Performing Umrah is a significant spiritual journey for Muslims, consisting of several rituals that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah:
Steps to Perform Umrah
1. Intention (Niyyah)
- Begin by making a sincere intention in your heart to perform Umrah. You don’t need to verbally declare this intention.
2. Ihram
- What is Ihram?: This is the sacred state you enter to perform Umrah.
- For Men: Wear two unstitched white garments, one wrapped around the waist and the other over the shoulder.
- For Women: Wear simple, modest clothing that covers the whole body except for the face and hands.
- Before Entering Mecca: While on your way, recite the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, to perform Umrah).
3. Entering Mecca
- As you approach Mecca, recite the Talbiyah frequently until you reach the mosque.
4. Tawaf
- Upon arriving at the Masjid al-Haram:
- Enter with your right foot and say a prayer.
- Perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Begin at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) if possible, and kiss or touch it. If not, simply point towards it with your hand each time you pass.
- Flow of Tawaf: Start with the Black Stone—1st circle, 2nd circle, 3rd circle, 4th circle, 5th circle, 6th circle, and finish the 7th circle at the Black Stone.
5. Praying Behind the Maqam Ibrahim
- After completing the Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs at the Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim). If it’s crowded, you can pray anywhere in the mosque.
6. Drinking from the Zamzam Well
- Drink Zamzam water, which is located within the mosque, after Tawaf. Say a prayer while drinking.
7. Sa’i
- Proceed to perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah:
- Start at Safa, face the Kaaba, and recite prayers.
- Walk to Marwah, perform a similar prayer and return to Safa. This counts as one round.
- Complete seven rounds, ending at Marwah.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah
- This is a second Tawaf that can be performed after Sa’i on the same day or later during the pilgrimage. The rituals are the same as the initial Tawaf.
9. Cutting Hair (Taqsir)
- After completing the rituals, men should shave their heads or cut a portion of their hair, while women should cut a small portion around the tip of their hair to signify the completion of Umrah.
10. Complete Ihram
- After performing Taqsir, you can now exit the state of Ihram and return to your regular clothes.
Additional Tips
- Du’a and Prayers: Throughout the process, you can make personal supplications (du’a) and prayers. It’s a time for reflection and connection with Allah.
- Health and Hydration: Ensure you’re hydrated and take care of your health during the rituals.
Umrah can be a profound and life-changing experience.
