Umrah is one of the most revered spiritual journeys for Muslims, undertaken to seek blessings and forgiveness from Allah. Unlike Hajj, which is a mandatory pilgrimage, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year.
However, to ensure that the pilgrimage is performed correctly, it’s crucial to understand the key rules for performing Umrah. This article will provide an in-depth look at the how to do Umrah, the essential Umrah rules, and how to perform Umrah, including special guidelines for ladies.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, performed by Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah. It involves a series of rituals, including Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), performing prayers, and offering supplications. While Hajj is performed on specific dates during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
Key Rules for Performing Umrah
Before embarking on this sacred journey, it’s important to be aware of the fundamental Umrah rules that every pilgrim must follow. These rules ensure that the pilgrimage is performed correctly and in accordance with Islamic teachings. Below are the key Umrah rules every Muslim should know:
Ihram: The Sacred State
The first step to performing Umrah is to enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram. Ihram is an essential rule for both men and women, and it marks the beginning of the pilgrimage. It is worn before entering the Holy city of Mecca and consists of specific garments.
- For men: Ihram consists of two white unstitched cloths, one worn around the waist as a lower garment and the other draped over the shoulder.
- For women: Women wear a simple dress that covers their entire body, including their hair. The clothing should be modest and should not resemble the clothing of non-Muslims.
While in the state of Ihram, a pilgrim is prohibited from engaging in certain activities, including:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Using scented products
- Engaging in marital relations
- Hunting or harming animals
- Wearing gloves (for women)
Book Your Umrah Package Now
Don’t wait. Take the first step toward your spiritual journey today. Browse our packages, speak to our professional team, and let us help you construct a personalized itinerary that meets your needs.
Umrah Package By Bus From Dubai
Umrah Package By Air From Dubai
The Ihram is a reminder of humility, as all pilgrims stand before Allah in the same simple attire, symbolizing equality.
Intention (Niyyah)
Before entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims must make a sincere intention (niyyah) to perform Umrah. The intention must be made for the sake of Allah, with a heart filled with devotion. A pilgrim should say the Talbiyah, the prayer that marks the start of the pilgrimage:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, Inna al-hamda wa ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika laka.”
This translates to: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
How to Rules for Performing Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide
After entering the state of Ihram and making your intention to perform Umrah, you can begin the journey with the following steps:
Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba)
The first ritual to perform upon arrival in Mecca is Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. While performing Tawaf, pilgrims should aim to be spiritually focused and in a state of remembrance of Allah. The rituals of Tawaf include:
- Starting at the corner where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is located and touching or pointing to the Black Stone.
- Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
- During Tawaf, it is important to recite prayers and supplications, asking Allah for forgiveness and guidance.
For men, it is recommended to perform the first three rounds of Tawaf briskly, but this is not required for women.
Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, the pilgrim performs Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. These hills are located near the Kaaba, and pilgrims walk between them in commemoration of Hagar’s search for water for her son, Ismail.
- Start at the Safa hill, make a supplication, and then walk towards Marwah.
- Upon reaching Marwah, pilgrims make another supplication.
- Repeat this seven times, with the final walk ending at Marwah.
Sa’i is one of the most important rites of Umrah and requires focus and devotion.
Shaving or Cutting the Hair
After completing the Sa’i, men are required to shave their heads or trim their hair. Shaving is preferred, but trimming the hair is acceptable. Women, on the other hand, must trim a small portion of their hair (about an inch).
This act symbolizes a physical manifestation of a pilgrim’s purification and submission to Allah.
Tawaf al-Ifadah (Final Tawaf)
Although Tawaf al-Ifadah is technically part of Hajj, many pilgrims perform it as part of Umrah as well. This involves another round of Tawaf, but this time, it signifies a completion of Umrah rituals.
How to Perform Umrah for Ladies: Special Guidelines
For women performing Umrah, the main rules and rituals are similar to those for men. However, there are a few differences and additional guidelines that should be observed:
Ihram for Women
When it comes to the Ihram for ladies, women must ensure their attire is modest, covering their entire body, and they are not permitted to wear gloves or a face veil during the pilgrimage.
While in the state of Ihram, women should avoid using any makeup or fragrances, as it is forbidden during this time. Similarly, they should refrain from cutting their nails or hair.
Tawaf and Sa’i for Women
While performing Tawaf and Sa’i, women must follow the same rituals as men. However, during Tawaf, they are allowed to walk at a slower pace and may be in closer proximity to the Kaaba than men. It is also essential for women to maintain modesty throughout the journey.
Menstruation and Postpartum Bleeding
Women who are menstruating or experiencing postpartum bleeding are not permitted to perform Tawaf or Sa’i. If a woman begins menstruating during the pilgrimage, she may continue other rituals, but she should wait until she is purified to complete the Tawaf and Sa’i.
However, a woman in this condition can still visit the Masjid al-Haram and perform other activities, as long as she refrains from engaging in the actual worship rituals.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a spiritual experience that brings Muslims closer to Allah and offers an opportunity to seek forgiveness and guidance. By following the key Umrah rules and understanding the essential steps, you can ensure that your pilgrimage is completed correctly. Whether you’re wondering how to do Umrah for the first time or looking for specific guidance on how to perform Umrah for ladies, it’s important to approach this sacred journey with devotion and a sincere heart.
By adhering to the proper steps, including entering Ihram, performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and completing the final rituals, Muslims can experience the blessings of Umrah while maintaining spiritual purity and humility.
Contact Us
For more details or to book your Umrah package, contact us today:
- Website: UAE Umrah
- Social Handles: Facebook, Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone/WhatsApp: +971 547421431
- Office Location: Shop No. 115 Al Hana Centre, Dubai, UAE
Start planning your journey to the holy cities with us and make your dream of Umrah a reality. We look forward to serving you.
