Understanding the Basics
Umrah, often called the lesser pilgrimage, is a deeply spiritual journey that millions of Muslims undertake every year. Unlike Hajj, which is only performed between the 9th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time and is seen as an integral part of Islamic devotion. This sacred journey includes four essential practices or rites: entering Ihram at the Miqat, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and finally either shaving (Halq) or shortening (Taqsir) the hair. These acts are part of a minor pilgrimage, yet hold great spiritual value. While Umrah is not a substitute for Hajj, it remains a cherished way to seek Allah’s blessings. However, some actions are disliked during the process, so it is important to follow the rites properly to honor this sacred obligation.
Is Umrah Obligatory?
The Prophet ﷺ is known to have performed Umrah four times in his life, highlighting its importance. There is a difference of opinion among schools of thought on whether performing Umrah in a lifetime is compulsory. While the Hanafi and Maliki views consider it not Fardh, the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools believe it to be an obligatory act. For all, however, Umrah remains a highly emphasised Sunnah Mu’akkadah that complements Hajj in devotion.
Benefits of Umrah
Abu Hurairahnarrate
Allah’s Messenger ﷺ taught that the performance of Umrah serves as an expiation for sins committed in the previous period, highlighting its profound spiritual rewards.
Abdullah ibn Abbassaid
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that to perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively helps remove poverty and sin, just as a furnace removes impurity from iron.
Two Types of Umrah
Umrah al-Mufradah
Umrah al-Mufradah is performed independently of Hajj and can be carried out at any point in the year, except during the days of Hajj.
Umrah al-Tamattu
Umrah al-Tamattu is performed in conjunction with Hajj, normally carried out in the month of Dhul Hijjah before the commencement of Hajj. It is the most common and easiest type for pilgrims.
Conditions for Umrah
Maturity
Umrah requires the individual to have reached puberty (Baligh) to fulfill this obligation.
Sanity
Umrah requires a person to be mentally sound and in full control of their mental faculties.
Financially able
Being financially able means having sufficient expenses to cover travelling, accommodation, and other requirements for Umrah, while ensuring support for dependents during your absence. It is a prerequisite to be debt-free or have arrangements made to settle debts prior to undertaking this journey.
Physically able
To perform Umrah, one must be physically capable, able to handle travelling to Makkah and performing the rites, and be free from illnesses or diseases that restrict movement.
Safe Travelling
Safe travelling is essential, ensuring the journey is free from danger or risk of being harmed during the trip.
Free from Iddah period (women only)
For females, performing Umrah is only permissible when they are free from the Iddah period, if applicable.
Obligations (Wajibaat) of Umrah
The obligations (Wajibaat) of Umrah include entering the state of Ihraam at the Meeqat, and completing shaving the head or cutting the hair after the rituals.
Omission of an Essential
If an essential part (Faraidh) of Umrah is omitted, the act becomes invalid. However, if an obligatory act (Wajibaat) is missed, Umrah remains valid, but a compensatory sacrifice (Dam), such as a sheep or goat, is required for the omission.
Four Essentials of Umrah
Step 1: Ihram and Entering the State of Pilgrimage
To begin Umrah, every pilgrim must first enter the sacred state of Ihram, which is essential for performing the rites of Hajj and Umrah. This involves cleansing the body and wearing the prescribed attire: two unstitched white garments for men and modest clothing for women. Before crossing the designated Miqat boundary, it is necessary to make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah. If a pilgrim passes the Miqat without having entered Ihram, they are required to offer an animal sacrifice (Damm) as an act of expiation. Certain actions become impermissible once in Ihram, signifying devotion and humility.
Ihram Essentials:
Purity
Before entering Ihram, it is essential to ensure purity by removing unwanted hair from the armpits and below the navel, clipping nails, and trimming the moustache.
Bathe
Performing Ghusl (bath) or Wudhu (ablution) is a key step to enter Ihram in a state of cleanliness and purity.
Ihram clothing
Upon reaching the Miqat, men must put on two white sheets of cloth as Ihram clothing, while women can wear their regular modest clothing, which suffices. It is recommended to dress in Ihram at the airport or departure point for convenience.
