How to perform ‘Umrah
★ In Arabic, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I‘timar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihram by having his hair shaved or cut. ‘Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.
★ ‘Umrah can be performed during anytime in the year, there is no fixed time for ‘Umrah.
The Pillars of `Umrah are four:
a) Ihram: which is assumed at the Meeqat.
b) Tawaf: around the House.
c) Sa’y: walking between As-Safa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.
d) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihram; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihram.
★ During ‘Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Mina, ‘Arafat and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are only performed during Hajj.
★ 1. When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah arrives at the Meeqat, it is recommended for him (both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihram garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihram. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqat.
★ 2. Men are to change into their clothing of Ihram while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down, if there is need to do so.
As for men, they must assume their Ihram at the Meeqat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izar covers the lower half. No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these – no underwear, no pants, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. are to be worn.
★ Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state of Ihram. The intention must be made in the heart, while the statement made afterwards is: “Labayka ‘Umrah” or “Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah”. This statement begins the rites of `Umrah. So the first pillar of `Umrah is the Ihram. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyyah. And if you wish, when uttering Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear – saying “in habasanee habes fa mahillee haithu habastanee” (I come out of the state of Ihram from the place You prevent me from continuing). So if you do that and are then prevented or become ill – then you may come out of Ihram. Then repeat the Talbiyyah: “labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak” (“In response to your call O Allah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allah. In response to Your call. You have no partner. In response to Your call. All Praise and Blessings, and the Ownership of all that You created is Yours (alone). You have no partner”)
★ Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), you should enter with your right foot and say: “Bismillah, Allahumma Salli ‘Ala Muhammad, Allahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allah! O Allah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).” You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.
★ 3. Upon arriving at the Ka’bah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn’t possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, the following is said: “Bismil-lah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
★ A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka’bah on his left. When you reach the Yamani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: “Bismil-lahi wa Allahu Akbar”. If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying “Allahu Akbar” because this was not narrated from the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) on the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the black stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”, if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”.
During this Tawaf
★ Note:
a) Al-Idhtibaa’ from the beginning of Tawaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one’s Redaa’ under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaf, you may return your Reda’ to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa’ is only during Tawaf.
b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one’s pace with small steps.
Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ): “…Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” [Quran: 2:201]
★ 4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaf, approach Maqam Ibraheem (Ibraheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): “And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer…” [Quran: 2:125]
Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqam Ibraheem. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rak’ah the chapter “Al-Kafiroon” [109] and during the second one the chapter of “Al-lkhlas” [112].
Upon completing the two Rak’ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient
★ 5. The next stage is to go to Safa. Upon approaching the foot of Safa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]
★ 6. Then climb unto mount Safa until the Ka’bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication:
★ “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha il-lall-llahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala qulli shay’in qadeer. La ilaha il-lall-llahu wahdahu, anjaza wa’dahu, wa nasara ‘abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaba wahdahu” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, Who has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)
★ 7. Then descend and go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safa for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) – thus completing two circuits.
★ There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah.
★ Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of ‘Umrah have now been completed.
★ Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
★ Two to five million people from around the globe convene to affirm their commitment to God and commemorate the example and sacrifice of Prophet Abraham.
★ Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Most Muslims perform it at least once in their lives. However, Hajj is not mandatory unlike the other four pillars, because of the hardships of the ritual. So, Islam has taken into consideration both the financial and physical ability of the individual, regarding the performance of Hajj.
★ The rites of Hajj are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dul Hijjah.
★ Eid Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the month of Due Hijjah.
★ All male pilgrims wear the same simple attire, which consists of two white clothes that cover the body called Ihram. Women wear a simple abaya; but they have their heads covered with their faces showing. The simple dress is a symbol of purity and equality.
★ Hajj is a journey into self-reflection and personality development. It’s an experience that allows the person to live the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. It is a journey for learning the art of sacrifice; allowing pilgrims to connect with the divine.
Prelude
★ Before the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a person who wants to perform pilgrimage (Hajj) pronounces the intention to perform Umrah while approaching the Miqat. A second intention for the actual Hajj is pronounced at a later period. There are several rites to properly complete the Hajj and Umrah.
The rites of Umrah and Hajj may include but are not limited to: Putting Ihram, performing supererogatory (Sunnah) prayers, making several types of Tawaf, reciting Talbiyah, doing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah, trimming and/or cutting hair, praying and staying in Mina, praying and standing in Arafah, praying and staying in Muzdalifah, throwing pebbles in three Jamrahs, sacrificing an animal, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drinking from the well of ZamZam.
★ In the case of Hajj at-Tamattu, after completing the Umrah, the pilgrim trims his/her hair, showers, and changes into everyday clothes. These steps complete the Umrah portion. All restrictions of the Ihram are temporarily lifted. The pilgrim waits until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah to start the rites of Hajj.
★ On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim pronounces a new niyyah at the place to perform Hajj. There is no need to go to Miqat for this. The pilgrim changes into Ihram in the prescribed manner and proceeds to Mina soon after the Fajr Prayers.
