The "Step-by-Step Umrah Guide" is a comprehensive resource that provides guidance on how to perform Umrah, which is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This guide takes the reader through each step of the process, from preparing for the journey, to performing the necessary rituals, to concluding the journey. It includes practical advice on everything from obtaining the necessary documentation to navigating the crowds at the holy sites, and aims to provide a detailed and easy-to-follow set of instructions for anyone who wishes to perform Umrah.

Hajj is one of the most important pillars of Islam. Do you know what is Umrah Hajj?

I guess, you have the idea. But let’s recap it.

Umrah is the Tawaf of Holy Kaaba that is performed when it is not the season of Hajj. In fact, anyone can perform Umrah at any time of the year, excluding the Hajj season in Zilhajj.

So, if you are planning to perform Umrah, you must know the rules and regulations of this Islamic ritual. Thereby, you need to obtain an in-depth knowledge about Umrah.

Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or have performed Umrah before, this guide can be a useful tool to help you make the most of your journey. Let’s embark the journey to know the Umrah details.

Rules of the Umrah:

The overall rules to perform Umrah have been separated into five parts. They are:

• Ihram (Fard)
• Tawaf (Fard)
• Two Rakhas of prayers for Tawaf (Wazib)
• Sayee (Wazib)
• Hair cutting (Wazib)

In this section, we will get a comprehensive explanation of the points mentioned above.

Ihram:

Things to Do Before Wearing:

Before you wear the Ihram sheet, you have to undergo a cleanliness drive on your body. Clean the pubic hairs, cut your nails, take a bath, and using attar (not for women, it is a Sunnah for men only).

However, you cannot apply attar after wearing the Ihram sheet.

Ihram Sheet for Men:

Usually Muslim men have to wear a two-piece cloth for Ihram. Make sure the clothes are non-stitch. One of the sheets should be used like a skirt (the small piece) and the larger part should be used for covering the body.

Do not wear cap or cover your head. Also, men cannot use sandals that cover the back part of the feet.

Ihram Sheet for Women:

For Ihram, women can wear any stitched clothes. However, they cannot wear nikab or hand sock for covering their hands. To protect the privacy, they can wear large scarf to cover their face.

Where to Wear the Ihram Sheet: 

As women do not have any specific dress for Ihram, they can wear the dress from their home. And the men can wear the Ihram from any place before the Mikat.

If you start for Makkah through airlines, you can wear it from home or after completing the airport immigration and before boarding the flight.

If you have a transit, you can also wear Ihram during the transit period. Use the prayer room or prayer space to wear the Ihram.

Those who are planning to visit Medina first and then return to Makkah by train, car or flight, they can wear the Ihram sheet on their home or at the staying place in Medina.

However, if you are traveling by car, you can take a bath at Mikat and them wear the Ihram sheet. In Mikat, special arrangements are available for women to take bath and complete other necessary tasks.

Mikat:

Mikat is the boundary of any area. It means Mikat is the place where you intend (make niyat) for performing Umrah and wear your Ihram sheet.

Remember, Ihram means not wearing the Ihram sheet. It is the intention of Umrah and then you have to wear the Ihram sheet.

When you are travelling to Medina or Makkah, the flight announces that we are crossing the Mikat. Guessing that moment, you have to make the intention for Umrah while you are on the air travel.

Usually, the announcement of Mikat is done around 50 minutes prior to landing, and the flight crosses the Mikat around 30 minutes after the announcement made.

However, someone may want to visit Medina first and use car or train to reach Makkah for Umrah. In that case, when you are on the car, the Mikat will be available after around 20 minutes of journey.  You will get Zulhulaifa or Bir e Ali Mikat. You have to make the intention from there.

But when you are on the train, you may not get any such announcement of crossing the Mikat. So, it is better to make the intention for Umrah after 5 to 10 minutes of ride on the train.

The Muslim men have to make the intention loudly, so that the person can hear the voice. But the Muslim women do not need to follow the same rule, they can do it silently.

