyyah:
The first one is stand at the designated Meeqaat (boundary point) or on the plane as it approaches the Meeqaat.
After that make Intensions (Niyyah) in your heart after enter the state of Ihram for Umrah. At this point, say this DUA (Talbiyah) loudly, saying 3 times is best:
اللّهُمّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي وَأَعِنِّي عَلَيْهَا وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيهَا نَوَيْتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَأَحْرَمْتُ بِهَا لِلّهِ تَعَالَى”
اے اللہ، میں عمرہ کرنا چاہتا ہوں، تو اسے میرے لیے آسان کر دے، اسے مجھ سے قبول فرما، مجھے اس میں مدد دے اور اس میں برکت دے۔ میں نے عمرہ کرنے کی نیت کی ہے اور اس کے لیے باندھا ہے اللہ کے لیے، بلند و بالا ہے۔”
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me, accept it from me, help me with it, and bless me in it. I have made the intention for Umrah, and I have entered into the state of Ihram for it, for the sake of Allah, the Almighty.
4. Reciting Talbiyah:
After the Intensions or Niyyah, continuously recite Talbiyah as you begin the journey:
“لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ”
(Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Laka)
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
5. Restrictions in Ihram:
There are certain restrictions in the state of Ihram while you are in Ihram, remember don’t do this these things such as cutting hair or nails, avoiding intimate relations, and refraining from using perfume.
For Women:
Preparation:
- The preparation method is same like me, women should perform Ghusl (full body wash) or Wudu (ablution). Trim their nails and remove any unwanted hair, including the pubic area and armpits.
Dress for Ihram:
The dress or Ihram is totally change of women than men:- Women should wear their usual clothes, ensuring they covered their whole body, including head. The clothes should be simple and free of any adornment or stitching. A headscarf or veil is necessary to cover the head and face.
- Women do not need to wear the special Ihram cloth like men but must ensure that their attire does not touch their face directly.
Intention (Niyyah):
Niyyah method is also same like men, women should make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah in their heart before reaching Meeqaat or as the plane approaches the Meeqaat.
The intention should be for Umrah, and you should recite the following Talbiyah in your heart, while speaking it softly if desired:
اللّهُمّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي وَأَعِنِّي عَلَيْهَا وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيهَا نَوَيْتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَأَحْرَمْتُ بِهَا لِلّهِ تَعَالَى”
(اے اللہ، میں عمرہ کرنا چاہتا ہوں، تو اسے میرے لیے آسان کر دے، اسے مجھ سے قبول فرما، مجھے اس میں مدد دے اور اس میں برکت دے۔ میں نے عمرہ کرنے کی نیت کی ہے اور اس کے لیے Ihram باندھا ہے اللہ کے لیے، بلند و بالا ہے۔”
)O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me, accept it from me, help me with it, and bless me in it. I have made the intention for Umrah, and I have entered into the state of Ihram for it, for the sake of Allah, the Almighty.
Reciting Talbiyah:
Women should also recite the Talbiyah aloud, as follows:
“لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ”
(Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Laka)
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Restrictions in Ihram:
- Women also must follow the restrictions of Ihram, there are certain things include in it like don’t cut your hairs or nails, refraining from intimate relations, and avoiding perfume.
This is the complete method of Ihram for both men and women. Once you are in Ihram, remember to hold the guidelines and restrictions to maintain its blessedness.
Conditions to Follow After Entering the State of Ihram
Arriving at Masjid al-Haram
Entering at Masjid al-Haram before performing Tawaf is a significant step to Umrah journey. Here’s a detailed method to follow:
1. Entering Masjid al-Haram:
Entering with Respect:
When you enter at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, ensure that you maintain a state of physical and spiritual cleanliness. When you enter the mosque, it is recommended to:- Do Wudu (ablution) if you haven’t already.
- Dress appropriately like wearing clean and simple clothes.
