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How To Perform Umrah

During Your Journey

Remember, Allah Almighty has chosen you for this journey. Along the way, you will encounter challenges, difficulties, and even unexpected events, starting right from your travel. There will be times when you feel frustrated or angry, but during such moments, reacting with worry, impatience, complaints, or by sharing your troubles with others is not the way of a wise person. Instead, you should remain content with Allah’s will and practice patience, as this was the way of the righteous before us.

Scholars have advised that certain behaviors should be strictly avoided, especially during trials. If you feel angry, upset, or tempted to sin, bow your head in humility and recite the Quranic verse where Allah commands patience, and you will find your emotions changing for the better. Many people, especially during their travels, become easily irritated over trivial matters, leading them to use inappropriate language. This is a test for you, and you must be extra cautious, avoiding any words or actions that might lead to arguments or foul language. Remember, doing so may cause you to lose the rewards of your efforts, all because of a moment of impatience or mishap. 

COLOR CODES:  🟥 FARDH                   🟪 WAJIB                   🟩 SUNNAH​​

Miqaat​

  • Refers to specific locations or boundaries where one must enter the state of Ihram.
  • The boundaries differ based on the direction of travel:
    • For those traveling towards Jeddah, Ihram must be worn before entering Jeddah's airspace.
    • For travelers coming from Madinah, the Miqat boundary is Zul-Hulayfah (Masjid-e-Ali).

Cleanliness (Before Wearing Ihram):​

  • Sunnah actions to perform:
    • Take a shower (ghusl), or at least perform ablution (wudhu) if a shower isn't possible.
    • Remove armpit and pubic hair.
    • Trim the nails of both hands and feet.
    • Apply non-alcoholic perfume (itr) to the body and Ihram.
  • Note: The last three (3) actions cannot be done once in the state of Ihram.

Ihram for Men:

  • Wear two pieces of unstitched cloth:
    • One draped over the shoulders.
    • One tied around the lower body (tahband).
  • Wear sandals or flip-flops to expose the instep and ankles.
  • Prohibited: Sewn clothing (e.g., undergarments, gloves, socks).
  • A waist belt with a pouch is allowed for small items like money or a phone.
  • Permitted: Wearing a watch.
  • Prohibited: Covering the head and face.

Ihram for Women:

  • Wear usual clothes (preferably an abaya).
  • Permitted: Wearing socks and gloves.
  • The veil can be worn in a way that does not touch the face.

Two Raka’at Nafl Prayer:

  • Perform two raka’at of Nafl (Sunnah-tul-Ihram) before going into the state of Ihram, as long as it is not a disliked time (makruh).
  • Men: May cover their heads during this prayer, as it’s before entering the state of Ihram.
  • It is preferred to recite:
    • Surah Al-Kafirun (109) after Surah Al-Fatiha in the first raka'at.
    • Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) after Surah Al-Fatiha in the second raka'at.

Intention for Umrah (Niyyat):

  • Men: Should uncover their heads when making the intention for Umrah.
  • Women: Should keep their heads covered when making the intention.

اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّي اُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِى وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّىْ وَاعِنِّىْ عَلَيْهَا وَبَارِكُ لِي فِيْهَا ، نَوَيُتُ الْعُمْرَةَ وَاحْرَمُتُ بِهَا لِتْهِ تَعَالَى

"Ya Allah! I make the intention of 'Umrah, make it easy for me and accept it from me. Help me in performing it and make it blessed for me. I have made intention for 'Umrah and put on its Ihram for the sake of Allah. 

Talbiyyah:

  • After making the intention, recite the Talbiyyah at least once (three times is preferred).
  • Men: Should recite the Talbiyyah aloud.
  • Women: Should recite it quietly and gently.

لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ 

I am in attendance. Ya Allah I am in attendance. I am in attendance (and) You have no partners. I am in attendance. No doubt, all glorification and bounties are for You and the sovereignty (is Yours), You have no partners. 

  • After reciting the Talbiyyah, make dua, as this is a Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
  • Upon entering the state of Ihram, the restrictions of Ihram now apply.
  • Continue to recite the Talbiyyah, duas, and other remembrance (dhikr) consistently until you reach Masjid al-Haram.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“When a Muslim recites Labbayk, every stone, tree, and clod up to the edge of the earth, to his right and left, also recites Labbayk.” (Tirmidhi)

Prohibited (Haram) Acts in Haram:

  • Sexual conduct: Including intercourse and lustful talk or actions.
  • Inappropriate language: Using vulgar or offensive language, engaging in useless talk, or fighting.
  • Personal grooming: Trimming nails or removing any hair from the body.
  • Perfume: Applying fragrance to the body or Ihram clothing.
  • Hunting: Hunting animals in the Haram area.
  • Hair removal: Even a single hair cannot be removed from any part of the body during Ihram.

