The Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca among the Muslims for a closer relationship with Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be carried out at any time of the year and has fewer rituals. Every Muslim has a dream to perform the Umrah. Hereunder is a summary guide on Umrah’s performance while ensuring all conditions are appropriately met. We will discover the full guide about how to perform Umrah.
1. Preparations for Umrah
Consider the following before proceeding to carry out Umrah
- Niyyah (Intention): Purify the intention to perform Umrah solely for Allah.
- Ihram: Wear Ihram, which for men is a two-piece white cloth, and for women, modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the body leaving face and hands uncovered. This state is attained at the prescribed Miqat (boundary point)
- Prohibited in Ihram: Certain deeds are prohibited. These include cutting hair or nails, use of perfume or sensual pleasures like marital relations as all such acts nullify Ihram.
2. Umrah Practice – How to Perform Umrah
i. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Begin at the Black Stone, Hajar al-Aswad in Masjid al-Haram. Grasp or point to the Black Stone and recite, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Run seven anti-clockwise rounds around the Kaaba reciting supplications and prayers. Stress forgiveness and thankfulness to Allah
- When having completed Tawaf, pray two rakahs if it is possible near Maqam Ibrahim.
ii. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
- Proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah where Hajar traveled in search of a single drop of water for her son, Prophet Ismail (AS).
- Start from Safa and proceed to Marwah, making a total of seven rounds. Prayers can be made as desired or personal supplications can be done in the process
- During Sa’i, it is quite advised that males jog slightly between the green markers
iii. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)
- Hair should be shaved completely (Halq) or some part of hair should be cut (Taqsir). Ladies should cut some length of their hair. The length preferred is that of the middle finger, usually about an inch.
- That is the end of Umrah and pilgrims may come out of the state of Ihram .
Essential Tips for a Blessed Umrah
- Be Humble: One should come to Umrah with a pure heart, humility, and thankfulness for this privilege.
- Follow Sunnah: Regularly pursue the acts followed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this journey.
- Hydrate and Rest: The rituals are physically really strenuous; take proper care of yourself and your health to enable you to do the rituals
Conclusion
Umrah Performance is the most spiritual experience one has as one satisfies every criteria in preparation, dedication, and reverence. Therefore, if the pilgrims move forward with the performance of rituals correctly and with attention toward Allah, then they gather uncountable spiritual benefits. Remember the very basis of Umrah lies in truthful worship and a heart that yearns for closeness to the Almighty. This guide included all the steps and important points about how to perform Umrah.