What is UMRAH? How to perform UMRAH?

Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. It is often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage” but holds great spiritual significance for Muslims.

Steps to Perform Umrah

Umrah consists of four main rituals:

1. Entering the State of Ihram

• Niyyah (Intention): Before entering the boundary of the Haram (sacred area around Mecca), make the intention for Umrah by reciting:

“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah).

• Wear Ihram attire:

• Men: Two white, unstitched cloths (one around the waist, one over the shoulders).

• Women: Modest clothing covering the entire body, except for the face and hands.

• Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah repeatedly:

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

• Abstain from prohibited actions during Ihram, such as grooming, using perfume, or arguing.

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

• Upon reaching the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca:

• Perform Tawaf by walking around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.

• Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). If possible, kiss or touch it. If not, point toward it while saying:

“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

• Recite duas (supplications) or dhikr (remembrance of Allah) throughout the Tawaf.

• After completing seven rounds, pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) or anywhere in the mosque.

3. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

• Proceed to the area between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

• Begin at Safa, face the Kaaba, and make dua.

• Walk (or jog in the marked green area) to Marwah, reciting supplications or dhikr.

• Repeat this process seven times (each trip from Safa to Marwah counts as one).

• Finish at Marwah.

4. Shaving or Trimming Hair (Tahalul)

• Men: Shave the head completely or trim at least one inch of hair.

• Women: Cut a small portion of hair (approximately the length of a fingertip).

This act signifies leaving the state of Ihram and completing Umrah.