Disliked (Makruh) Acts in the State of Ihram:

  • Removing dirt from the body.
  • Washing the body or hair with soap.
  • Combing the hair.
  • Harshly scratching any part of the body.
  • Covering the face with any type of fabric.
  • Wrapping a bandage on any part of the body without a valid excuse.
  • Wearing cosmetics.
  • Waist belt: Can only be worn with the intention of carrying personal belongings, not to secure the lower part of the Ihram (tahband).

Journey Towards Makkah:

  • As you proceed towards the blessed city of Makkah, stay engaged in reciting Talbiyyah and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
  • Keep reciting until you reach Masjid Al-Haram to perform Umrah.
  • Every good deed performed here is worth 100,000 good deeds, and every sin is magnified to 100,000 times as well.
  • Important: Continuously repent to Allah and strive to perform good deeds during this blessed time.

Masjid Al-Haram:

  • Upon entering Masjid Al-Haram, recite the following dua:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَ السَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُوْلِ اللهِ اللُّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي ابْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ


In the name of Allah, may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah! open the doors of Your Mercy for me.


Intention of I'tikaf:

نَوَيُتُ سُنَّتَ الْاِعْتِكَافِ

I make the intention of Sunnah of I'tikaf


Entering the Mataf:

  • Lower your gaze as you walk towards the Mataf (the ground floor area around the Ka’bah).
  • Avoid looking up until you are directly in front of the Ka’aba.
  • Upon seeing the Ka’aba for the first time, recite Durood (Salat upon the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him) and make dua, as duas are accepted at this moment.

Idhtiba (Uncovering the Right Shoulder for Men):

  • Before starting Tawaaf, men should:
    • Take the top piece of Ihram and place it under the right arm and over the left shoulder.
    • Leave the right shoulder uncovered during the Tawaaf.

Tawaaf:

  • Starting point: Begin the Tawaaf at the corner of Hajr Al-Aswad (the Black Stone).
    • This corner is directly opposite the green light on the wall of the Masjid.
  • Recitation: Stop reciting the Talbiyyah once you begin the Tawaaf.

Intention of Tawaaf:

اَللٰهُمَّ اِنِّى اُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرُهُ لِىْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنّىْ


Ya Allah! I make intention for Tawaaf of Your sacred House . Make it easier for me and accept it from me


Istilam (Kissing the Black Stone):

  • To kiss the Black Stone, do the following:
    • Lift your hands towards the Black Stone, with your palms facing it.
    • Recite the following dua, then kiss your hands after:

بِسُمِ اللهِ وَالْحَمُدُ لِلّٰهِ وَاللهُ اَكْبَرُ وَ الصَّلُوةُ وَ السَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ


Allah  in Whose name I begin, and all glorifications are for Allah and Allah is the greatest and Salat & Salam be on the Rasul of Allah Peace Be Upon Him.

  • Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “On the Day of Judgment, this stone will be raised with eyes that will see and with a tongue that will speak, and it will give evidence for the one who kissed it with truth.” (Tirmidhi)

Rulings of Tawaaf:

  • Wudu (Ablution): Wudu is required for the validity of Tawaaf. Seven rounds must be performed around the Ka’aba.
  • If Wudu is broken within the first three rounds, you must restart the Tawaaf.
  • If Wudu is broken after the completion of the third round, you can continue from where you left off.
  • Men should perform ramal (fast walking with rapid, small steps and shaking the shoulders) during the first three rounds of Tawaaf.
  • The chest and back should not be turned towards the Ka’aba, except during Istilam (when you are facing the Black Stone).
  • Upper body: Should be facing the Ka’aba while your feet remain facing forward.
  • Istilam (kissing or pointing towards the Black Stone) should be performed before each round of Tawaaf.
  • Total Istilam: It is performed eight times from the start to the end of the Tawaaf (one for each round of Tawaaf).