The intention to make Umrah is – Labbaika Allahumma Umrah

(Ya Allah, I am making intention to perform Umrah)

It is worth mention that if someone misses making the intention and cross the Mikat, she/ he has to come back to the nearest Mikat and make the intention again. Or they cannot do this, they have to take a break.

Taking a break mean sacrificing an animal (goat or sheep) and distribute the meat among the poor in the Masjidul Haram.

The Umrah performer cannot consume the meat.

Prohibitions During Ihram:

When you are in Ihram, you cannot do certain tasks. They are as followed:

• Cutting, plucking or tearing hair from any parts of the body.  
• Nail cutting 
• Applying perfumed oil or attar.  
• Having sexual intercourse with wife.
• Having any sexual discussion 
• Hunting.
• Quarreling or fighting.
• Offering marriage proposal or do something like this
• Covering head for men with hat or any similar thing
• Wearing shoes that cover the backside of the feet. 
• Cutting or uprooting any trees in the Haram area
•  Wearing any sewed clothes

Talbiya:

After making intention for Umrah, you need to recite Talbiya more and more. Remember, Talbiya should be recited alone instead of reciting in a team.

The men have to be a bit louder but the women should recite silently.

Labbayik Allahumma Labbayik, Labbayika La Sharikalaka Labbayik, Innal Hamda Waan Nimata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharikalak.

(Oh Allah, I am present. I am present to respond to your call. You do not have any partner. Undoubtedly you deserve the praise, all the wealth and dominations are yours. You do not have any partner.)

Tawaf:

You need to follow the way to start Tawaf.

If possible, take bath immediately after reaching Makkah. This is a Mustahab (the thing or task which is preferable). Enter into the Masjidul Haram with your right leg and recite the duah for entering as followed:

Bismillahi Was Salatu Was Salamu Aala Rasulillah. Aujubillahil Ajim Wa Bi Wazhihil Karim Wa Sultanihil Qadimi Minas Shaitwanir Rajim. Allahuamf Tahli Abwaba Rahamtika.

(Starting by the name of Allah. Peace be on Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. Ya Allah, forgive all my sins. Open your doors of blessings for me)

After reaching Mataf (the open space around Khaana e Kaaba for Tawaf), stop reciting Talbia. Now, the males have to the corner where the Hazre Aswad is placed and wear the Ihram sheet by keeping their right shoulder open. The Ihram sheet is also known as Ijtiba.

Next, both the men and women have to place or point their right hand towards the Hazre Aswad and keep circling the Kaaba. Make sure the Khaana e Kaaba is on your left side and complete circling. 

Before starting each of the cycle, try to point your right hand towards the Hazre Aswad. You cannot kiss the holy stone by pointing your hand.

When You Point to the Hazre Aswad, Recite:

Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar. Or Allahu Akbar.

Usually, it is Sunnah to kiss the Hazre Aswad and touch it with right hand during the Tawaf. But at times, this is not possible for the crowd. However, if you can, start by kissing the holy stone. But remember, you cannot cause trouble to others for kissing the stone.

For a single Tawaf, it needs seven Circles. Each of the circles begin from the Hazre Aswad and end at the same place (or Corner).

The men have to take small steps like running during the first three circle (it is also knowns as Ramal). And they have to complete the remaining circles in their usual speed.

The women have to walk usually for all the circles.

During each of the circles, try to touch the Rokune Yemeni corner. The corner is located before the Hazre Aswad corner. Touching the Rokune Yemeni corner is the part of Sunnah. However, if you cannot touch it by your hand, keep circle. But do not kiss the corner. 

After completing the circles, use the Ihram sheet to cover your right shoulder.

It is worth mention that you cannot kiss by gesture or pointing. Also, you cannot perform the Tawaf inside the Hijr-e-Ismail or Hatim. Because Hijr-e-Ismail is a part of Khaana e Kaaba, and you cannot perform Tawaf inside the Kaaba.

