Umrah is a Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year and involves specific rituals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah:
- Departure and Preparation:
- Before departure, perform two rak'ats of nafl prayer at home and make du'a, asking Allah to make the journey easy and accept your Umrah.
- Maintain regular prayers during the journey and seek to engage in beneficial religious activities.
- Entering Ihram:
- At or before the Miqat (designated station), perform ghusl (full bath) if possible or at least wudhu (ablution).
- Men wear two white sheets (Ihram), one to cover the lower body and one the upper part. Women wear normal covering except the face.
- Perform two rak'ats of nafl prayer with the intention of entering Ihram, reciting specific chapters of the Quran.
- Make the niyyah (intention) verbally for Umrah: "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
- Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba):
- Upon arrival at Masjid al-Haram, make sure to be in a state of wudhu.
- Begin Tawaf at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" and kiss or touch the stone if possible.
- Walk around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction with the Kaaba to your left.
- After completing seven circuits, pray two rak'ats behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible) or anywhere in the mosque.
- Sa'ee (Walking between Safa and Marwah):
- Proceed to Safa hill, face the Kaaba, raise your hands in du'a and declare the intention for Sa'ee.
- Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, moving briskly between the two green marks on each hill.
- Engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du'a throughout.
- Completion (Taqsir/Halaq):
- After Sa'ee, men shave or trim their hair; women cut a small lock of hair.
- This marks the completion of Umrah and exiting the state of Ihram.
Additional Guidelines:
- Maintain cleanliness, avoid harming others, and try not to delay or waste time.
- It is recommended to drink Zamzam water and perform du'a at specific points like Maqam Ibrahim and Multazam.
- Intention (niyyah) is essential for each step.
- Men may perform Raml (brisk walking with high steps) in the first three rounds of Tawaf if possible.
These steps collectively form the acts of worship in Umrah, symbolizing spiritual purification and devotion to Allah.