Salah of Ihram
After putting on Ihram, it is Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah. In the first Rakah, recite Surah al-Fatiha followed by Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109), and in the second Rakah, recite Surah al-Fatiha followed by Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112). Conclude with Dua.
Niyyah
Before crossing the Miqat, make the Niyyah for Umrah, preferably even on the plane. Remove any clothing that violates the conditions of Ihram, and it is recommended to express the verbal intention, which can be done in any language.
Talbiyah
- لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
While making Niyyah, proclaim the service to Allah with the Talbiyah, saying, “Labbaik, O Allah, without any partner, all praise, favour, and sovereignty belong to You.” Men should chant audibly, while women recite quietly, followed by Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ and a heartfelt Dua.
To Makkah
On the way to Makkah, keep reciting the Talbiyah, engaging in Dhikr, and sending Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
Enter Masjid al-Haram
Enter Masjid al-Haram through Bab al-Salam, stepping in with your right foot, and recite the Dua for entering the mosque.
Dua at the Kaaba
Approach the Kaaba with your gaze lowered, then raise your hands and say Allāhu Akbar and Lā ilāha illa-llāh three times, followed by a Dua and abundant Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
Step 2: Tawaf – Circumambulation of the Kaaba
Dua
- بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
In the name of Allah, and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open the gates of Your mercy for me.
Sighting the Kaaba
Upon sighting the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and pour your heart into Duas, as this is a special place and occasion for acceptance.
Idtiba
During Tawaf, men should practice Idtiba by uncovering the right shoulder and passing the upper Ihram garment under the right armpit.
Starting point
The starting point for Tawaf is the Hajar al-Aswad, positioned to the right of the Kaaba wall, marked by a green light, with the Kaaba on your left.
Niyyah
Before starting Tawaf, make the Niyyah, and it is recommended to express this verbal intention, which can be done in any language.
- اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
Istilam
Perform Istilam by trying to kiss or touch the Hajar al-Aswad, or if you cannot reach, make a gesture from afar by raising your hands to your ears and saying, “Bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar.”
Start
Begin the first circuit of Tawaf with the Kaaba on your left, moving counterclockwise.
Raml
During the first three circuits, men should perform Raml by walking briskly with their chest sticking out, unless there is congestion.
Dhikr & Dua
uring Tawaf, recite the Quran, engage in Dhikr and Dua, and send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ, especially between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad.
- رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
End of circuit
Each circuit ends at the Hajar al-Aswad, where you perform Istilam, say Allāhu Akbar, and begin the second circuit, returning to the marks of the start.
End of Tawaf
After completing seven rounds continuously, perform Istilam a final time, making it a total of eight times, and then proceed to pray Salah.
Stop Idtiba
After completing Tawaf, cover your right shoulder with the Ihram, stopping the practice of Idtiba.
Salah of Tawaf
After completing Tawaf, perform two Rakahs of Salah near Maqam Ibrahim, or as close to the Kaaba as possible within the Masjid. In the first Rakah, recite Surah al-Fatiha followed by Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109), and in the second, recite Surah al-Fatiha followed by Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112), concluding with Dua.
Zamzam
After Tawaf, drink Zamzam water, and make Dua for your needs and blessings.
Multazam
The Multazam, located between the Hajar al-Aswad and the Kaaba door, is an area where pilgrims cling to the wall and make Dua, or if inaccessible, face it and pray sincerely.
Final Istilam
Before proceeding to Sa’i, perform the final Istilam, which is recommended as the ninth time during the rituals.
Step 3: Sa’i – Walking between Safa and Marwa
Proceed to Safa
Proceed to the Safa hill and make the Niyyah for Sa’i, starting the ritual.
Dua at Safa
At Safa, face the Kaaba, say Takbir (Allāhu Akbar) and Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh), send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ, and make heartfelt Dua.
Proceed to Marwa
Proceed to Marwa, and on the way, men should quicken their pace between the green lights, while women continue walking normally.
Dhikr & Dua
While walking between the hills, engage in Dhikr, make Dua, and send Salawat of your choice.
Dua at Marwa
At Marwa, make Dua, completing one lap as you prepare to return to Safa.
Return to Safa
Return to Safa to begin your second lap, walking back as part of the Sa’i ritual.