Du’a for Entering the Mosque:
When you entered in the mosque, recite the following Dua:“اللّهُمّ اجعل في قلبنا نوراً وفي أيدينا نوراً وفي أرجلنا نوراً وفي مسامعنا نوراً وفي أبصارنا نوراً”
(Allahumma ajil fi qulubina nooran wa fi ayidina nooran wa fi arjulina nooran wa fi masami’ina nooran wa fi absarina nooran)
“O Allah, place light in our hearts, and light in our hands, and light in our feet, and light in our hearing, and light in our sight.”
2. Entering the Holy Area Near the Kaaba:
First Glimpse on Kaaba:
As you entered the area of Masjid-e-Haraam where the Kaaba is located, you may be overcome with devotion and respect. Take a moment to stand and gaze at the Kaaba, the direction of prayer for Muslims around the world.- Making Du’a:
It is recommended that you should pray and make heartfelt prayers at this moment, ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy and blessings for yourself and others.
- Making Du’a:
Tawaf (seven rounds of the Kaaba)
Tawaf is one of the essential rituals of Umrah, and it involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Below is the detailed method of performing Tawaf, along with the addition of starting from the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Prophet Ibrahim).
1. Prepare for Tawaf:
Do Wudu (Ablution): Before beginning Tawaf, make sure you are in a state of ritual purity by Wudu (ablution). If necessary, you can perform Ghusl (full body wash).
Dress Appropriately Ensure that you are wearing clean, simple clothes. Men should be in Ihram, while women should be dressed in their usual modest clothing.
2. Enter in Masjid al-Haram:
As you approach the Kaaba, it is recommended to enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot first and say the following Du’a:
“اللّهُمّ اجعل في قلبنا نوراً وفي أيدينا نوراً وفي أرجلنا نوراً وفي مسامعنا نوراً وفي أبصارنا نوراً”
(Allahumma ajil fi qulubina nooran wa fi ayidina nooran wa fi arjulina nooran wa fi masami’ina nooran wa fi absarina nooran)
“O Allah, place light in our hearts, and light in our hands, and light in our feet, and light in our hearing, and light in our sight.”
3. First Glimpse of the Kaaba:
When you first see the Kaaba, stand still for a moment and make Du’a. You can ask Allah for forgiveness and blessings for yourself, your family, and all Muslims.
4. Starting Tawaf from Maqam Ibrahim:
Intention (Niyyah) for Tawaf: Before beginning the Tawaf, make the intention in your heart that you are performing Tawaf as part of your Umrah.
Positioning at Maqam Ibrahim: The Tawaf begins at the Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Prophet Ibrahim). This is where the first round of Tawaf will begin. You will start the Tawaf by walking towards the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), which is located at the corner of the Kaaba.
If possible, touch the Black Stone with your right hand, and if it’s crowded, simply point toward it with your right hand while saying:
“بِسْمِ اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ”
(Bismillahi Akbar)
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
5. Performing the Tawaf:
Direction of Tawaf:
Walk around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction, keeping the Kaaba to your left side. Each round of Tawaf should be performed in a calm and respectful manner.
Complete seven rounds of Tawaf. Each time you pass the Black Stone, you should either touch it or point toward it if you are unable to reach it due to the crowd.
Du’a During Tawaf:
While performing Tawaf, recite various Du’a (prayers) or make personal supplications. There is no fixed Du’a, and you may pray in any language for your needs and the needs of others.
Example Du’a:
“اللّهُمّ اجعلني من أهل البيت وأهل الله”
(Allahumma ajilni min ahl al-bayt wa ahl Allah)
“O Allah, make me from the family of the House (the Kaaba) and the family of Allah.”
6. Completing Tawaf:
Return to the Black Stone: After completing the seven rounds of Tawaf, return to the Black Stone. If possible, touch it with your right hand or point toward it, saying:
“بِسْمِ اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ”
(Bismillahi Akbar)
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”
7. Offering Two Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim:
Praying Two Rak’ahs: After completing Tawaf, it is highly recommended to pray two Rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Prophet Ibrahim). If there is no space in this area, you can pray anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.
