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How to Perform Umrah? Complete Umrah Guide Step by Step
How to Perform Umrah?Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that Muslims undertake to cleanse the soul, renew their faith, and draw closer to Allah. This Umrah guide will walk you through exactly how to perform Umrah step by step, from entering ihram to completing tawaf and other sacred rites. Whether you are traveling for the first time or looking to refresh your knowledge, this article is worth reading because it offers a clear, comprehensive, and practical breakdown of the process, making it easier for you to approach this blessed act of worship with confidence and sincerity.
Outline
- What Does It Mean to Perform Umrah?
- How to Prepare Spiritually and Physically Before You Perform Umrah
- Ihram: Entering the Sacred State Before Umrah Is Performed
- How to Wear Ihram Garments Correctly
- Intention for Umrah and Talbiyah: Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka
- Tawaf Around the Kaaba: A Step-by-Step Umrah Guide
- Perform Istilam and Touch the Hajar al-Aswad
- Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah After Tawaf
- Shaving or Trimming Hair to Complete Umrah
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Perform Umrah
1. What Does It Mean to Perform Umrah?
To perform Umrah is to embark on a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be done at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates. This act involves a series of sacred rituals such as ihram, tawaf, sa’i, and shaving or trimming the hair. For many, this journey is not just physical but a deep spiritual cleansing.
When Umrah is performed, it must be done in line with the sunnah of the Prophet. It is a shorter pilgrimage than the Hajj but still carries immense reward. The essence of this act is submission to Allah and following the rites exactly as taught, so that one’s Umrah is accepted.
2. How to Prepare Spiritually and Physically Before You Perform Umrah
Before you intend to perform Umrah, you should prepare both your body and soul. It’s sunnah to perform ghusl (ritual bath) before donning the ihram garments. You must travel in a state of physical purity, so trimming nails, removing unwanted hair, and cleansing oneself are recommended.
Spiritually, make an intention for Umrah with sincerity. Learn the sunnah to recite specific duas, send salawat upon the Prophet, and seek forgiveness from Allah. If you plan to take an umrah package, ensure it covers essential needs such as accommodation near Masjid al-Haram so you are able to perform the rites with ease.
3. Ihram: Entering the Sacred State Before Umrah Is Performed
The state of ihram is a condition of spiritual purity you must be in before you perform Umrah. For men, this involves wearing two unstitched white ihram garments; women wear modest clothing that meets Islamic guidelines. The ihram attire before crossing the designated miqat is essential.
Entering into the state of ihram includes making the prayer with the intention for Umrah and reciting the talbiyah: Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka. This is not just clothing it is a sacred commitment to abide by restrictions such as avoiding disputes, refraining from perfume, and respecting the sanctity of the haram.
4. How to Wear Ihram Garments Correctly
For men, the lower piece (izar) wraps around the waist, and the upper piece (rida) is draped over the shoulders. Women should wear a modest dress without covering the faces and hands. It’s sunnah of the Prophet to be clean and neat before wearing ihram garments.
Wearing ihram signifies humility before Allah. The way you wear it is important because you must maintain it throughout your journey until the umrah performed is complete. The ihram attire before crossing the miqat is part of your obedience to Allah’s command.
5. Intention for Umrah and Talbiyah: Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka
The intention for Umrah is made verbally and in the heart. You raise your hands and say: Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka, meaning “Here I am, O Allah, there is no partner with You.” This fulfills the make an intention requirement.
It’s sunnah to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and other duas while in ihram. Continue the talbiyah until you reach Masjid al-Haram, staying mindful of the direction of the Kaaba as you approach.
6. Tawaf Around the Kaaba: A Step-by-Step Umrah Guide
Once you enter Masjid al-Haram, begin the tawaf circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise. It’s sunnah to perform two rak’ah of prayer after completing the tawaf.
When you perform tawaf, you start at the area between Hajar al-Aswad and the Yemeni Corner, aiming to touch the Hajar al-Aswad or point toward it if you cannot reach it. Saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar is recommended before each circuit.
7. Perform Istilam and Touch the Hajar al-Aswad
When you perform istilam, you either physically touch the Hajar al-Aswad or point toward it with your right hand. This stone, located inside Masjid al-Haram, is a significant part of the sunnah of the Prophet during tawaf.
If unable to reach it, you can perform istilam from afar without pushing or harming others. The aim is to honor the Kaaba and follow the example set by the Prophet.
8. Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah After Tawaf
After completing tawaf, drink Zamzam water before starting sa’i between Safa and Marwah. This involves walking briskly between the two hills seven times, remembering Allah, and reciting duas.
Men are encouraged to run lightly between the green markers. The school of thought you follow may have slight variations in the duas to recite during sa’i, but the act remains a vital part of how you perform Umrah.
9. Shaving or Trimming Hair to Complete Umrah
Once sa’i is completed, men should shave their heads or trim their hair. Women should cut a small portion from the ends of their hair. This marks the end of the state of ihram and the completion of your umrah.
Shaving is highly rewarded, but trimming is also acceptable. This final step signifies humility, obedience, and renewal of faith.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Perform Umrah
When you perform Umrah, avoid rushing through rituals, neglecting the sunnah to recite, or pushing through crowds at the Kaaba. Always respect it of those who perform this act of worship.
Some also forget to maintain the state of ihram correctly or fail to follow the sunnah of the Prophet during tawaf. Following a reliable umrah guide can help ensure you perform every step in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Key Points to Remember
Perform Umrah with sincerity, following the step-by-step process.
Enter the state of ihram at the miqat and maintain its conditions.
Wear proper ihram garments, two unstitched cloths for men, and a modest dress for women.
Make your intention for Umrah, recite Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka.
Begin tawaf at the Hajar al-Aswad and complete seven circuits.
Perform istilam respectfully without harming others.
Complete sa’i between Safa and Marwah after drinking Zamzam water.
Shave or trim hair to exit the state of ihram.
Avoid rushing or neglecting the sunnah to recite duas.
A good Umrah guide helps you stay on track and fulfill all the requirements.
