Allah says in the Quran: “And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for what is between them, and there is no reward for a righteous Hajj except Paradise.”
The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet have emphasized the importance and virtues of Umrah. Here, we will explain in some detail how to perform Umrah:
Elements:
1. Definition of Umrah
2. Virtues of Umrah
3. Ruling on Umrah
4. Entering the state of Ihram for Umrah
5. Performing Tawaf during Umrah
6. Drinking from Zamzam
7. Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
8. Exiting the state of Ihram after Umrah
First: Definition of Umrah:
Umrah, linguistically, means visitation or intention. Islamically and technically, Umrah refers to a ritual act of worship that begins with entering the state of Ihram, followed by performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finally exiting the state of Ihram through either shaving the head or trimming the hair.
Second: Virtues of Umrah:
1. Expiation of sins: It is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for what is between them.”
2. Removal of poverty and forgiveness of sins: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Follow up between Hajj and Umrah; they remove poverty and erase sins just as a blacksmith’s bellows remove impurities from iron, gold, and silver.”
3. Umrah and Hajj are considered two forms of jihad: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The warrior in the cause of Allah, the pilgrim, and the one performing Umrah are the delegation of Allah. He called them, and they answered Him, and they ask of Him and He will give to them.”
4. Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said so.
Third: Ruling on Umrah:
Scholars have differed in their opinions on the ruling of Umrah. Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik considered it a recommended act (sunnah), while Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad considered it obligatory for every capable individual (mukallaf).
Fourth: Entering the state of Ihram:
1. Preparation for Ihram: If you are traveling by plane, prepare for Ihram by shaving your hair, trimming your nails, and taking a ritual bath (ghusl). This is similar to the Friday bath. Then apply fragrance.
2. Ihram garments: Wear an izar (lower garment covering the lower half of the body) that is preferably white, a rida (upper garment covering the upper half of the body), except the head and face, and sandals that expose the heels of both feet. Be cautious not to wear a shirt, robe, undershirt, or socks during the Ihram period unless you are compelled to do so, in which case you can wear them and offer a fidyah (penalty). Allah says in the Quran: “So whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196). It is also recommended to perform two light voluntary units of prayer (sunnah).
3. Uttering the Talbiyah: Say: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.” By saying this, you have now entered the state of Ihram for Umrah or Hajj.
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Fifth: Tawaf for Umrah:
After arriving in Makkah, by the grace of Allah, perform ablution or take a ritual bath (if possible) and then head towards the Kaaba to perform Tawaf for Umrah.
1. How to perform Tawaf: Face the Kaaba with the Black Stone to your right, and pass in front of it with your entire body. Direct your face and chest completely towards it and raise your hands as you do in prayer, intending to perform Tawaf, magnifying and praising Allah, declaring that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, saying: “O Allah, I believe in You, affirming Your Book, fulfilling Your covenant, and following the Sunnah of Your Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him.” Then turn to your right, keeping the Kaaba to your left, starting from facing the Black Stone. Walk around the Kaaba and the Station of Ibrahim, until you return to the starting point. Repeat these actions in each round, until you complete the seven rounds.
2. What to say during Tawaf: Engage in remembrance of Allah, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and recitation of the Quran that you have memorized. Avoid engaging in idle talk.
3. Two Rak’ahs after Tawaf: After completing Tawaf, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim and offer two light Rak’ahs (units of prayer) individually, intending to perform the recommended prayer of Tawaf. You can pray anywhere in the mosque if there is no space available at Maqam Ibrahim. Make supplications to Allah as you wish.
Sixth: Drinking from Zamzam:
After completing the two Rak’ahs of Tawaf, go to the blessed well of Zamzam and drink from it as much as you can. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” This means that it benefits the drinker according to their intention, whether it is for knowledge, good deeds, increased sustenance, happiness in this world and the hereafter, or quenching the thirst on the Day of Judgment, God willing. It is also a cure for all ailments.
Seventh: Sa’i between Safa and Marwa:
Allah says in the Quran, “Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158).
Safa and Marwa are two well-known mountains in Makkah. When you reach Safa, climb it and stand on it for a while, facing the Kaaba, magnifying and supplicating to Allah as you please. Then proceed to perform Sa’i, which means walking between Safa and Marwa in the designated path. Walk a bit faster between the green markers known as Milayn, also located there. This faster pace, called “hastening,” is specific to men and not women. After this hastening, return to your normal walking pace until you reach Marwa. Perform the same actions on Marwa as you did on Safa. This completes one round of Sa’i. Repeat these actions in each round until you complete seven rounds in total.
Finally: Exiting the state of Ihram (Tahallul) from Umrah:
After completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, you have completed your Umrah. At this point, shave your head with a razor or trim your hair, or cut a portion of it. Shaving the head is preferred for men, while it is prohibited for women.
By doing this, you have completed your Umrah. We ask Allah to accept it from us and from you.
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