A Pilgrim’s Guide to Umrah: A Sacred Journey to the House of Allah

The Ultimate Guide to Performing Umrah: A Simple and Practical Approach

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which is performed annually during Dhul-Hijjah. Though it is not an obligation like Hajj, it carries immense spiritual rewards. This guide simplifies the process of Umrah, providing step-by-step instructions to help pilgrims perform it correctly and with ease.

Preparing for Umrah

Before setting off for Umrah, proper preparation ensures a smooth and rewarding journey.

Spiritual Readiness: Purify your intentions and seek forgiveness from Allah.
Ghusl (Purification Bath): Before wearing Ihram, take a shower, clip your nails, and remove unwanted hair.
Ihram Clothing: Men wear two unstitched white sheets, while women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing.
Two Rakat Salah: Recommended before entering Ihram.
Applying Perfume: Only before entering Ihram, not after.
Making the Intention (Niyyah): Declare the intention for Umrah by reciting: "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it."
Recite Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…” continuously until reaching Makkah.

Entering Ihram

Ihram marks the beginning of your Umrah and comes with certain restrictions:

No cutting hair or nails.
No scented products, perfumes, or colognes.
No arguing, foul speech, or intimate relations.
No hunting or harming any living creature.

If traveling directly to Jeddah, wear Ihram before crossing the Miqat (specific boundary points). If stopping in another city (e.g., Dubai, Cairo), you may enter Ihram there.

Arriving in Makkah

Upon reaching Makkah:

Settle into your hotel and rest if needed.
Perform ghusl (without scented soap) as an optional Sunnah.
Head to Masjid al-Haram for Umrah.
Enter with your right foot and recite: "Bismillah, Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik."
Avoid looking directly at the Kaaba until you are in a suitable position to make heartfelt duas.

Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Start at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) and raise your hands, saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone. If not, gesture towards it.
Move counterclockwise around the Kaaba seven times.
Men should expose their right shoulder (Idtiba) and walk briskly (Raml) in the first three rounds.
Recite supplications and engage in dhikr throughout the Tawaf.
Upon completion, pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the Masjid.
Drink Zamzam water and make supplications.

Performing Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Proceed to Safa and face the Kaaba, making an intention for Sa’i.
Recite: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Quran 2:158)
Walk between Safa and Marwah seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
Men should run in the designated green-lit area; women should walk at their normal pace.
Recite duas and engage in dhikr throughout Sa’i.

Completion of Umrah

After Sa’i, men shave or trim their hair (shaving is more rewarding), while women trim a fingertip’s length.
Exit Ihram by removing the garments (for men) and resuming normal activities.
Umrah is now complete, and you may continue other acts of worship in Makkah.

Maximizing Your Time in Makkah

Perform extra Tawafs, as this act of worship is exclusive to Makkah.
Read Quran and engage in dhikr.
Pray all five daily prayers in Masjid al-Haram.
Drink plenty of Zamzam water and make duas.
Visit historical sites if time permits.

Performing Additional Umrahs

If you wish to perform another Umrah while in Makkah:

Travel to Masjid Aisha, the nearest Miqat.
Enter Ihram again and repeat the Umrah process.
Many perform extra Umrahs on behalf of deceased loved ones.

Conclusion

Umrah is a deeply spiritual and rewarding experience that strengthens one's connection to Allah. By following this simple guide, pilgrims can ensure they perform Umrah correctly and focus on their devotion. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you immense rewards. Ameen.