Umrah in Detail with dua

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, performed by Muslims. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates and is obligatory for those who can afford it, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice).

4 Things to do in Umrah : 

  1. Ihram – Wear Iharm, Recite Labbaik, Do Niyat before Mikat & be Aware of Iharam Pabandi.
  2. Tawaf – 7 Rounds of kaaba – Recite 3rd Kalma and Rabbana aatina.
  3. Saie – Safa to Marwah & Marwah to safa total- 7 Rounds – Recite 4th kalma.
  4. Halk – Make Bald or cut hairs totally or same from every side.

Learn More : Hajj Ke Faraiz, Labbaik, Hajj ke Arkan, Hajj ki Sunnate, Umrah in Detail, Hajj ka Tarika, Hajj ke Wajibaat , Umrah Wishes, Makkah Live, Madina LIve, Umrah in Short

Umrah Overview

1.Ihram (Sacred State):

  • Take a bath (Ghusl) or perform ablution (Wudu) with the intention of entering Ihram.
  • For those traveling for Umrah from their home country, put on Ihram at the designated Miqat (boundary). If intending to perform Umrah while in Makkah, wear Ihram from Masjid Aisha.
  • Cover your head and pray two Rak’ahs with the intention of Umrah.
  • Remove the covering from your head, make the intention for Umrah, and recite the Talbiyah.
  1. Observing Ihram Regulations:
    • Be mindful of the restrictions of Ihram (Muna’imul Hujjaj).

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation)

  1. Preparation for Tawaf:
    • Ensure you are in a state of purity (Wudu) and covered appropriately.
    • Make the intention for Tawaf.
  2. Beginning Tawaf:
    • Raise both hands to shoulder level and say “Allahu Akbar” while touching or kissing the Hajre Aswad.
    • Start Tawaf from the corner of the Hajre Aswad.
    • Circumambulate in a clockwise direction while keeping the right shoulder exposed (Ijtiba).
  3. Walking and Prayers During Tawaf:
    • For the first three rounds, men should walk briskly (Ramal).
    • Recite the third Kalima or other supplications during Tawaf.
    • Perform Tawaf outside the Hijr (Hatim) and recite “Rabbana atina” from Rukn Yamani to Hajre Aswad during each round.
    • Complete a total of seven rounds of Tawaf on foot.
    • After completing Tawaf, offer two Rak’ahs of prayer at the Maqam Ibrahim and drink from the Zamzam well.

3. Saa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

  1. Intention (Niyyah) and Prayer:
    • Begin by making the intention (niyyah) for Saa’i after three Safa rounds and offer a prayer.
    • During Saa’i, recite the fourth Kalima or other supplications.
  2. Hajre Aswad (Black Stone) Ritual:
    • Perform the ninth Istalam (touching or kissing) of the Hajre Aswad (Black Stone).
  3. Starting and Ending:
    • Start Saa’i from Safa and conclude at Marwah.
    • For men, walk briskly between the two green markers (Mileen Akhzarain).
    • Complete a total of seven rounds of Saa’i on foot.
    • Each time you complete a round, pray at both Safa and Marwah.

4. Halq (Shaving or Cutting Hair)

  • For Men:
    • Shave the head (Halq) or cut hair (Taqsir).
    • Note: Many people at Marwah carry scissors and may cut off only a little hair. Avoid this to prevent incurring a penalty (Dam) for removing Ihram prematurely.
  • For Women:
    • Cut hair equal to the length of one fingertip.
    • Note: Women should cut their hair themselves or have it done by their Mahram (male guardian). It is not permissible to have non-Mahrams cut their hair.

Prohibited Acts While in the State of Ihram

  1. Wearing Stitched Clothing (Men): Men must not wear stitched clothing that fits the shape of the body.
  2. Covering the Head (Men): Men should avoid covering the head, while both men and women should not cover their faces in a way that the cloth touches the skin.
  3. Cleaning the Face with Cloth: Avoid using any cloth to clean the face directly.
  4. Shoes Covering the Ankles (Men): Men must not wear shoes that cover the ankles.
  5. Removing Body Hair: Do not trim or shave any body hair.
  6. Cutting Nails: Refrain from cutting nails.
  7. Intimate Conversations: Avoid intimate or sensual talk with one’s spouse.
  8. Hunting Land Animals: Do not hunt any land animals.
  9. Engaging in Disputes: Avoid fights or arguments.
  10. Killing Lice on Clothes or Hair: Avoid killing lice on clothing or hair.
  11. Using Scented Products: Do not use toothpaste, soap, or anything with fragrance.
  12. Multiple Tawafs Without Praying: Do not perform multiple Tawafs without offering two Rakat prayers in between.
  13. Applying Perfume: Avoid using perfumes.