Proclaiming the Niyyah for Hajj
★ Niyyah: “O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Make it easy for me and accept it from me. I make the niyyah for Hajj and enter into the state of Ihram for the sake of Allah alone, the Most High.”
Putting on Ihram After Fajr
★ The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim is worn during Hajj or Umrah. It consists of two pieces of white, un-sewn and plain cloth. One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday wear constitute their Ihram. Its purpose is to demonstrate universality, totality and humility of the pilgrim.
★ During Ihram, the following acts are forbidden: Cutting hair, shaving any parts of the body, clipping nails, putting perfumes or colognes, killing or hunting animals, sexual intercourse, making marriage proposals, or marriage contracts.
Praying 2 Rak’at Nafl At Miqat
★ Miqat is an imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah.
★ The Miqat boundary is anchored by different townships and locations in different directions around the Kaabah. They are:
a) Dhu al-Hulayfah in the North
b) Yalamlam in the South-East
c) Dhāt ‘Irq in the North-East
d) Al-Juhfah in the North-West
e) Qarn al-Manazil in the East.
For people living inside the Miqat area permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.
Making Tawaf
★ The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka’bah while reciting prayers and supplications. One complete circuit around the Ka’bah constitutes a shawt (pl. ashwat), and seven ashwat complete one Tawaf. During Tawaf (circumambulating), the pilgrim cannot enter the Ka’bah nor stop anywhere around it.
Performing Sa’ee
★ Sa’ee is the devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail (pbuh) after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a Divine vision. Safa:
A small knoll approximately 200 yards from the Ka’bah inside the Masjid Al-Haram
Marwah
★ A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one hundred and fifty yards from the Ka’bah.
Reciting Talbiya
★ A devotional recital of the following words by the pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamda, Wan-Ni’mata Laka wal-Mulk. La Sharika Lak.
★ Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am, Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partner. Thine alone is all Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is the Sovereignty. Thou hast no partner.
★ The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the pilgrim’s conviction that he/she intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah. The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the Ihram, and continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj. Male pilgrims are required to recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it in low voice.
Going to Mina
★ The Pilgrim goes to Mina on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah anytime after Fajr prayer but before Zuhr.
★ Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed.
Praying in Mina
★ The pilgrim must perform the daily prayers in Mina starting with Zuhur Prayer. Prayers are shortened from 4 to 2 Rakahs but not combined.
Staying Overnight in Mina
★ The pilgrim must stay overnight in Mina, perform the Fajr prayer and leave after sunrise on the 9th of Thul-Hijjah.
Prayer upon Departing from Mina:
★ O Allah! To You I turn, praying to approach Your Bounteous Countenance. Let my sins be forgiven and Hajj be acceptable, and have Mercy on me. Allow me not to be disappointed, for You have power over all things.
Completion of the First Day.
★ This completes the first Day of Hajj, also known as the Day of Tarwiyah.
Going to Arafah
★ After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah.
Arafah is a desert location approximately nine miles from Makkah. Pilgrims don’t have to get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any place within the boundaries of Arafah..
Prayer Upon Entering Arafah:
★ O Allah! Forgive my sins, help me repent to you, and grant me all that I beseech of You. Whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be praised! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no deity except Allah! And Allah is The Most Great.
Praying in Arafah
★ After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim offers the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened from 4 to 2 rakah) and Jam’ (combined), with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs.
★ Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most out of it. No Nafl or any other prayers are performed, either before or after the obligatory prayers.
Staying in Arafah
★ The pilgrim stays in Arafah until sunset. It is recommended to spend the entire time reading the Quran, reciting the Talbiyah, offering supplications, and repenting to Allah.
Standing in Arafah:
★ In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands, supplicating to Allah. There are no prescribed prayers for Wuquf (standing) in Arafah. During these sacred moments, the pilgrim is alone with Allah, praying to have his/her sins and lifelong shortcomings get forgiven. Communication with Allah in any language is acceptable.
Leaving for Muzdalifah
★ After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.
★ Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafah. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah here.
Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah
★ The pilgrim offers Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them and shortening the Isha. Thus, after the adhan is called, three rak’ahs of Maghrib are offered following the usual iqamah. Another iqamah (but not adhan) is called and then two rak’ahs of Isha are offered.
★ The pilgrim stays under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or other lodging facilities are available.
Collecting Pebbles
★ The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing.
★ The pebbles lying around the bathrooms facilities should not be collected. No one should leave Muzdalifah before Fajr without a legitimate excuse: only women, elderly, and weak people can leave after midnight.
Completion of Second Day
★ The pilgrim spends the night at Muzdalifah and offers Fajr there. Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina on the morning of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah.
★ After Fajr prayer, the pilgrim goes through the al-Mash’ar al-Haram and makes du’a until the brightness of the sun is widespread. The pilgrim must speed up the walk when passing by the Muhasir valley.
Going to Mina
★ Pilgrims head to Mina to throw the stones at the Jumurah. Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones on their behalf.
Throwing Pebbles
★ The pilgrim stones the Jamrat al-Kubra (Jamrat al-Aqabah) only, preferably before midday. Stoning the pillar symbolizes stoning the devil. The pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamrat’s fence.