Duah for Tawaf:

You can recite any Duah during Tawaf. However, there is a Duah that you can recite between the Yemeni corner and Hajre Aswad corner. Reciting this Duah is Sunnab. The Duah is as followed:

Rabbana Aatina Fiddunia Hasanatao Wa Fil Akhirati Hasanatao Wa Aakina Azabannar.

(Oh My Lord! Blesse me in this world and bless me in hereafter and protect me from the fire of Hell)

For the Tawaf to be Considered Valid, the Following is Necessary:

Performing Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, is an important part of the Umrah pilgrimage. To ensure that your Tawaf is valid, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Perform the Tawaf yourself and make an intention (verbally or not).
• The Tawaf should be done in Masjid al-Haram, while being in a state of Wudhu and free from anything that requires Ghusl, such as menstruation.
• Conceal your Awrah and begin the Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad, moving in an anti-clockwise direction.
• Avoid the Hatim, which is the semi-circular area outside the Kaaba.
• If you are able, perform Tawaf by foot and complete seven circuits.
• After completing the Tawaf, perform two Rakahs of Salah.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Tawaf is valid and that your Umrah pilgrimage is successful.

Tawaf Prayers:   

After completing Tawaf, you have to say two rakah of Swalat (prayer). This is Wazib. You can say the prayer at any time. There is no specific or banned time for this prayer.

You need to say the prayer in front of the Khaana e Kaaba and Makam e Ibrahim.

However, if you cannot manage space to say the prayer amid the crowd, you can say it at any place inside the Masjidul Haram.

But women should not say the prayer with unknown men. Or the men cannot say the prayer with unknown women.

During the Tawaf prayer, you have to recite Surat Fatiha with Surat Qafirun in the first rakat, and reciting Surat Ikhlas is better. But if you do not know the Surats, you can use any Surat.

After the Tawaf prayer, drink the Zamzam water with Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. After drinking, you can apply the remaining portion of the Zamzam water on your head, face and body for Barakah. You can get the Zamzam water beside the Mataf.

Sayee:

For performing Sayee, the first thing is to ride on the Saafa Hill. There is a Duah for riding on the Hill.

Innas Sofa Wal Marwata Min Sha Airillah

(Surely Safa and Marwa are the symbols of Allah)

After reaching the Saafa Hill, use your hands like offering munajat and point your face towards the Khaana e Kaaba. Recite the Duah that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also recited. Before the recitation, say Allahu Akbar for three times. And then say:

La Ilaha Illalahu Wahadahu La Sharikalau Lahul Mulku Wa Lahul Hamdu Wa Hua Aala Kulli Shayeen Qaadir. La Ilaha Illallahu Wahadahu Anzaha Wahdau Wa Nasr Abdahu Ohajhamal Ahzaba Wahdahu

(There is no God but Allah, He has no partner, all praises and kingdoms are for Him, in fact He is the supreme over everything. There is no God but Allah. He has kept all his promises, helped his creations and has defeated the combined forces alone)

After reciting the Duah, you can say some other duahs as per your preference.

Again, recite the same Duah for the second time, and then recite any other Duahs you want. But when you are reciting the Duah for the second time, you do not need to say Allahu Akbar like you did in the first time.

Moreover, recite the same Duah for the third time, and then recite any other Duahs you want. But when you are reciting the Duah for the third time, you can skip saying Allahu Akbar like you did in the second time.

Also, you can recite some of the parts of the Duah. But as this is the place where Allah (SWT) accepts the Duahs, you need to recite as much as you can.

After reciting the Duah, you have to perform Sayee. It means you have to perform a seven cycle between the Saafa and Marwa Hills.

When you complete the Duah on the Saafa Hill, start walking naturally to the Marwa Hill. After walking a distance, you will find some of the parts are pointed with green light. In this space, the men have to walk faster like in a running motion. But the women have to walk normally.

Once the green space is complete, walk naturally or in a normal pace to reach the Marwa Hill. In this way, the first cycle of Sayee will be completed.

There is no specific Duah set for Sayee. You can recite any Duah you want.

After reaching Marwa Hill, point your face towards Khaana e Kaaba. Raise your hands and recite the Duahs for three times as you did when you were on the Saafa Hill.