End of Sa’i
The Sa’i ends after you repeat and complete seven laps, finishing at Marwa.
Dua and Salah of Sa’i
After completing Sa’i, make Dua and perform two Rakahs of Salah in the Masjid.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir – Shaving or Trimming the Hair
After completing Sa’i, men can choose between two options: either shave their heads (Halq) or trim a small portion of hair (Taqsir). Women must only trim about an inch of hair to fulfill the requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid during Umrah
Rushing through the rituals
Many pilgrims rush through Tawaf and Sa’i, especially during overcrowding, due to impatience. It is important to maintain a calm and focused demeanor to honor the pilgrimage. For more guidance, explore Our Courses or learn How to Perform Hajj effectively.
Neglecting etiquettes and manners
Pilgrims should always remember to observe good manners and be considerate of their fellow worshippers. Avoid engaging in arguments or disputes to maintain harmony during the sacred journey.
Excessive engagement in worldly matters
Umrah is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, so avoid excessive use of smartphones and unnecessary conversations. These distractions take away from the sacred experience and should be minimized.
Lack of knowledge about the rituals
It is crucial to study and understand the rituals of Umrah beforehand to perform them correctly and avoid inadvertent mistakes during the sacred journey.
Disregarding cleanliness and hygiene
Pilgrims must maintain cleanliness by ensuring ablution (wudu) before performing each ritual and disposing of waste in designated areas.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a profound spiritual journey that requires careful adherence to the guidelines while avoiding common mistakes. Understanding the step-by-step process and being mindful of etiquette and manners ensures that pilgrims have a meaningful and fulfilling experience. May Allah accept your efforts in this sacred pilgrimage and grant purification and blessings. For a detailed explanation, feel free to Contact us or try our Free Trial for comprehensive guidance.
List of Important Supplications
- Dua for leaving the house
سُبْحَانَ الذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَ مَا كُنَّا لهُ مُقْرِنِيْنَ
Subhanallazi Sakhkhara Lana Haza wa Ma Kunna Lahul Muqrinin
- Dua for entering Umrah
اللّهُمَّ إِنّي أُرِيْدُ العُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وتَقَبَّلْها مَنِّي
Allahumma Inni Uridul Umrata Fayassirha li wa Taqabballha Minni
- Talbiyah
لَبَّيّك اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيَك. لَبَّيّك لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيّك. إنَّ الحَمْدَ و النِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَ الْمُلْكَ. لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Labbayak Allahumma Labbayak. Labbayak La Sharika Laka Labbayak. Innal Hamda wan Ni’mata Laka wal Mulka. La Sharika Laka./Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.
- Dua for entering the Masjid
بِسْمِ اللهِ والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلَامُ عَلي رَسُوُلِ اللهِ اللَّهُمَّ افْتحْ لِي أبْوابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Bismillahi was Salatu was Salamu ‘Ala Rasulillahi, Allahummaftah-li Abwaba Rahmatik
- Dua when seeing the Ka’bah
اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلهَ إلّا اللهُ
Allah Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah.
- Dua between Rukn Yamani and Hajar Aswad
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فَي الدّنْيَا حَسَنَةً و فِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, give us the best in this world and the best in akirah and save us from the fire of hell
- Dua when drinking for Zam Zam
اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا و شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاْءٍ
Allahumma Inni As’aluka ‘Ilman Nafi’an wa Rizqan Wasi’an wa Shifa’an Kulli Da’.
- Dua to read when starting Sa’i
اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيْدُ السَّعْيَ بَيْنَ الصَّفَا و الْمَرْوَةَ سَبْعَةَ أشْوَاطٍ لِلّهِ تَعَالي عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
Allahumma Inni Uridus Sa’ya Baynas Safa wal Marwata Sab’ata Ashwatin lillahi Ta’ala Azza wa Jalla Fayassirhu Li Wa Taqabbal Minni
- Takbir Tashreeq
اللّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبِرُ، لَا إلَهَ إلّا اللهُ، وَ اللّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَ للّهِ الحَمْد
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illalla, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd
May Allah bless every Muslim with the ability to perform Umrah in his/her life. Ameen