Guide for performing Umrah

1. Before You Begin

  • Niyyah (Intention): Make a sincere intention to perform Umrah solely for Allah’s sake.
  • Knowledge of Rituals: Educate yourself about the process and ensure you understand the significance of each step.
  • Prepare Essentials: Pack Ihram garments, prayer mat, Qur'an, personal items, and necessary documents (passport, visa, tickets).

2. At the Miqat (Station for Ihram)

  • Wear Ihram:
    • For men: Two unstitched white cloths (lower and upper).
    • For women: Modest clothing covering the body (no specific color required).
  • Make Niyyah: Declare your intention for Umrah by reciting:
    • "Labbayka Allahumma Umrah" (Here I am, O Allah, intending Umrah).
  • Talbiyah: Start reciting:
    • "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Laka."
    • Continue reciting frequently until you reach Makkah.

3. Arrive in Makkah

  • Proceed to Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque):
    • Ensure you’re in a state of wudu (ablution).
    • Enter with humility and supplication through any gate (preferably Bab al-Salam).

4. Perform Tawaf (Circumambulation)

  • Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad):
    • Stand facing the Black Stone, raise your right hand, and say:
      • "Bismillah Allahu Akbar."
    • If possible, touch or kiss the stone. If not, point towards it with your hand.
  • Circumambulate the Kaaba 7 Times:
    • Move counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
    • Recite supplications or make personal du'as. You can say:
      • "Rabbana Atina Fid-Dunya Hasanah Wa Fil-Akhirati Hasanah Wa Qina ‘Adhab an-Nar."
    • Each round begins and ends at the Black Stone.
  • After Tawaf:
    • Pray two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (if space permits).
    • Otherwise, pray anywhere in the mosque.

5. Drink Zamzam Water

  • Drink Zamzam water, which is available throughout the mosque.
  • Make du'a while drinking, asking Allah for health, blessings, and forgiveness.

6. Perform Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

  • Start at Safa:
    • Stand on the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba, and say:
      • "Inna As-Safa Wal-Marwah Min Sha'a'irillah..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158).
    • Make du’a and begin walking toward Marwah.
  • Walk 7 Times Between Safa and Marwah:
    • From Safa to Marwah is one lap; Marwah back to Safa is the second.
    • Jog (men only) in the marked green area between Safa and Marwah.
    • Recite supplications, Qur'an verses, or personal du’as during the walk.

7. Cut Hair (Tahalul)

  • Men: Shave the head completely (recommended) or trim the hair evenly.
  • Women: Trim about an inch or a fingertip-length of hair.

8. Completion of Umrah

  • After cutting your hair, the Umrah rituals are complete, and you can exit the state of Ihram.

Important Tips

  • Stay Focused on Worship: Avoid distractions and worldly talks during rituals.
  • Respect the Sacred Place: Be mindful of others, and keep the environment clean.
  • Follow Sunnah: Study the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) practice during Umrah for added spiritual benefits.