After performing the two Rak’ahs, make Du’a for yourself, your family, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
8. Drinking Zamzam Water:
Drink Zamzam Water: After completing Tawaf and offering the two Rak’ahs, it is recommended to drink Zamzam water, which is available in the Masjid al-Haram. The water of Zamzam is blessed, and drinking it is a Sunnah (recommended practice).
Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
Sa’i is one of the main rituals of Umrah, and Hajj, Sa’i is where pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which symbolizes the journey of Hajar (the wife of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim(A,S) in search of water for her son, Isma’il (Ishmael). This act follows the Tawaf and holds great significance in Islamic tradition.
Starting Sa’i from Safa:
Sa’i will be start from hill of Safa you will stand at the Safa hill facing the Kaaba and make Niyyah (for Sa’i) in your heart that “now you are performing Sa’i for Umrah”. This is a willing action and it is necessary to focus on the spiritual significance of this ritual.
Du’a at Safa: As you strar Sa’i, raise your hands and recite the following Du’a, facing the Kaaba:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ، فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي
سَبْعَةَ أَشْوَاطٍ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُor you can recite this Dua also
“إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَـٰٓئِرِ ٱللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
“(Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’iri Allah, faman hajja al-Bayt awi’tamara, falaa junaaha ‘alayhi ayatawwafa bihima)
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them.”After this, recite Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and then begin walking towards Marwah.
Walking Between Safa and Marwah:
Walking Between Safa and Marwah: The Sa’i consists of seven rounds in total. Start walking from Safa towards Marwah. After reaching Marwah, this counts as one round.
Men’s Action: Men should walk briskly between the markers (from Safa to Marwah and vice versa). When passing the markers between Safa and Marwah, it is recommended to walk faster, especially in the middle portion.
Women’s Action: Women should walk at a normal pace, without needing to rush between the two hills.
Du’a During Sa’i:
Recite Du’a While Walking: While performing Sa’i, you can recite any supplications (Du’a) you like. It is an opportunity to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. There is no prescribed Du’a, but here is an example:
“رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ”
(Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khayru ar-rahimeen)
“My Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.”It is your choice that you can also make personal prayers for your needs, family, and the Muslim Ummah.
Reaching Marwah:
Completing the Round: When you reach Marwah, stand facing the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make Du’a. This completes one round of Sa’i.
Du’a at Marwah (Similar to Safa):
“اللّهُمّ اجعلها لنا سعيًا مقبولًا”
(Allahumma ajilna sa’yan maqboolan)
“O Allah, accept this as a good and accepted effort.”Continue the Rounds: After making Du’a at Marwah, turn back and walk towards Safa. Repeat this process until you complete seven rounds (starting and ending at Marwah). The total of seven rounds should be:
- Start at Safa, walk to Marwah (1st round).
- Walk back from Marwah to Safa (2nd round).
- Repeat the process for five more rounds.
Ending Sa’i:
Finishing at Marwah: After completing seven rounds, end at Marwah, where you will stand and make the final Du’a. There is no prescribed Du’a for the final round, but you may make personal supplications.
No Need for Additional Prayers: Unlike Tawaf, there is no requirement to offer two Rak’ahs after completing Sa’i. However, some people may pray any voluntary prayers (Sunnah) afterward if they wish.
Shaving or Trimming Hair (Tahalul)
It is essential to understand the true meaning and purpose of Tahallul because without Tahallul Umrah cannot be complete.
Tahallul symbolizes the act of shaving or trimming ,shaving head (for men) and trimming a small portion of the hairs (for both men and women) as part of the rites of Umrah and Hajj. This shows the end of the major rituals and is a symbol of purification and humility.It is performed as a sign of submission to Allah and humility, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family.
Shaving Head (For Men):
Shaving the Head (For Men):
- Shaving the head
It is recommended for men, and it is the preferred practice to complete the ritual of Tahalul. - It is encouraged to have the entire head shaved, but if this is not possible, shave a portion of the head, it is also acceptable in Islam.
- Shaving the head
When to Shave:
Shave should be done after completing Tawaf (the seven rounds of around Kaaba) and Sa’i (the walking between Safa and Marwah seven times).
