Heidi Norton
Umrah is a significant Islamic ritual that involves a set of practices and rituals. It is important to prepare both physically and spiritually before embarking on this journey. This includes taking care of personal hygiene, such as clipping nails and removing body hair, as well as wearing the Ihram garments, which signify a state of purity and dedication. The rituals of Umrah include passing the Miqat, entering Masjid al-Haram, performing Tawaf around the Ka'aba, offering prayers, carrying out Sa'i, and either shaving or trimming the hair. Men and women perform Umrah slightly differently, with men repeating the Talbiyah loudly while women recite it quietly, and men running during Tawaf and Sa'i while women walk. Understanding these differences and the specific steps involved is essential for a meaningful and successful Umrah experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of essential practices | 4 |
| First essential practice | Get changed into Ihram garments before Miqat, perform two rak'ahs of salah, make niyyah, and recite the Talbiyah |
| Second essential practice | Perform Tawaf al-Umrah of the Kaaba, followed by two rak'ahs of salah |
| Third essential practice | Perform Sa'i of Safa and Marwa |
| Fourth essential practice | Shave or shorten your hair to leave the state of Ihram |
| Requirements before getting changed into Ihram garments | Take care of personal hygiene by clipping nails and removing hair under armpits and beneath the navel |
| Recommendation before getting changed into Ihram garments | Perform ghusl |
| Where to perform salah | At home, at the airport, in-flight before crossing Miqat, in Madinah (in your hotel, in Masjid Nabawi, at the designated Miqat point, or on the train) |
| Surahs to read during salah | Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second |
| Where to make niyyah for Umrah | At Miqat or close to it as you move towards it |
| What to recite upon entering Haram | اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ |
| Where to enter Masjid al-Haram | Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace), although authorities may designate specific entrances for pilgrims |
| What to do after entering Masjid al-Haram | Proceed with the right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque |
| What to do after Tawaf | Drink Zamzam water |
| Differences for women | Recite Talbiyah quietly, do not run during Tawaf or Sa'i, must be accompanied by a mahram, shave fingertip-length of hair instead of head, must be in a state of purity (not menstruating), must wear hijab and dress modestly |
| Requirements for women to obtain a Saudi Tourist Visa | Must be accompanied by close women, such as their mother, sister, aunt, or close friends |
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What You'll Learn
Enter the state of Ihram
To enter the state of Ihram, one must make the intention for Ihram and put on the Ihram clothing before passing one of the Miqat (boundary marker) points. There are five Miqat points around Makkah, and they are set in such a way that every pilgrim coming from a different direction has to pass through them. The specific Miqat point crossed depends on the direction from which the pilgrim is coming. For example, if arriving from the direction of Madinah, the Miqat point is Dhul Hulayfah. If arriving from the direction of Syria, the Miqat point is Al-Juhfah.
If the Miqat is crossed without entering the state of Ihram, a penalty will be due in atonement, although the Hajj or Umrah will remain valid. According to the Hanafi school of thought, it is more meritorious to enter into Ihram while starting the Hajj journey from one's hometown. In contrast, the Maliki and Hanbali schools affirm that assuming Ihram before the point of Miqat is more virtuous. If you are travelling to Makkah via Jeddah by aeroplane to perform Umrah, it is advisable to change into your Ihram at home or at the airport before departure or during a stopover if you have one.
The word Ihram is derived from the Arabic verb "harama", which means "to be forbidden". It refers to a state of purity in mind and body that a pilgrim must attain before performing Hajj, Umrah, or both. An individual in the state of Ihram is known as a Muhrim, literally meaning "one who has made things forbidden upon himself". The two-piece garment worn by men is also referred to as the Ihram.
To enter the state of Ihram, one must wear the prescribed attire, which consists of two plain, white, unstitched clothes that are simple and comfortable: the Izar (lower garment) and the Rida (upper garment). Men must also keep their right shoulder uncovered during Tawaf. Before putting on the Ihram clothing, one must cleanse the body through Ghusl (ritual bath) or Wudu (ablution) if Ghusl is not possible. In addition, trimming nails, shaving armpits, and cleaning any unwanted body hair must be done before entering Ihram as these activities will not be allowed afterward.
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Pass the Miqat
Miqat (Arabic: مِيْقَات) refers to the boundary where it becomes necessary for pilgrims to adorn the Ihram garments and forbidden to pass without being in the state of Ihram. This is a state of ritual consecration and purity, and those who cross the boundary without having entered into this state must perform an animal sacrifice (Damm) as expiation.
There are five Miqats in total, four of which were defined by the Islamic prophet Muhammad:
- Dhul Hulayfah is the Miqat for the people of Medina. It is located 18 kilometres southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi and 410 kilometres north of Makkah.