Disliked Actions During Tawaf

  1. Impure Clothing: Avoid performing Tawaf in impure clothes.
  2. Raising Hands Without Facing Hajre Aswad: Raise hands and recite Takbeer only in front of Hajre Aswad (Black Stone).
  3. Pushing Others: Do not push others in an attempt to reach Hajre Aswad.
  4. Pointing at Rukn-e-Yamani from Afar: Refrain from raising hands toward Rukn-e-Yamani from a distance.
  5. Reciting Loudly: Avoid loud recitations or chanting that may disturb others.
  6. Worldly Conversations: Do not engage in unnecessary worldly conversations.
  7. Raising Hands or Folding Like in Prayer: Avoid raising hands or folding arms as done in Salah.
  8. Stopping to Make Dua: Avoid pausing during Tawaf specifically to make Dua.
  9. Facing or Turning Back to the Kaaba: Avoid turning the chest or back directly to the Kaaba while moving.
  10. Excessive Distance in Circuits: Maintain the designated area without wandering too far.
  11. Engaging in Other Activities: Do not engage in unrelated activities during Tawaf.
  12. Ignoring Nature’s Call: Avoid Tawaf when you have a pressing need to use the restroom.
  13. Wearing Shoes Unnecessarily: Avoid wearing shoes unless absolutely necessary.

These guidelines help maintain the sanctity and respect of Ihram and the ritual of Tawaf.

Major Mistakes During Hajj That Make Qurbani Dum (Sacrifice) Obligatory

  1. Passing Miqat Without Ihram: An Afaki (a person coming from outside the Miqat) must not pass the Miqat without entering into Ihram.
  2. Leaving Before Sunset: Departing from the limits of Arafat before sunset.
  3. Neglecting Muzdalifah: Failing to stay at Muzdalifah (the gathering place) during Hajj.
  4. Postponing Rami (Pebble Throwing): Delaying the throwing of pebbles for one day to the next.
  5. Skipping Rami: Failing to perform the Rami (throwing of stones) on any one of the three days.
  6. Not Cutting Hair: Failing to perform Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (cutting hair) when required.
  7. Cutting Hair Outside of Permissible Days: Cutting hair outside the limits of the Haram or after the days of Qurbani (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
  8. No Qurbani for Qiran and Tamattu Hajj: Those performing Hajj-e-Qiran or Hajj-e-Tamattu must perform Qurbani; failing to do so is a mistake.
  9. Post-Qurbani Days: Performing Qurbani after the days of Nahr (the days of sacrifice) which are the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
  10. Tawaf Without Wudu: Performing Tawaf (circumambulation) without Wudu (ablution) may necessitate a sacrifice of a goat, while doing so in a state of impurity may require a sacrifice of a cow or camel.
  11. Performing Tawaf Naked: Circumambulating while naked is a significant error.
  12. Using Transportation for Tawaf: Performing Tawaf while being able to walk, but opting to ride instead.
  13. Doing Tawaf Inside Hatiem: Performing Tawaf from inside the Hatiem (a semi-circular wall) is incorrect.
  14. Skipping Sayi: Neglecting to perform Sayi (the walking between Safa and Marwah) after Tawaf.
  15. Performing Tawaf After Nahr Days: Conducting Tawaf after the days of sacrifice (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
  16. Using Transportation for Sayi: Performing the Sayi between Safa and Marwah while riding without a valid excuse.
  17. Sayi Without Tawaf: Conducting Sayi without performing Tawaf first.
  18. Returning Without Tawaf al-Wida: An Afaki should not return to their home without performing Tawaf al-Wida (the farewell Tawaf).

