Steps To Perform Umrah
The Umrah or the minor pilgrimage is termed to be a blessed journey. It is an act of devotion or worship to ALLAH SWT. Many individuals spend a lifetime preparing and saving finances for this event. The Umrah is the Islamic journey made to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic law, this holy pilgrimage can be performed all year round.
In Arabic literature, the word Umrah means tawaf or round around the Kabah while performing Saa’i between Safaa and Marwa. The Umrah must be done by pilgrims in the state of Ihram. While the Hajj or the major pilgrimage is termed compulsory to perform Umrah is not compulsory. However, it is highly recommended.
For your utmost convenience, we have summarized the steps to perform Umrah below. There are four different components that make up the Umrah. So let’s take a look!
Ihram
The ihram is the first step to perform Umrah. It is known as the general intention of the Umrah pilgrimage. Believers are required to enter into the state of ihram if they wish to perform Umrah. This means taking a proper bath or ghusl to purify one’s self, followed by a change in clothes.
Muslim men usually enter ihram by being clad in two sheets of unstitched white fabric. Women on the other hand wear any clothing that covers them from top to bottom. After the cleansing process is over, pilgrims are required to perform two rakats of Sunnah prayer. They must then face the direction of the Qibla and enter ihram. No perfumed products should be used in the state of ihram.
Upon arrival at the Meeqat in Makkah, Muslims must recite the words “Labbayk Allaahumma bi ‘Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for ‘Umrah)
Tawaf Or Circulation Around The House Of ALLAH SWT
The next step to perform Umrah is the tawaf. This is the name given to the circulation around the house of ALLAH SWT. Every pilgrim should enter the Masjid ul Haram with their right foot while reciting the following
“Bismillaah wa’l-salaatu wa’l-salaam ‘ala Rasool-Allaah. Allaahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaab rahmatika. A’oodhu Billaah il-‘Azeem wa bi wajhih il-Kareem wa bi sultaanih il-‘qadeem min al-Shaytaan il-rajeem”
The pilgrims may then touch the black stone or Hajr al Aswad and begin their tawaf around the Kaaba. In ideal situations, pilgrims should touch the stone with their right hand and kiss it.
During each round, the Kaaba should be on the left. Male pilgrims are required to keep their right shoulder uncovered when performing Tawaf. Men should also walk fast by taking small steps during their first 3 rounds. A total of 7 rounds complete the tawaf. Upon completion, the pilgrim is required to go to the station of Ibrahim and perform two rakats of prayer behind it. Surah Al Kafirun is recited in the first rakats while surah Ikhlas in the second.
The Saa’i Between Safaa And Marwa
Pilgrims then climb on to the Hill of Safaa to perform the Saa’i. They should reach a point where the Kaaba is visible, face towards it and offer supplication to ALLAH. This should be repeated three times, after which the pilgrims descend down to the Marwa. Pilgrims are required to cover the distance marked by green markers. After this, pilgrims again descend towards Safaa and repeat the circuit 7 times.
The Shaving Of The Head/ Cutting Of The Hair
Once the 7 circuits have been completed, pilgrims are required to cut their hair. Women cut a length equal to a fingertip while men may shave their heads or cut their hair equally. This marks the end of the perform Umrah.
This article is the perfect summarized guide regarding the steps to performing Umrah. Believers are encouraged to gain knowledge so that they may benefit from the blessings related to this journey.