Umrah is a tremendous spiritual and fulfilling experience that every Muslim desires to perform. It is essential and not obligatory like Hajj, though it has numerous blessings and spiritual benefits. This step-wise Umrah guide will tell you about the significance of each crucial ritual, including entering the state of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and other vital rites and the Makkah places to visit.
How To Enter Into The State of Ihram
This physical and spiritual state is emblematic of purity and devotion as you prepare for the pilgrimage. While putting on the requisite garments is part of the process, ihram is not just about umrah clothes but also preparing yourself, mentally and spiritually, to participate in the sacred acts to follow on your Umrah journey. Ihram is one of the most essential parts of the Umrah and you have to perform it in the following steps:
Make the Niyat (Intention)
Before you wear Ihram, the first thing to do is make the intention (niyat) in your heart that you are performing Umrah only for Allah. You have to read umrah niyat dua at this point. This signifies your commitment to the pilgrimage.
Wear the Ihram Garments
Men wear two white unstitched pieces of cloth for the Ihram. One covers the lower body, and the other drapes the upper body. Women wear an abaya, a long draped over garment covered from head to toe except for the face and hands.
Recite The Talbiyah
Once you have entered Ihram, you are now in a state of Ihram, you will start reciting the Talbiyah. The chant above is “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk,” you should repeat it often as you submit yourself to Allah, which signifies that your pilgrimage has started.
How To Perform Tawaf
One of these fundamental rituals is called tawaf, which is performed seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction. It represents the oneness of all Muslims in worshipping their creator Allah. Tawaf is a physical aspect of submitting to Allah, a great spiritual moment that connects you to the Divine. Tawaf is performed in the following steps:
Begin At The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
Start Tawaf from the side of the Kaaba, which has the Black Stone. Touch the stone with your right hand, or point toward it.
Walk Around The Kaaba
The anti-clockwise movement around the Kaaba takes you along that clockwise move , spiritually. Your bombings are your opportunity to worship Allah through faith, repentance, and praise for His grace.
Complete Seven Circles
And you continue your circumnavigation of Kaaba until you have done seven circles, each of which signifies your dedication and surrender to Allah. After completing this, you will stay near the Kaaba and make all the prayers and supplications you wish.
How to Perform Sa’i
The other important ritual of Umrah is Sa’i, walking back and forth seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. This is a celebration of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. She desperately scavenged for water to quench the thirst of her son Ismail. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of patience and faith, on Allah’s mercy. Following are the steps to perform Sa’i:
Start At Safa Hill
Start the Sa’i ritual at the hill of Safa near the Kaaba. Face the Kaaba at Safa as you prepare to walk to Marwah. Here you also have to recite dua safa marwa.
Walk Between Safa And Marwah
Walk from Safa toward Marwah. This completes one round. Then, retrace from Marwah to Safa. Each round consists of circling between these two hills, symbolizing Hagar’s search for water.
Complete Seven Rounds
You must perform a total of 7 rounds of the Sa’i. After completing a seventh round, you can potentially conclude the ritual with prayers seeking blessings and gratitude to Allah.
Shaving Or Trimming the Hair
Once you finish the Tawaf and Sa’i, the last step is to shave or shorten your hair. Finish Umrah’s physical rites and start from the beginning of purity.
For Men
Shaved heads are preferred but trimmed hair is acceptable as well. Shaving represents a more significant degree (or marker) of purification and submission to Allah.
For Women
Women, however, are encouraged to cut off multiple inches (or more) of hair. This represents purification and symbolizes the completion of the Umrah rites.
Top places To Visit In Makkah During Umrah
Makkah has many sacred sites you can visit during your stay in the region to reflect on and gain spiritual benefits beyond the central disciplines of Umrah. General guidance is provided for visiting places other than the Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, Safa, and Marwa hills.
Maqam Ibrahim
Maqam Ibrahim: which is near the Kaaba, where Prophet Ibrahim stood while building the Kaaba. It’s a Symbol of sacrifice and devotion, the site is sacred for Muslims.
Drinking Zamzam Water
The Zamzam well is located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and is one of Islam’s holiest water sources. Drinking from it is a Sunnah, and Allah is said to have blessed this beautiful water.
The Cave Of Hira
Located at Jabal al-Noor, the Cave of Hira is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah. As a place, it is very much steeped in spirituality and introspection.
The Cave Of Thawr
When they migrated from Makkah to Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (RA) took shelter in the Cave of Thawr, situated at Jabal Thawr. The cave represents perseverance and faith in Allah’s safeguarding.
Jannat Al-Mu’alla
This cemetery in Makkah is the burial site of many of the Prophet’s family members and early companions. The snow in spring: the visit to the Jannatul-Mu’alla, the reminder of the fleeting nature of the world, the reminder of the door to heaven, the essential actions that bring us closer to the mercy of Allah.
Conclusion
Umrah is not simply a series of physical actions but an opportunity for personal introspection, spiritual rejuvenation, and profound connection with Allah. Every rite, every step you take in a particular place; whether entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and visiting the sacred sites of Makkah, there lies a unique opportunity to ask for forgiveness, to increase your devotion, to grow closer to the Creator. Your Umrah will be accepted, bringing you peace, blessings and a renewed faith. You can make the whole Umrah Journey easy and comfortable by contacting Al-Fateh Transport to book your rides for a safe journey.