Now, start for the Saafa Hill from the Marwa Hill. Run again in the green space. And then, go again to the Marwa Hill.

Remember, you need to recite the Duahs after mounting on the hills for the first time. You do not need to say the Duahs in the remaining five cycles. However, during the Sayee, you can recite any Duah you want.

Hair Cutting:

After completing the Sayee, men have to cut their hair or cut the hair to a certain amount. But the best is to make head bald.

When you are cutting the hair, it should be cut from every part of your head and in equal amount.

For women, they can get support from their Mahram (the male members of a family whom a Muslim woman can meet) to cut around an inch of their hair.

However, they can also do the task by themselves. But if they fail, in that case they can get support from their Mahram male members.

It will complete the Umrah, inshaAllah (if Allah wills). The tasks which were prohibited during Ihram will no longer remain prohibited.

Safety Measures During Umrah:

While performing Umrah, you need to follow certain safety and security measures. They are as followed:

• Get a phone: The first thing is to remain connected to your family, friends, relatives or other people. So, you must get a phone and inform your near and dear ones about your recent updates.
• Remain alert: When you get out of your residence, you need to remain alert. of course, you do not want to lose any of your belongings.
• Use less currency: As you will remain busy in performing the rituals, you cannot focus on any other things. So, if you carry less cash, it would be convenient to get rid from distractions. Instead of cash, you can use cards.
• Do you have medicines: If you need to get medications, make sure you have them all. It may happen that certain drugs will not be available immediately. But if you have the stock, it will help you remain free of worries.
• Carry your photo ID: Also, you can use some sort of photo ID card for your security. The card will help you get out of any sort of troubles.

The "Step-by-Step Umrah Guide" is a valuable resource for those planning to perform Umrah, providing comprehensive and practical advice on every step of the journey. It can help readers prepare for the pilgrimage, understand the necessary rituals, and navigate the complex logistics of traveling to Mecca and performing the pilgrimage. By following the guidance provided in the guide, pilgrims can ensure that their journey is as smooth and fulfilling as possible. Overall, the "Step-by-Step Umrah Guide" is an important tool for anyone seeking to perform Umrah with confidence and ease.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ's):  

01. Question: When can I perform Umrah?

Well. You can perform Umrah at any time of the year. The Hajj is only to be performed during the month of Zilhajj. But there are no such restrictions for Umrah. If you have the capacity, you can do it any time of the year.

But if you want more heavenly reward from Almighty Allah (SWT), try to perform the Umrah during the Holy month of Ramadan.

02. Question: What type of cloths should be worn during Umrah?

For the Muslim men, the cloth is known as Ihram sheet. There are two pieces of clothes. One is used to cover the upper part of the body and the other will cover the lower part. Remember, you cannot wear sandals that cover the back side of your feet.

For women, there are no such restrictions in clothing. They can wear any decent attires that covers them. But covering the face with any clothing is not allowed. In this case, the women can use long scarf or similar clothing.

The rule of wearing sandal is also the same for the women.

03. Question: What is Tawaf in Umrah?

Tawaf is the process of circling the Khaana e Kaaba for seven times. The cycle should begin from the Hazre Aswad corner, and you have to circle the Holy Kaaba keeping it on your left side. After you reach the Hazre Aswad again, one circle is complete.

You have to perform the cycle for seven times. But make sure you are not performing the Tawaf inside the Hatim.

04. Question: What is the best time for Tawaf prayer during Umrah?

After you complete the Tawaf, you can say the prayer. It’s a two Rakat of Swalat. There is not specific time for the prayer. You can say it immediately or can take a break and then say the prayer.

Also, you can say the prayer at any part of the Masjidul Haram. But the best would be if you can say the prayer near the Makam e Ibrahim or in front of the Khaana e Kaaba.

05. Question: Do women need to run during the Saafa and Marwa Hill mounting?

No, women do not need to run during the Saafa and Marwa mounting. There is a green space and only men have to run in between the green space.

Women have to walk as usual as they do in their seven cycles.