How to Perform Umrah: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rituals of ‘Umrah

 

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."

 Tawaf al-Umrah

 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.