★ The Jamrat al-Kubra is the closest to Makkah. While throwing the stones, the pilgrim recites Bismillah, Allah-u-Akbar with each pebble.
Sacrificing an Animal
★ A sacrifice is now required for the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran. The choice of the animal is either a sheep, or 1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other people.
★ As For the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Ifrad, sacrificing the animal is recommended but not required. One third of the meat can be consumed, one third offered as a gift and one third distributed to the poor people. The sacrifice can be performed between the 10th and the 13th of Thul-Hijjah but not after the 13th.
Cutting Hair
★ The pilgrim may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change into everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. It is recommended to start from the right side. For women, trimming only a finger tip’s length is required.
★ Sacrificing an animal, cutting hair, and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah are alternate rituals. There is no specific order to perform them. All ritual places must be kept clean.
★ At this point in time, the regulations for Ihram no longer apply except that the pilgrim can not have conjugal relations with his/her spouse until after Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’ee. This is known as at-Tahalul al-Asghar, or a partial ending of the state of Ihram.
Celebrating Eid ul-Adha
★ Starting from the 10th of Thul-Hijjah and on, Muslims around the world celebrate this special occasion.
★ EID-AL-ADHA is celebrated on the tenth day of Zul-hijjah, the 12th and the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a very joyous day; it is a feast of self-sacrifice, commitment and obedience to Allah. It commemorates the great act of obedience to Allah by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in showing his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael (pbuh). Allah accepted his sacrifice and replaced Prophet Ismael (as) with a lamb.
Going to Makkah
★ The pilgrim proceeds to al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah.
★ The pilgrim has the option to postpone Tawaf al-Ifadah to a later time. Menstruating women should not make tawaf until their period stops. If the pilgrim selected Hajj Ifrad or Qiran and has already made Sa’ee with the first Tawaf (the visiting Tawaf), there is no need to make Sa’ee again.
Performing Tawaf al-Ifadah
★ The pilgrim performs the Tawaf al-Ifadah after taking off the Ihram and changing into everyday clothes and before returning to Mina for pebble throwing.
★ Ihram, Idtiba and Ramal are not required in this Tawaf. However, Sa’ee is required for a Mutamatti, but is not required for Qarin or a Mufrid.
Maqam Ibrahim
★ The step-stone used by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) during the original construction of the Ka’bah.
★ The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in a glass enclosure on the North side of the Ka’bah.
★ After completing the Tawaf, it is good to pray 2 rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.
Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim
★ O Allah! You know that which I keep secret and that which I disclose. Grant me Your pardon. You know my needs; grant me my wishes. You know that which is in my breast; forgive me my sins. O Allah! I seek from You a Faith that will saturate my heart, and a true conviction that will make me realize that naught can befall me except what You have decreed for me, and that I may find contentment in whatever You have given me. You are my patron in this world and the Hereafter. Allow me to die in a state of Islam and to be counted among the righteous. O Allah! On this occasion of our presence in this place, let not any of our sins go unforgiven, nor any of our worries undispelled, nor any of our needs unfulfilled or unfacilitated by You. And let all our tasks be made easy, and our minds relieved, and our hearts illuminated and our actions judged as pious. O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims and to join the ranks of the virtuous without any distress. Amen, O Lord of the Universe.
Drinking from Zamzam
★ After completing the prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim may visit the Zamzam area and drink from the water.
Prayer at ZamZam
★ O Allah! I seek from You profitable knowledge and bounteous sustenance and a cure from all ailments through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the mercifuls!
Performing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah
★ The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah.
Returning to Mina
★ The pilgrim returns to Mina and stays there until the 12th or 13th of Thul-Hijjah for throwing the pebbles.
End of Day 3
Performing Prayers in Mina
★ Back in Mina, the pilgrim performs all of the daily prayers, shortening the 4 Rak’ats prayers to 2 Rak’ats, but without combinig them.
Stoning the Jamrahs
★ The pilgrim stones the first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days. Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.
★ Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Staying in Mina
★ The pilgrim should stay in Mina minimum from Fajr until Midnight.
Extending the Stay
★ For the pilgrims who intend to stay only two days, they must leave before Maghrib.
★ For those intending to stay more, they can collect more pebbles.
End of Day 4.
Stoning the Jamrahs
★ On the 12th of Thul-Hijjah, the same procedures as the 11th take place. The pilgrim stones the first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days.
★ Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Returning to Makkah
★ Pilgrims return to Makkah before Maghrib time after completing the stoning to perform Tawaf al-Wada.
Tawaf al-Wada
★ This is the farewell Tawaf that a pilgrim performs just before leaving Makkah for other destinations. It is the same as other Tawaf, going in 7 circuits, starting from the black stone line. After completing the Tawaf, it is good but not required to pray 2 Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, or, if not possible, to pray any other 2 Rak’ahs facing the Kaabah.
Departing from Makkah
★ This completes the Hajj journey. It is recommended to leave Makkah as soon as the pilgrim completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim also asks Allah to accept the rituals and promises to abide by the divine commands.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said
★ “Whoever goes to Hajj without obscenity he or she will be forgiven as a new-born.”
Another Hadith states
★ “A Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise”.