- It is usually done in the Haram area near the Masjid al-Haram after completing the main rituals.
Shaving Procedure:
- Sit in Clean Area: It is a good thing that you should shaving done in a clean area, such as inside or outside the Masjid al-Haram.
- Use a blade or Shaving tool: Ensure that the blade or shaving tool should be clean and hygienic.
- Shave the Entire Head: It is better and also sunnah of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUM) that you should shave the entire head.
- Make Du’a During Shaving: While shaving, it is recommended to make Du’a (prayers) and ask Allah for forgiveness, blessings, and mercy.
- Dispose of the Hair Respectfully: The hair should be disposed of respectfully, preferably by burying it or throwing it into a respectful place. Avoid discarding it carelessly.
Du’a During Shaving: After shaving the head, recite this Du’a:
“اللّهُمّ اجعل شعري هذا طهارة لي من الذنوب”
(Allahumma ajil sha’ri hatha taharah li min al-dhunoob)
“O Allah, make this hair of mine a purification for me from my sins.”
Trimming Hair (For Women and Men):
Trimming Hair (For Women):
- Women don’t shave their heads but in Islam it is required that the women should trim a small portion of their hair (usually a fingertip’s length) after completing the main rituals of Umrah like Tawaf and Sa’i.
Trimming Procedure (For Both Men and Women):
- Preparation: First of all ensure that you have appropriate tools for trimming (scissors or a trimmer).
- Trim Small Portions:
Women should cut a small portion of hair (usually around a fingertip’s length) from each side or from the front, ensuring that the cut is minimal and equal on all sides. - Read Du’a While Trimming:
As with shaving, you can recite Du’a or supplications while trimming your hair to seek Allah’s blessings. Trimming Hair Dua: While you trimming your hair, recite this Dua:
“اللّهُمّ اجعل شعري هذا طهارة لي من الذنوب”
(Allahumma ajil sha’ri hatha taharah li min al-dhunoob)
“O Allah, make this hair of mine a purification for me from my sins.”
Significance of Tahalul (Shaving/Trimming Hair):
Purification and Humility: Shaving or trimming the hair symbolizes purification, a renewal of faith, and humility before Allah. It reflects the inner cleansing and the physical representation of humility.
Symbol of Submission: Its a sunnah of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) shave their head, and it’s a sign of submission and obedience to Allah. And the hair trimming of women also shows a physical act of humility and submission.
Completion of Umrah:
After Tahalul:
- After shaving or trimming your hair, you have completed the major rituals of Umrah.
- You are now in a state of complete purity, and it is allowed to wear normal clothing again.
- This is the complete guide for those who ask that how to perform umrah.
Post-Umrah Guidelines
- Exiting Ihram:
- Resume normal activities that were restricted during Ihram.
- Recommended Acts:
- Perform additional Tawaf if possible.
- Spend time in worship and reflection at Masjid Al-Haram.
- Dua and Gratitude:
- Should be thanks to Allah for granting you the ability to perform Umrah.
Who can perform umrah?
Anyone who is a Muslim, sane, and has reached the age of maturity can perform Umrah. It is essential to have a sincere intention (Niyyah) and ensure financial and physical readiness before embarking on this journey.
Exclusive Features of KBA Travels for Umrah Packages
We aimed to make your Umrah journey as smooth and memorable as possible with the following personalized services ad the above complete guidance about how to perform umrah:
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Ihram Guidance: We provide complete guidance in wearing Ihram correctly and understanding the significance of the rituals involved, helping you perform your Umrah with peace of mind.
Ziyarat Tours: As part of the package, we offer complimentary guided visits to sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah, allowing you to connect with the rich spiritual heritage of Islam.
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Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that brings huge rewards and blessings from Allah. By following the steps of how to perform Umrah that described above, you can ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you the opportunity to undertake this sacred journey again. For travel arrangements, visa services, and detailed guidance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to make your pilgrimage hassle-free and memorable.
Contact Us
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