Du’a and Sunnah Azkaar:

  • Recite Durood upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the third Kalimah.
  • Other duas can also be made during Tawaaf.
  • Recite the following phrases:

سُبْحَان اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُلِلّهِ وَلا إِلهَ إِلّااللّهُ وَاللّهُ أكْبَرُ وَلا حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيْم

"Allah is pure and perfect, all praise and thanks are for Allah, there is no god except Allah, Allah is the greatest. There is no might or power except with Allah. The Exalted, The Great.

Du’a Between the Yemeni Corner and Hajr Al-Aswad:

  • It is a Sunnah to recite the following du’a:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

"Our Rab! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the hellfire.

Two Raka'at Nafl Prayer (Wajib-ut-Tawaaf):

  • Perform two raka’at Nafl (Sunnah) prayer after completing Tawaaf, provided it is not a makruh (disliked) time.
    • If it is a makruh time, wait until it ends before performing the prayer.
  • Preferred location: Perform this prayer near Maqam-e-Ibrahim. If it is too crowded, it can be done anywhere within Masjid Al-Haram.
  • Preferred recitations: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite:
    • Surah Al-Kafirun (109) in the first raka'at.
    • Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) in the second raka'at.
  • Men: Should cover both shoulders during this prayer.
  • After you finish reciting 2 Raka’at Nafl, your Tawaaf is now Completed. 

Drinking Zam Zam (Holy Water):

  • While standing and facing the Ka'aba, drink Zam Zam water until you are satisfied.
  • The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “This (Zam Zam water) is blessed, and it is a meal for the hungry and a cure for the patient.” (Abu Dawud)

Sa’ee at Safa and Marwa:

  • Before beginning Sa’ee:
    • Perform Istilam one more time, making it the ninth Istilam since the start of Tawaaf.
    • If it is crowded, face Hajr Al-Aswad (Black Stone) and recite:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد


Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah, and to Allah belongs all praise.

At the Mountain of Safa:

  • Upon reaching the mountain of Safa, recite the following verse from Surah Al-Baqarah:

اَبْدَءُ بِمَا بَدَأ اللهُ تَعَالى به إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ


I begin with that which Allah has begun with (this Holy Statement of His): Without doubt, Safa and Marwa are from amongst the signs of Allah, whosoever performs Hajj or Umrah of this house, there is no sin on him for taking rounds of these two. And whoever performs a good deed at his own will, undoubtedly Allah is the most rewarding and all knowing. 

(Surah Al Baqarah, 158)

Intention Of Sa'ee:

اَللّهُمَّ اِنِّي اُرِيُدُ السَّعْىَ بَيْنَ الصَّفَا وَ الْمَرْوَةِ سَبْعَةَ اَشْوَاطٍ لِوَجُهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ فَيَسِّرُهُ لِي وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّىْ


O Allah! I intend to perform the seven rounds of Sa'ee between Safa and Marwa for Your pleasure. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.

During Sa’ee:

  • While walking between the two blessed mountains, remain engaged in Zikr (remembrance of Allah) and Du’a.
  • At each mountain (Safa and Marwa):
    • Face the Qibla and recite:

لَآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهٗ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهٗ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْىٖ وَ يُمِيْتُ وَهُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شیْ ٍٔ قَدِیْرٌؕ.

No one is worthy of worship except Allah. He is One. He has no partner. For him only is sovereignty and all glorifications. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.

  • Men: Should jog between the green lights while performing Sa’ee.
  • Du’a during jogging:

رَبِّ غْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ إِنَّكَ انتَ الأَعَزَّ الأكرَم


O Lord forgive me and have mercy, verily you are the mightiest and noblest


Completing Sa’ee:

  • Walk seven times between Safa and Marwa, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa, to complete Sa’ee.

Two Raka'at Nafl (Salah):

  • Preferred: Perform two raka’at Nafl prayer after completing Sa’ee, provided it is not a makruh (disliked) time.

Halq/ Qasr (Shaving or Trimming Hair):

  • For Men:
    • Preferred: Shave the entire head.
    • Alternatively, trim at least one-quarter of the head (minimum 1 inch). It’s recommended to cut more for extra precaution.
    • For bald individuals: Even those without hair should use a razor over their head.
  • For Women:
    • Prohibited: Women should not shave their heads.
    • Preferred: Trim at least one-quarter of the head (minimum 1 inch). Again, it’s recommended to cut a little extra for caution.

Completion of Ihram and Umrah:

  • After performing the above steps, you are out of the state of Ihram, and your Umrah is now complete.


Duas to remember during your Umrah Journey