Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah: A Spiritual Journey

[Saeedkhalif]

Umrah is one of the most revered spiritual journeys a Muslim can undertake. While not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great significance and is a deeply transformative experience. This guide will walk you through the steps of Umrah, from preparation to completion, ensuring you understand the rituals and their meanings along the way.
1. Preparing for Umrah: The Spiritual and Practical Steps

Before embarking on the journey to Umrah, preparation is key—both spiritually and practically.

Spiritual Preparation:

• Repentance: Begin by seeking forgiveness from Allah for any past mistakes. Umrah is a chance for spiritual renewal, so purify your heart.

• Sincere Intention (Niyyah): The intention (niyyah) for performing Umrah must be made sincerely for the sake of Allah.

• Learn the Rituals: Familiarize yourself with the essential rituals of Umrah. It’s helpful to learn the duas (prayers) that you’ll recite during the pilgrimage.

• Make Du’a (Supplication): Pray for yourself, your loved ones, and the entire Ummah. Make du’a for a safe and spiritually uplifting journey.

Practical Preparation:

• Book Your Travel: Ensure you’ve booked flights and accommodations that will allow you to perform Umrah comfortably.

• Pack Essentials: Don’t forget your passport, tickets, Ihram clothing, toiletries, and any necessary medication. Be sure to carry a prayer mat and a book of duas or an app for ease of recitation.

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2. Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is the special state of spiritual purity and consecration that pilgrims enter before starting the rites of Umrah. This is the first step when you arrive at the Miqat (designated boundary).

Steps:

• Wear Ihram: Men wear two white seamless cloths, while women wear a simple dress that covers their entire body, ensuring their heads are covered, except their face and hands.

• Intention (Niyyah): After donning Ihram, make the intention to perform Umrah and recite the Talbiyah:
  “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, Inna al-hamda wa al-ni'mata laka wa al-mulk, la sharika lak.”
  This means, "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, You have no partner."

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3. Entering Makkah

Upon arrival in Makkah, proceed to the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located. You should remain in the state of Ihram until you have completed the rituals of Umrah.

Steps:

• First Glimpse of the Kaaba: As you approach the Masjid, make du’a and keep your heart focused. Upon entering the mosque, the first glimpse of the Kaaba is a moment of immense emotion and reverence. Many pilgrims experience a profound sense of connection with Allah.

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4. Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Tawaf is the first official ritual of Umrah. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

Steps:

• Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): Start by facing the Kaaba and if possible, kiss the Black Stone, or if it's crowded, simply point towards it with your right hand as you say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”

• Tawaf: As you walk around the Kaaba, recite prayers, supplications, or simply reflect. You may recite the following: “SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.” This means: "Glory be to Allah, All praise is to Allah, Allah is the Greatest."

• Perform Seven Circuits: Complete seven circuits of Tawaf, ensuring that each circuit is done in a counterclockwise direction.

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5. Praying at the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)

After completing the Tawaf, you should offer a two-unit prayer (Rak’ah) behind the Maqam Ibrahim, which is a small structure near the Kaaba. This is a symbolic gesture honoring the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

Steps:

• Pray Two Rak’ah: If possible, pray two units (Rak'ahs) near the Maqam Ibrahim. If this area is crowded, you may pray anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.

• Dua: Make sincere supplications during your prayer, asking for forgiveness and Allah’s blessings.

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6. Performing Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Sa’i is the act of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting the actions of Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) as she searched for water for her son, Isma'il.

Steps:

• Start at Safa: Begin at the Safa hill and make du’a, saying, "Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'air Allah."

• Walk to Marwah: Walk from Safa to Marwah, reciting duas along the way. When you reach Marwah, make du’a and then return to Safa.

• Complete Seven Rounds: Perform seven rounds of Sa’i, alternating between Safa and Marwah.

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7. Shaving or Trimming the Hair

After completing the Sa’i, male pilgrims shave their heads (or trim their hair). Female pilgrims should cut a small portion of their hair, approximately an inch or a fingertip's length.

Steps:

• Shaving (for Men): Shave the entire head for maximum reward. Shaving symbolizes the complete submission to Allah and purification.

• Cutting Hair (for Women): Women should trim a small portion of their hair, usually an inch or so from the tips.

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8. Completion of Umrah

Once the hair is shaved or trimmed, you have completed the rites of Umrah. You are now free to leave the state of Ihram and return to your regular clothing.

Steps:

• Perform Additional Prayers: While in Makkah, you can perform additional prayers and supplications, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

• Visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina: If possible, you can also visit Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mosque and send salutations upon him

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Final Thoughts

Performing Umrah is a deeply rewarding experience that purifies the soul and brings one closer to Allah. Each step of Umrah, from donning the Ihram to shaving the head, is an act of worship that has profound spiritual significance. Be sure to make du’a, reflect on your actions, and maintain sincerity throughout the pilgrimage. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you peace, forgiveness, and blessings.