This article information taken from Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin
(may Allah have mercy on him) lectures and guide.
INTRODUCTION
Performing Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, is a
significant religious practice for Muslims worldwide. It is a spiritual journey
that entails various rituals and acts of worship. In this guide, we will delve
into the step-by-step process of performing Umrah, highlighting the key aspects
and requirements.
Entering Ihram at the Miqat:
The initial step of Umrah is to enter the state of ihram at the designated miqat (boundary). Both men and women, regardless of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding, must perform ghusl (ritual ablution) similar to janabah. Men are advised to put on the ihram garments along with applying perfume to their head and beard. It is recommended to enter ihram after offering an obligatory prayer or a supererogatory prayer intended as the Sunnah prayer following wudu. Women in a state of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding are exempt from prayer. Following this, recite the Talbiyah for Umrah:
"Labbayk
Allahumma Umratan, Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka
labbayk. Inna al-hamda wa'n-ni‘mata laka wa'l-mulk, la sharika lak"
which translates to "Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am.
Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no
partner."
Continuing the Talbiyah until Arrival in Mecca: The pilgrim
should continue reciting the Talbiyah until reaching Mecca. As one gets closer
to Mecca, performing ghusl before entering the city is recommended, following
the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Upon entering the
sacred Al-Masjid al-Haram, enter with the right foot first, reciting,
"Bismillah
wa'l-salatu wa'l-salam ‘ala Rasulillaah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunubi waftah li
abwab rahmatika. A‘udhu Billah il-‘azim wa bi wajhihi’l-karim wa bi
sultanihi’l-qadim min al-shaytan il-rajim."
This translates to "In the name of Allah, and peace and
blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open to
me the gates of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His
Noble Face and in His eternal Power, from the accursed Shaytan."
The Tawaf:
Commencing the tawaf, the circumambulation of the
Ka'bah, start from the Black Stone, if possible, kiss it; otherwise, point to
it and say,
"Bismillah wa
Allahu akbar. Allahumma imanan bika wa tasdiqan bi kitabika wa wafa-an bi
‘ahdika wa ittiba‘an li Sunnati Nabiyyika Muhammad sall-Allahu ‘alayhi wa
sallam."
The translation is
"In the name of Allah, and Allah is most great. O Allah, out of faith in
You, and in belief in Your Book, and in fulfillment of Your covenant, and
following the Sunnah of Your Prophet Muhammad blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him."
During the tawaf, it is recommended for men to walk rapidly
in the first three circuits, uncovering their right shoulder throughout the
tawaf (known as idtiba‘). This can be achieved by baring the right shoulder and
placing the two ends of the upper garment on the left shoulder. At each pass by
the Black Stone, proclaim, "Allahu akbar." Between the Yemeni Corner
and the Black Stone, recite,
"Rabbana atina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-akhirah
hasanah wa qina ‘adhab al-nar"
meaning "Our Lord, give us that which is good in this
world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment
of the Fire."
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du‘a (supplication) may be
performed throughout the rest of the tawaf. It is worth noting that specific
du‘as for each circuit of tawaf are not prescribed, thus cautioning against the
use of booklets containing such specific du‘as. Innovation in religious
practices is discouraged, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
"Every innovation is a going astray."
During the tawaf, one crucial aspect that
requires attention, especially in crowded conditions, is ensuring that one
completes the circuit around both the Ka'bah and the Hijr. Some individuals err
by entering through a gate of the Hijr and exiting through another without completing
the circuit around both. This mistake invalidates the tawaf as the majority of
the Hijr is considered part of the Ka'bah. Therefore, it is essential to
complete the full circuit encompassing both the Ka'bah and the Hijr.
Praying Behind Maqam Ibrahim: Following the completion of
the tawaf, it is highly recommended to offer two rak'ahs (units of prayer)
behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible. In case this is not feasible, the prayer can
be performed anywhere within the mosque.
Performing Sa'y: After the prayer, proceed to as-Safa. When
near it, recite the verse "Verily! As-Safa and Al-Marwah are of the
Symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or Umrah of the
House to perform the going between them" [al-Baqarah 2:158]. However,
avoid repetition of this verse. Upon climbing as-Safa, face the qiblah
(direction of prayer), raise hands, magnify and praise Allah, saying,
"La ilaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la sharika lah,
lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir; La ilaha ill-Allah
wahdahu anjaza wa‘dah wa nasara ‘abdah wa hazama al-ahzaba wahdah''
which means "There is no god but Allah Alone, with no
partner or associate, His is the dominion and to Him be praise, and He is able
to do all things; there is no god but Allah Alone, He fulfilled His promise and
granted victory to His slave and defeated the confederates Alone."
Afterward, offer supplications and repeat the mentioned
dhikr twice more.
Sa’i of Safa and Marwa
Head towards al-Marwah, walking until reaching the green marker or the green pillar. Run between the two green markers if capable, without causing inconvenience to others. On reaching al-Marwah, climb it, face the qiblah, raise hands, and repeat the same supplication as mentioned at as-Safa. This completes one lap. Return to as-Safa from al-Marwah, repeating the words and actions of the first lap. Repeat this process until completing seven laps - going from as-Safa to al-Marwah being one lap, and the return from al-Marwah to as-Safa being another lap.
Halq or Taqsir
Completion of Umrah and Exiting Ihram: Following the completion of the seven laps, it is required to have hair cut, removing hair from the entire head distinctly. Women are advised to cut a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. By doing so, the pilgrim completely exits the state of ihram and regains permission to engage in acts such as intimacy with their spouse, wearing perfume, and donning regular clothing.
CONCLUSION
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience for
Muslims undertaking this journey. By following the prescribed rituals and
adhering to the guidelines mentioned above, one can ensure to complete Umrah
with reverence and fulfillment. May Allah accept the efforts of all Umrah
pilgrims and grant them blessings in their journey of faith.
