Step-by-Step Guide to Umrah

Step-by-Step Guide to Umrah

Umrah is an extremely significant act of worship. It purifies the heart. It revitalizes your faith. It requires humility and knowledge. Follow the steps below carefully. The steps reflect authentic rulings and practice.

Before you travel - Preparing

• First, make your intention. Make an intention to perform Umrah strictly for the pleasure of Allah.

• Next, check your documentation. Your passport should be valid; should not expire within 6 months. Get your visa. Book your flights to arrive at Jeddah or Medinah. Confirm your hotel in Makkah in advance.

• Then, get vaccinated if you need to (meaning, etc.). Always follow the recommendations of both Saudi Ministry of Health and your home country's Ministry of Health.

• Then, prepare yourself physically. Umrah involves walking, it might be hot, it might be crowded. So make sure you are well rested, drink plenty of water, and eat balanced meals.

• Read the duas, read the Talbiyah, read through the steps to see what you should do (and not do), etc.

In any event, these preparations will help you to perform Umrah with concentration and ease.

Step 1: Enter your Ihram

You enter the sacred state of Ihram before passing the Miqat boundary. The Miqat is a set location where Umrah pilgrims must enter Ihram.

• Remove any haram or forbidden things: you clip your nails and remove hair under your arms and private parts, and wash yourself by performing ghusl (full bath), or at least wudhu (ablution) if a full bath is not possible.

• The men's Ihram consists of two unstitched white sheets (one is for the outer covering, and the other is to cover the lower body). For the women, they wear clean, modest clothing. Men should not have any type of perfume on their clothing while in Ihram.

• After you have entered your Ihram, make your Niʿyah (intention) before or at Miqat and try to verbalize it if possible - saying you will be performing Umrah in Ihram with Allah’s help, for example. After you have made your Niʿyah, say the Talbiyah over and over: “Labbayk Allahumma bi-’Umrah…”

• While you are in your Ihram, you must avoid the prohibited acts of Ihram, including but not limited to: cutting nails, cutting hair, wearing stitched clothing (for men), intimacy, using perfume (for men), etc.

Step 2: Entering the Grand Mosque & Tawaf

After you arrive at the Grand Mosque in Makkah:

• Come in through one of the different entrances. It is preferable to enter with your right foot and to recite the dua (supplication) for entering the holy place.

• When you see the Kaaba, face the Kaaba. Raise your hands in supplication and pray sincerely.

• Begin the Tawaf: walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction is Tawaf. Keep the Kaaba on your left side.

• After Tawaf pray two rakʿahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can, if there is too much of a crowd then pray anywhere in the Grand Mosque.

• After Tawaf drinks Zamzam water. Many pilgrims regard drinking Zamzam as a special moment.

Step 3: Sai- Walking Between Safa and Marwah

• Head toward Safa (hill) first. Then face the Kaaba while at Safa. Make dua.

• After Safa, walk towards Marwah. Walk in seven circuits (Safa → Marwah → Safa, etc.) and end at Marwah.

• Men may walk quickly (raml) during the first three legwork circuits if able. After that, regular pace for rest. Women may walk in a modest walk pace.

• Each time you reach the top of hill (when getting to Safa or Marwah), if the Kaaba can be viewed again, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, make dua.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir

• After completing the steps of Sa'i, you have almost completed your Umrah by trimming hair (taqsir) or shaving (halq) for the guys. For women, cut a little bit of their hair.

• At that point, you are done with your state of Ihram. You can resume your usual dress, perfume, and acts you have been accustomed to.

Following Umrah

• Express your gratitude to Allah and make dua that your Umrah is accepted.

• If possible, perform two rakahs of prayer in the Haram, where voluntary prayers are always accepted.

• Drink Zamzam water and contemplate.

• Continue to be humble, patient, and have good manners during the days of your stay.

The rules and prohibitions of Ihram

• Do not clip your nails or cut your hair.

• Men must not apply perfume.

• For men, you in Ihram may not cover your head while women may not cover their faces and hands.

• Do not dispute, fight, or curse, and keep your cool.

• Do not hunt or interfere with any living animals or creatures inside the Sacred Mosque.

Suggestions for a Smooth Umrah Experience via www.BookUmrahToday.com

• Utilizing a trustworthy travel agency like BookUmrahToday.com meets the key criteria of leaving customers with clarity of instructions, offering trusted hotels and transport, and ensuring support.

• Have your clothes extra loose for Ihram and non-Ihram clothing. Bring some sandals, a small pack, dua book, and prayer mat.

• Drink plenty of water. Apply sunscreen. Walk in shaded areas.

• Carry very little during Sa’i and Tawaf, and have gentle but comfortable shoes.

• Women: Know your school of thought on covering, etc. Know what your group allows or expects.

Finallizing:

Umrah offers a profound spiritual refreshment that is added to the acts of your heart, sincere intention with knowledge and truthfulness will guarantee its acceptance by Allah (swt). Each part of Umrah is important: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq/Taqsir.

BookUmrahToday.com is a supportive service to assist pilgrims in authentic guidance, trustworthy packages, and preparation for understanding each part of Umrah thoroughly, you should use those services as intended. Prepare your heart. Make Umrah with honest faith and heart intention.

May Allah make your Umrah easy, accepted and a great reward for you.