The spiritual journey of Umrah is a very significant milestone for any Muslim. Umrah can be done at any time of the year as compared to Hajj which is given a specific date on the Islamic calendar. This is due to the fact that it allows millions of committed individuals to go to the holy city of Mecca and receive forgiveness, blessings and improved relationship with their religion.
As a first-time traveler, the idea of going to Saudi Arabia and carrying out the religious practices can be daunting. You must handle travel logistics, learn the particular religious procedures and get yourself mentally and spiritually prepared. It will also be in knowing what to expect, eliminating the anxiety and you can fully devote and pray.
This detailed manual dissects the whole procedure of undertaking the Umrah. We shall guide you through the rudiments of preparations, the four most significant quadruplets of pilgrimage, and some of the hints that will conduct you to make your journey as convenient as it is fulfilling.
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Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
The initial and most important thing about Umrah is to enter the state of Ihram. This is a holy condition of purity you have to take before passing the Miqat (the special line of pilgrims).
Physical Preparation
You are advised to go through general hygiene practices before wearing the Ihram garments. This involves trimming your nails, shaving off unneeded body hair and having a clean bath (Ghusl). You could also use unscented soap. Fragranced items are highly forbidden after entering the state of Ihram.
The Ihram Garments
In men, the Ihram is made of two white sheets which are not sewn. One sheet is used to cover the lower part of the body around the waist, and the other over the shoulders. Women just wear clean and modest clothes that cover the whole body leaving the face and hands only.
Making the Intention (Niyyah)
When you dress, you form the solemn intention to make Umrah. You repeat the prayer that was given to you: Labbayk Allahumma Umrah (O Allah, here I am to do Umrah). With this intention you start reciting the Talbiyah continuously: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk… You will keep on reciting until you get to the Kaaba and you commence the Tawaf.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
On reaching Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. You will make Tawaf. It is a procedure of walking around Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise manner.
Starting the Tawaf
The Kaaba has four corners wherein you start Tawaf by starting at the corner where the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) is. Should the mob be too thick to touch or kiss the stone, you can just extend your right hand towards it and say Allahu Akbar.
The Circuits
When walking, have Kaaba on the left hand. Men are asked to walk briskly (Raml) in the first three circuits, and to walk at normal pace in the other four. During the Tawaf, one is free to say any supplications, prayers or verses of the Quran. No predetermined prayer per circuit, you could talk to Allah with your heart.
Praying at Maqam Ibrahim
The seventh circuit is the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim). In this case you make two units of voluntary prayer (Rak’ahs). In case the space is occupied, then you can do this prayer anywhere in the mosque. It is advisable that after the prayer, one should drink Zamzam water at the dispensers available and pour a little over your head.
Step 3: Performing Sa’i
The second compulsory ritual is Sa i which venerates the activities of Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) when she frantically sought water to her infant son, Ismail.
Walking Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i entails a crossing seven times between the two hills i.e. Safa and Marwah. On Mount Safa you begin. Face turned away to Kaaba and the hands raised in prayer and praise to Allah. And visit Mount Marwah.
The Green Lights
When walking between the two hills, you will see an area where green lights have been put. Men are to jog or walk fast in this particular area, whereas women would walk as usual. As soon as you come to Marwah, turn again to the Kaaba, and supplicate yourself, and then to Safa.
A single lap around Safa to Marwah is considered a lap and the second lap is the lap around Marwah to Safa. You will complete your seventh, and last circuit, at Mount Marwah.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Cutting the Hair)
The last thing to perform your Umrah is to cut your hair. Such a gesture signifies modesty and non-attachment to appearances of the world.
Rules for Men
Men can either have Halq (shaving the head off) or Taqsir (clipping off the hair on all sides). It is strongly suggested and has more spiritual reward due to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad of shaving the head.
Rules for Women
Women do not shave their heads. Rather, they conduct Taqsir by pulling their hair and taking a small part, about the size of a fingertip.
When the hair is cut, then you have performed the rituals of Umrah successfully. The prohibitions of Ihram are removed, and you could switch to your usual clothes and apply perfumed items.
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Prepare for Your Spiritual Journey
Doing Umrah is a life altering experience which demands sincerity, patience and knowledge. Knowing the regulations of Ihram, the actions of Tawaf and the history of Sa’i and humility of hair cutting, you are ready to experience a wonderful spiritual awakening. You need to learn the required supplications and concentrate on the inner aims. May, your trip be safe, your prayers be answered, and your Umrah be accepted.
