Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which is performed during specific days of the Islamic calendar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah:
1. Niyyah (Intention)
•Before embarking on Umrah, make a sincere intention (niyyah) in your heart to perform the pilgrimage for the sake of Allah. The intention doesn’t need to be verbalized, but it is a commitment of the heart.
2. Ihram (State of Purity)
•Entering the State of Ihram:
•For men: Wear two white, seamless cloths (one wrapped around the waist, the other over the shoulders).
•For women: There is no specific dress code, but they should wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body, except for the face and hands.
•Miqat (Boundary):
•Before crossing the Miqat (specific boundary around Mecca), recite the Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”
(Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah).
•This begins the state of Ihram and the associated prohibitions (e.g., no cutting of hair or nails, no perfumes, no marital relations, etc.).
3. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
•Upon arrival at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque), perform Tawaf around the Kaaba.
•Start at the Hajr al-Aswad (Black Stone) or as close as you can get.
•Make seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone.
•Each time you pass the Black Stone, if possible, touch or kiss it. If you cannot, raise your hand toward it and continue.
•Recite prayers or make du’a (supplications) throughout the Tawaf. There are no specific prayers required; you can make personal du’as or recite Quranic verses.
4. Pray Two Rakats near Maqam Ibrahim
•After Tawaf, perform two rakats (units of prayer) behind Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Prophet Ibrahim). If the area is crowded, you can perform these prayers anywhere in the mosque.
•After the prayer, drink Zamzam water, which is available near the mosque.
5. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
•After Tawaf, proceed to perform Sa’i:
•Start at Mount Safa, face the Kaaba, and make du’a (supplication).
•Walk briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located inside the mosque, seven times.
•The distance between Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 meters (1,480 feet), and you will cover this distance seven times (total of 3.15 kilometers or 2 miles).
•Recite supplications during this time. The most common one is:
“Rabbighfir warham wa anta al-‘azzu al-akram”
(O Lord, forgive and have mercy, You are the most mighty and the most honorable).
6. Shaving or Trimming the Hair
•After completing Sa’i, men should either shave their heads or trim their hair (shaving is preferable).
•Women should trim a small portion of their hair (about the length of a fingertip).
•This act signifies the completion of Umrah.
