Umrah Guide

1. Ihram: Entering the Sacred State

Ihram is not just about wearing specific clothing; it is a state of mind and heart that symbolizes purity, humility, and detachment from worldly distractions.

Steps to Enter Ihram:

1. Perform Ghusl (Ritual Bath):
   • Take a thorough bath with the intention of entering Ihram. This act cleanses both the body and soul.
   • If water is unavailable, perform Wudu.
2. Wear Ihram Clothing:
   • Men: Wear two unstitched white sheets—one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulders.
   • Women: Wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands. Avoid tight or transparent fabrics.
   • Footwear should be simple and unstitched, exposing the ankle and back of the foot.
3. Pray Two Rakats of Nafal:
   • Before declaring your intention, pray two Rakats of Nafal. Cover your head during this prayer.
   • Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
4. Declare Your Intention (Niyyah):
   • Uncover your head (for men) and recite:

   اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ

   "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me."

5. Recite Talbiyah::
   • Begin reciting the Talbiyah continuously:

   لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

   "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You."

6. Proceed to Masjid Al-Haram:
   • As you approach, recite Darood Sharif and supplicate:

   اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَسَلِّمْ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

   "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and grant him peace. O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me."

What to Avoid During Ihram:

While in Ihram, certain actions are prohibited:

1. Cutting nails or hair.
2. Using perfumes or scented products.
3. Wearing stitched clothing (for men).
4. Covering the head (for men) or face (for women)
5. Engaging in arguments, foul language, or inappropriate behavior

2. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba

Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is a powerful expression of devotion and unity among Muslims.

How to Perform Tawaf:

1. Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad):
   • Face the Black Stone and, if possible, kiss it. If not, touch it with your right hand or point towards it while saying:

   بِسْمِ اللَّهِ, اللّهُ أكبر

   "In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest."

2. Walk Around the Kaaba:
   • Keep the Kaaba on your left and walk seven times.
   • Men: Walk briskly (Raml) during the first three rounds and normally for the remaining four.
   • Women: Walk at a normal pace throughout.
3. Recite Supplications:
   • Between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone, recite:

   رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

   "Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 2:201)

4. Complete Tawaf and Perform Istilam:
   • After the seventh round, return to the Black Stone and perform Istilam (touch, kiss, or point towards it).
5. Pray Two Rakats at Maqam Ibrahim:
   • Pray two Rakats near Maqam Ibrahim, reciting:
   • First Rakat: Surah Al-Kafirun
   • Second Rakat: Surah Al-Ikhlas
6. Drink Zamzam Water:
   • After completing Tawaf, drink Zamzam water and make supplications.

3. Sa'yee: Walking Between Safa and Marwah

Sa'yee commemorates the struggle of Hajar (AS) as she searched for water for her son, Ismail (AS). It is a powerful act of devotion symbolizing trust in Allah.

How to Perform Sa'yee:

1. Start at Safa:
   • Face the Kaaba and recite:

   إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

   "Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah." (Quran 2:158)

2. Walk Towards Marwah:
   • Walk between the two hills seven times, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.
   • Men: Walk briskly between the green lights (Mas’a).
   • Women: Walk at a normal pace.
3. Recite Supplications:
   • While walking, recite duas or Quranic verses.
4. Complete Seven Circuits:
   • Each trip from Safa to Marwah counts as one round.
   • Completing seven rounds means ending at Marwah.

4. Halq or Taqsir: Shaving or Trimming the Hair

The final step of Umrah signifies renewal and humility before Allah. This act marks the completion of the pilgrimage and the lifting of Ihram restrictions.

How to Perform Halq or Taqsir:

1. For Men:
   • Completely shave the head (Halq)or trim the hair evenly from all sides (Taqsir).
   • Shaving the head is preferred as it is a greater act of humility and devotion.
2. For Women:
   • Trim about an inch (or the length of a fingertip) from the ends of the hair.
3. Completion of Umrah:
   • Once Halq or Taqsir is done, all Ihram restrictions are lifted, and Umrah is officially completed.
   • You can now change into regular clothing and express gratitude to Allah for allowing you to perform Umrah.

Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Renewal

Performing Umrah is a deeply personal and spiritual experience that brings immense blessings. It is a chance to seek forgiveness, spiritual purification, and a closer connection with Allah.

اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا عُمْرَتَنَا، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا، وَاجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ إِلَيْكَ

"O Allah, accept our Umrah, forgive our sins, and make us among those close to You."

May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, and grant you His mercy and blessings.

Ameen!