Umrah is a sacred journey that purifies the heart and cleanses the soul of sins. For those performing Umrah for the first time, understanding how to perform Umrah is crucial to ensuring it is done correctly without neglecting any of its pillars. Umrah rituals consist of four main steps: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir. Here is everything first-timers need to know.
To ensure a complete Umrah experience, Al Sharq Travel supports all its clients with religious Umrah guides in addition to Ziyarat tours as an essential part of the diverse Umrah packages we offer. So, if you are a beginner planning your first Umrah, this guide is specially designed for you.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a specific pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah (the Kaaba). It is a well-known ritual consisting of Ihram (the state of ritual consecration), Talbiyah (the pilgrim’s chant), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and Halq/Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair).
Scholars unanimously agree that Umrah is a fundamental tenet of Islam and that it should be performed once in a lifetime. There is a clear difference between Hajj and Umrah in the rituals of both, as well as in timing. Hajj comes within a specific time frame in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, while Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
Before You Go — Pre-Umrah Preparation
Preparing for Umrah step by step begins well before traveling. A Muslim should do the following:
- Intention: This means intending to perform Umrah purely for the sake of Allah.
- Psychological and spiritual preparation: This involves regularly performing prayers, supplicating frequently, and seeking forgiveness.
- Physical preparation: This includes undergoing required medical examinations and receiving vaccinations.
- Packing Umrah luggage: This includes bringing suitable clothing for men and women, and any necessary medications.
- Travel documents: Do not forget your visa, passport, and vaccination certificate.
Step 1: Ihram — The Sacred State
Ihram is the first ritual for entering Umrah. Pilgrims must enter Ihram according to the Miqat specified for their country. Ihram begins with performing Ghusl (ritual bath) and then putting on the Ihram garments, which are modest clothing for women and an unstitched Izar (lower garment) and Rida (upper garment) for men.
The pilgrim then makes the intention, saying, “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah), and continues reciting the Talbiyah until entering Mecca.
The pilgrim in Ihram also avoids nine prohibitions, as explained by scholars: cutting hair and nails, using perfume, wearing sewn clothing, covering the head, hunting, sexual intercourse, entering into a marriage contract, and having sexual relations. All these things are forbidden to the pilgrim until he exits the state of Ihram.
Step 2: Tawaf — Circling the Holy Kaaba
Upon entering the Masjid al-Haram, the pilgrim begins the Tawaf steps, which consist of seven circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone. Purity is a condition for Tawaf for both men and women.
It is also recommended to say: “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire” between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
Mistakes During Tawaf
- Verbalizing the Intention: The intention is in the heart and should not be verbalized.
- Circumambulating from inside the Hijr Ismail: The circumambulation must be from outside it.
- Circumambulating in the opposite direction: The Kaaba must be to the left of the pilgrim.
- Believing that kissing the Black Stone is obligatory: Kissing it is a Sunnah (recommended act) and not a requirement.
- Touching all corners of the Kaaba: The Sunnah is to touch only the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner.
- Specifying a particular supplication for each circuit: There is no established practice of specifying a particular supplication for each circuit.
- Raising one’s voice in supplication: It is recommended to supplicate in a low voice.
- Severe crowding: It is recommended to point towards the Black Stone without crowding.
- Touching the Kaaba’s covering: Touching the Kaaba or the Station of Abraham is not established as permissible.
Step 3: Sa’i — Walking Between Safa and Marwa
After completing the Tawaf steps, the pilgrim proceeds to Safa and Marwa to begin seven circuits. These circuits must begin at Safa and end at Marwa, and must be completed correctly without any random order.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir — Cutting the Hair
After completing the Umrah guide steps mentioned above, men shave or trim their hair. Shaving is preferred for men, while for women, trimming a fingertip’s length (approximately 1 cm) is recommended.
How Many Days Does Umrah Take?
It’s worth noting that performing Umrah rituals doesn’t take much time; you can complete all the rites in a single day. However, the duration of your stay varies depending on the all-inclusive Umrah packages you choose. Some packages offer a 3-day stay, while others extend to 11 days.
Essential Duas for Each Step of Umrah
Speaking about how Umrah is performed, a Muslim should adhere to supplications (Duas) at every step:
Dua for Traveling for Umrah
“O Allah, I ask You in this journey of mine for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that are pleasing to You. O Allah, ease my journey, shorten the distances for me, and guide me to what You love and are pleased with.”
Dua for Ihram for Umrah
The Dua for Ihram is: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” or “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Inna Al-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Laka.”
Dua for Tawaf around the Kaaba
Among the best Duas for Tawaf steps are:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fi al-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhab an-nar”
Dua during the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa
The Dua at Safa and Marwa is:
“Allah is the Greatest (three times). There is no god but Allah, the One, without partner.”
What to Pack for Umrah — Practical Checklist
Besides spiritual preparation, pilgrims should prepare some important items to facilitate their Umrah journey, including:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Umrah Visa: You can find out the details of the visa through the Umrah visa guide for UAE residents.
- Travel and Accommodation Bookings: Keep electronic and printed copies of tickets and hotel reservations.
- Vaccination Certificates: Such as vaccinations against meningitis, influenza, and possibly others depending on your country.
- Backup Copies: Of ID cards, personal photos, and important travel documents.
- Ihram Clothing: For men: A white, unstitched Izar and Rida (preferably 2-3 sets). For women: A modest white dress or an Abaya that covers well with a suitable Hijab.
- Comfortable Footwear: Such as sandals or lightweight flip-flops for easy on and off inside the Haram.
- Walking Shoes: Comfortable shoes are also suitable for walking or strolling outside the Haram.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Personal medications: Pack your medications with a prescription and include cold and sore throat remedies, foot moisturizers, or antifungal creams.
FAQs
What are the rituals of Umrah?
Umrah includes four rituals, in the following order: Ihram (the state of ritual consecration), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (shortening the hair).
How long does Umrah take?
Umrah doesn’t take long, only two to four hours, depending on the crowds in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Is it permissible for a woman to perform Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian)?
Scholars differ on this matter. Some prohibit it, while others permit it provided she has a safe companion.
Is ablution (Wudu) required before Tawaf?
Yes, it is. Purity is a condition for the validity of Tawaf.
Can Umrah be performed at any time?
Yes, Muslims can perform Umrah at any time of the year.
Conclusion
Umrah is a spiritual journey that encompasses many powerful spiritual feelings. To perform Umrah perfectly, it is essential to understand how it is performed, especially for first-time pilgrims. It is also important to understand the conditions of these rituals in detail and to avoid common mistakes such as performing the rituals out of order or neglecting to perform them correctly.
Ready to take the step? Al Sharq Travel provides expert spiritual guides for every package. See full itineraries at alsharqtravel.net/umrah.