- Al-Juhfah is the Miqat for the people of Sham. It is located 182 kilometres northwest of Makkah. This is also the nearest Miqat to Jeddah, about 160 kilometres away.
- Qarn al-Manazil is the Miqat for the people of Najd. It is located 80 kilometres east of Makkah.
- Yalamlam is the Miqat for the people of Yemen. It is located 100 kilometres south of Makkah.
The fifth Miqat was affixed during the reign of the second Caliph, Sayyiduna Umar Ibn al-Khattab, to accommodate pilgrims from the newly annexed regions of Basra and Kufa in Mesopotamia and Persia. This Miqat is Dhat Irq, located 90 kilometres northeast of Makkah.
It is recommended to change into Ihram garments at the airport before embarking on your journey or, if you have a connecting flight, at the connecting airport. If you are flying, you will receive a notification when you are approximately 10 to 30 minutes away from the Miqat, and you should change into your Ihram by this point.
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Perform Tawaf al-Umrah
Tawaf al-Umrah is a fundamental part of the Umrah pilgrimage. It is a symbolic act of worship that signifies the unity of the Muslim community and their submission to Allah. The ritual involves circling the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction seven times.
To perform Tawaf al-Umrah, pilgrims must first be in a state of wudu, which means ritual purity, achieved through ablution. Pilgrims should wear the prescribed attire, called Ihram. For men, this consists of two unstitched white cloths wrapped around the body, and for women, it is simple clothing that covers the body and a hijab (veil).
Upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram, it is recommended to enter through Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). Pilgrims should step through with their right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque.
The Tawaf begins at the black stone, known as the Hajar al-Aswad. If possible, pilgrims should try to kiss the black stone. If they are unable to reach it, they can touch the stone and then kiss their hand, or point towards it and say, 'Allahu Akbar'. Pilgrims should then circle the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This act symbolises their belief in Allah, mirroring the natural order of the universe and reflecting Allah's unity and omnipotence.
During the Tawaf, it is prohibited to talk excessively, engage in worldly matters, or perform any acts that may invalidate the ritual. Male pilgrims may also choose to perform Idtiba and Raml, which involve uncovering the right shoulder and walking quickly with forceful leg movements and a stuck-out chest, imitating a warrior.
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Do Sa'i of Safa and Marwa
Sa'i is an integral rite of Umrah and refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa, located adjacent to the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 450 metres, and thus, seven trips back and forth amount to roughly 3.15 kilometres.
When performing Sa'i, it is important to maintain calmness and reverence. Men must wear the ihram garment, and women should dress modestly without adornment. Pilgrims should refrain from engaging in worldly discussions or distractions, such as mobile phones.
Upon reaching the hill of Safa, it is recommended to recite the verse: "Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them." (Qur'an 2:158). It is Sunnah to stand on Safa, face the Kaaba, and raise your hands in supplication, glorifying and praising Allah. After supplication at Safa, the pilgrim walks towards Marwa. It is encouraged to engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du'a (supplication) while walking.
When the Prophet climbed Safa, he would say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), mention Allah three times, and make dua three times, repeating: "There is no god but Allah, alone without any partner. To Him belongs the kingdom, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things capable. There is no god but Allah, alone, who fulfilled His promise, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone."
Traveling from Safa to Marwa counts as one lap, and returning from Marwa to Safa counts as a second lap. It is essential to complete all seven laps without omission or addition. Sa'i must be performed after the Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba.
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Shave or trim your hair
Shaving or trimming one's hair is the final step in the Umrah rituals. This act symbolises the breaking of the state of Ihram, allowing individuals to exit this spiritual state and complete their Umrah journey.
For men, shaving the head (known as Halq) is the typical practice. This act symbolises a physical and spiritual cleansing, representing a fresh start and a renewed sense of purity and dedication to one's faith. Men are encouraged to shave their entire head, ridding themselves of any hair accumulated during the state of Ihram.
Women, on the other hand, observe a different practice. Instead of shaving their heads, women only cut their hair to the length of a fingertip (Taqsir). This practice maintains modesty while still adhering to the ritual's symbolic significance.
Before entering the state of Ihram, it is recommended for individuals to perform Ghusl, a ritual purification involving a full-body cleansing. This is done to ensure one's body, including the hair, is pure and prepared for the spiritual journey ahead. Additionally, trimming nails and removing excess body hair is encouraged to maintain personal hygiene and spiritual cleanliness.
It is important to note that these practices may vary slightly depending on individual beliefs and interpretations. However, the underlying principle of shaving or trimming one's hair remains a pivotal aspect of concluding the Umrah rituals and transitioning out of the state of Ihram.
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