Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual and transformative journey for Muslims around the world. Though not compulsory like Hajj, it holds immense significance and reward. If you’re planning to perform Umrah for the first time, this comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through every stage—from preparation and Ihram to the rituals in Makkah and Madinah.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah consists of a series of rituals performed in and around the Haram (Masjid al-Haram). It’s often called the “lesser pilgrimage,” but its spiritual benefits are vast.
Preparing for Umrah
Before setting off, thorough preparation is essential:
1. Get the Necessary Documentation
- Apply for an Umrah visa or eVisa (depending on your country).
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Book your flights, hotels, and transport.
2. Spiritual Preparation
- Learn the rites of Umrah.
- Make sincere intention (niyyah).
- Seek forgiveness and make amends with others.
- Perform Ghusl and keep yourself spiritually clean.
3. Packing Essentials
- Ihram garments (two white unstitched cloths for men; modest dress for women).
- Comfortable slippers or sandals.
- Personal hygiene items (non-fragranced).
- Travel prayer mat, Qur’an, and dua books.
Step-by-Step Umrah Guide
1. Assuming Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah:
- When and Where? Enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary. For those flying, the airline will usually announce the Miqat point. If you’re in Madinah, the Miqat is typically Dhu’l-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali).
Salah al-Ihram
Before entering into the state of Ihram, it is sunnah to perform two rak‘ahs of Salah:
- You can perform this prayer:
- At home before your journey.
- At the airport after changing into Ihram.
- In-flight before reaching the Miqat (if prayer facilities are available).
- In Madinah at your hotel, Masjid Nabawi, at the Miqat, or even on the Haramain train.
- Intention: Offer these two rak‘ahs as nafl salah for Ihram.
- You’re not yet in the state of Ihram during this prayer, so men may keep their head covered.
- Recommended Surahs:
- First rak‘ah: Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109)
- Second rak‘ah: Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112)
- Make du’a after the prayer, asking Allah for ease and acceptance.
Niyyah (Intention for Umrah)
- The niyyah should be made at the Miqat or as close to it as possible.
- It’s best to delay making the intention until the last permissible moment so you’re not bound by the restrictions of Ihram longer than necessary.
- The niyyah can be made internally and it is recommended (mustahabb) to say it out loud.
Here are a few examples of verbal intentions in Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrah.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Talbiyah
After making your intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.”
2. Entering Makkah
As you approach the sacred boundaries of Makkah (the Haram), it’s recommended to:
- Continue reciting the Talbiyah, engaging in dhikr, and sending salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Enter with humility and spiritual focus, knowing you are approaching one of the holiest places on Earth.
Recommended Du’a upon Entering the Haram:
اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ
Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ʿala n-nār, wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak, wa jʿalnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭāʿatik.
O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to the Hellfire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.
Performing the Umrah Rituals
1. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot, reciting the appropriate du’a.
- Begin Tawaf: Walk around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, starting and ending at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad).
- Kiss or gesture toward the Black Stone if possible.
- Any du’a can be recited during Tawaf; focus on sincerity and connection with Allah.
2. Pray Two Rak’ahs
- After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or elsewhere in the Haram.
3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
- Begin at Safa Hill and walk to Marwah Hill, completing seven circuits.
- Recite the verse from Surah Baqarah (2:158) at the start.
- Men should briskly walk between the green lights.
4. Halq or Taqsir (Haircut)
- For men: Halq (complete head shave) is preferred; Taqsir (trimming) is also allowed.
- For women: Trim a small portion (about a fingertip’s length) from the end of the hair.
After this, you are out of Ihram and your Umrah is complete.
Visiting Madinah (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Though not part of Umrah, visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah is a blessed opportunity:
- Visit Rawdah, one of the gardens of Paradise.
- Offer salutations to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Spend time in reflection and prayer in this sacred city.
Final Tips for a Meaningful Umrah
- Stay patient and humble throughout the journey.
- Use every moment in Makkah and Madinah for worship, reflection, and making du’a.
- Avoid arguments or distractions; focus on your connection with Allah.
- Keep hydrated, take breaks, and follow your group’s guidance.
Conclusion
Umrah is a beautiful opportunity to renew your faith, seek forgiveness, and deepen your connection with Allah. With the right knowledge, preparation, and intention, your journey can be a powerful spiritual milestone. May Allah accept your Umrah, ease your path, and return you spiritually enriched.
