How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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• Islamic Knowledge

Introduction

Umrah, often referred to as the lesser pilgrimage, is a profound act of worship in Islam that holds immense spiritual value for Muslims around the world. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, Umrah is a voluntary but highly recommended form of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. It involves a set of sacred rituals carried out in Makkah, particularly in Masjid al-Haram, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah (SWT).

This guide will cover every aspect of Umrah: its meaning, significance, benefits, rulings from the Quran and Hadith, and a step-by-step guide to performing Umrah correctly.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that includes specific rituals such as entering into Ihram, performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka‘bah), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and shaving or trimming the hair. It is shorter and less comprehensive than Hajj, but carries great reward.

Difference Between Hajj and Umrah

• Hajj: Obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it, and performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

• Umrah: Voluntary, can be performed anytime throughout the year, and takes only a few hours to complete.

Why Do We Perform Umrah?

We perform Umrah to purify themselves spiritually, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah. It is an opportunity to repent sincerely, to be cleansed of sins, and to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and other Prophets who performed these rites.

The Rewards (Fadilat) of Umrah

Umrah is filled with blessings and virtues. Some of its benefits include:

1. Expiation of Sins

   • The Prophet (SAW) said:
     “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between them.”
     (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

2. Protection from Poverty and Hardship

   • The Prophet (SAW) said:
     “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”
     (Tirmidhi, Nasa’i)

3. Opportunity to Earn Jannah

   • Performing Umrah with sincerity and devotion increases the chances of forgiveness and closeness to Allah, leading to eternal success in the Hereafter.

4. Strengthening Faith

   • Being in the most sacred place on Earth and performing the rituals strengthens a Muslim’s Iman and renews their spiritual commitment.

Quranic and Hadith Rulings on Umrah

Quranic References

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him to walk between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.”  (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)

This verse establishes the legitimacy and great value of performing both Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah alone.

Hadith References

• The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
  “Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.”
  (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

• A woman once asked the Prophet (SAW) about Jihad for women, and he replied:
  “The best Jihad for women is Hajj and Umrah.”  (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Thus, both men and women have equal opportunity to earn immense reward through Umrah.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah

Performing Umrah consists of four main rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving/trimming the hair. Below is the complete process:

1. Entering into Ihram

• Before Ihram:

  • Make ghusl (full purification bath) or wudu.

  • Wear Ihram clothes:

    • Men: Two white, unstitched pieces of cloth (one for the lower body, one for the upper).

    • Women: Regular modest clothing that covers the whole body (no specific color required, but face and hands remain uncovered).

  • Apply perfume before wearing Ihram (for men only).

Intention (Niyyah):
At the Miqat (designated boundary), make the intention for Umrah by saying: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah).

Talbiyah:
Recite: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa al-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

Continue reciting this frequently until reaching Masjid al-Haram.

2. Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka‘bah)

• Enter Masjid al-Haram with the right foot, saying the du‘a of entering the masjid.

• Proceed to the Ka‘bah and begin Tawaf from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

• How to do Tawaf:

  • Kiss, touch, or point towards the Black Stone while saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”

  • Walk around the Ka‘bah seven times counterclockwise.

  • During Tawaf, recite Qur’an, supplications, or dhikr. There are no fixed du‘as for each round.

  • Men should uncover their right shoulder during Tawaf (Idtiba’).

• After completing seven rounds, pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.

3. Performing Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

• After Tawaf, proceed to Safa.

• Recite the verse: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
  “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158).

• Raise your hands, face the Ka‘bah, and make du‘a.

• Walk from Safa to Marwah (this is one lap).

• Repeat until completing seven laps (ending at Marwah).

• Men should jog lightly between the two green markers; women walk normally.

4. Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq or Taqsir)

• For men: Shaving the head (Halq) is preferred, but trimming the hair evenly (Taqsir) is also allowed.

• For women: Cut a fingertip’s length from the end of the hair.

After this step, the Umrah is complete, and Ihram restrictions are lifted.

 

FAQs About Umrah

1. Is Umrah obligatory like Hajj?
No, Umrah is not obligatory but highly recommended. Hajj is fard (obligatory) once in a lifetime for those who can afford it, while Umrah is sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah).

2. Can Umrah be performed at any time of the year?
Yes, Umrah can be performed any time, except during the days of Hajj when pilgrims are busy with Hajj rituals.

3. How long does it take to perform Umrah?
On average, Umrah takes 3–5 hours, depending on crowd size.

4. What are the restrictions during Ihram?
While in Ihram, pilgrims must avoid:

• Cutting hair or nails.

• Using perfume.

• Wearing stitched clothing (for men).

• Covering the head (for men) or face (for women).

• Engaging in marital relations.

• Hunting animals.

5. Can women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Scholars differ. The majority (Hanafi, Hanbali) say women need a Mahram. The Shafi’i and Maliki schools permit women to travel for Umrah in a safe group.

6. How many times can Umrah be performed in one trip?
There is no set limit, but most scholars advise against excessive repetition within a short period.

 

Conclusion

Umrah is a beautiful act of devotion that purifies the soul, strengthens faith, and draws a believer closer to Allah. Though not obligatory, its virtues and rewards are immense. By understanding the correct process and performing the rituals with sincerity, every Muslim can make their Umrah a life-changing spiritual journey.