Manners of Visiting Madinah Munawwarah

  1. Show Enthusiasm: Develop a keen desire to visit the grave of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  2. Perform Nafil Umrah or Tawaf: If possible, perform a Nafil Umrah or Tawaf in the name of the Prophet (peace be upon him) before going to Madinah as a gift to him.
  3. Follow Sunnah: Pay special attention to practicing Sunnah during your journey to Madinah.
  4. Recite Darood Sharif: Throughout your journey, frequently recite Darood Sharif (blessings upon the Prophet).
  5. Perform Prayers: Ensure you do not miss any prayers during your trip.
  6. Arriving in Madinah: Upon nearing Madinah, recite this dua:
    • “O Allah, this is the sanctuary of Your Messenger. Grant me entrance and protection from the Fire and safety from punishment and a bad reckoning.”
  7. Freshen Up: After reaching your accommodations, take a bath, change clothes, and use perfume.
  8. Approach with Respect: Walk slowly and respectfully towards Masjid-e-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque).
  9. Entering the Mosque: Enter with your right foot and recite the entrance dua, intending to engage in I’tikaf (spiritual retreat).
  10. Pray Two Rakats: If possible, perform two Rakats of Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (the greeting prayer) in Riyadh-ul-Jannah (a blessed area in the mosque).
  11. Visit the Prophet’s Grave: Gradually proceed to the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to pay your respects.
  12. Salam to the Prophet: When at the grave, say:
    • “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah! I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger. I bear witness that you have conveyed the message, fulfilled your trust, and advised your nation. May Allah reward you on behalf of all Muslims.”
  13. Request Intercession: Seek intercession from the Prophet (peace be upon him) for yourself and those who sent their greetings.
  14. Visit Abu Bakr Siddiq’s Grave: Say salam at the grave of Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him):
    • “Peace be upon you, O Khalifah of the Messenger of Allah, the second in the cave, the companion during the journey, and the trustworthy one of secrets. May Allah reward you on behalf of the Muslim nation.”
  15. Visit Umar ibn al-Khattab’s Grave: Offer your respects at Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)’s grave:
    • “Peace be upon you, O Commander of the Faithful, Umar Al-Farooq, who was honored by Allah through Islam and is the leader of the Muslims. May Allah reward you on behalf of the Muslim nation.”
  16. Pray in Masjid-e-Nabawi: Try to perform 40 obligatory prayers in congregation with Takbeer-ul-Ula (the first Takbeer) in Masjid-e-Nabawi.
  17. Pray in Riyadh-ul-Jannah: Whenever possible, pray in the area of Riyadh-ul-Jannah.
  18. Entering Jannat-ul-Baqi: Upon entering Jannat-ul-Baqi, recite this dua:
    • “Peace be upon you, O dwelling of the believers. Surely, Allah willing, we will join you. O Allah, forgive the inhabitants of Baqi.”
  19. Visit Masjid-e-Quba: Also make an effort to visit Masjid-e-Quba.
  20. Embrace the Blessings of Madinah: Consider your stay in Madinah as a blessing and engage in as many good deeds as possible during your time there.

8 Things to take while going to Umrah

Packing wisely is essential for a smooth Umrah experience. Here’s a list of important items to bring along:

1. Ihram for Men and Women

  • Men should pack two white, unstitched pieces of cloth (Ihram) to wear during the pilgrimage. Women typically wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their entire body except for their face and hands.

2. Small Scissor

  • Useful for trimming hair during the rituals.

3. Comfortable Footwear

  • Men can take two-part sandals (chappal), while women should pack comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Because the upper part of leg should be open for men as shown in image it should be visible while performing Umrah.

4. Daily Snacks

  • Carry small snack packets (5 or 10 Rs each) for quick energy boosts throughout the day.

5. Power Bank

  • Ensure your electronic devices remain charged for navigation and communication.

6. SIM Card

  • After arrival, purchase a local SIM card near the Haram (the sacred mosque) instead of at the airport for better connectivity and pricing.

7. Spending Money

  • It’s advisable to have around 1000 Riyals for personal expenses during your stay.

8. Take Necessary Medicines

  • Paracetamol- bukhar
  • Sinarest & Livocet m- sardi
  • Azythormycin – gale se sardi
  • Bi-quinol – loose motion
  • Powerflam – dard
  • Zerodol-SP – pair kamar lachak gaya toh
  • ENERZAL powder -100gm -6
  • Vicks , moov
Umrah

Differences between Hajj and Umrah:

FeatureHajjUmrah
ObligationMandatory for every Muslim once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.Voluntary, but highly recommended.
TimingSpecific days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.Can be performed at any time of the year.
DurationLasts several days (5-6 days).Can be completed in a few hours to a day.
RitualsMore extensive rituals including standing at Arafat, Tawaf, and stoning of the devil.Fewer rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i.
Spiritual SignificanceConsidered the greatest pilgrimage and a key pillar of Islam.Significant but less than Hajj in religious obligation.
Travel ArrangementsRequires elaborate planning due to high demand during Hajj season.Easier to arrange, with more flexible options.
CostGenerally more expensive due to travel and accommodation during peak season.Typically less expensive and more affordable.
Community AspectA large gathering of Muslims from around the world, symbolizing unity.Can be performed individually or in smaller groups.

This table summarizes the primary differences between Hajj and Umrah, making it easier to understand their unique aspects and significance in Islam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to perform Umrah?

  • The duration of Umrah can vary but typically takes about 5 days, including travel and rituals.

2. Can women perform Umrah alone?

  • Yes, women can perform Umrah independently or with a group. However, it is often recommended to travel with a Mahram (male guardian).

3. Is Umrah performed in a specific order?

  • Yes, Umrah consists of specific rituals performed in a particular sequence, including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Taqsir.

4. Do I need to book accommodations in advance?

  • It is advisable to book accommodations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and suitable lodging.

5. What is the best time to perform Umrah?

  • While Umrah can be performed year-round, many choose to go during Ramadan for increased spiritual rewards.

Conclusion

Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience that offers Muslims the opportunity to seek forgiveness and renew their faith. By understanding its significance, preparing adequately, and