How to perform Umrah

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. It has extreme significance in Islam and is a profoundly religious journey for Muslims worldwide. Compared to Hajj, a religious obligation for whoever has the power to perform it, Umrah is an optional act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. Understanding the correct processes is crucial for individuals planning this sacred journey, which entails several rituals and acts of devotion—moreover, understanding the right way to perform Umrah for maximum rewards and benefits.

The article will be a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah.

 What is Umrah?

In Arabic, Umrah is defined as a "visit". However, Umrah is a term used in Islam to refer to the pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba to complete the minor pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike Hajj, which is performed on specific days of Dhul Hajj, this religious trip can be performed at any time of the year. There is no particular time for the minor pilgrimage to Mecca. Furthermore, completing the minor pilgrimage with ease is a priority of every Muslim worldwide regardless of colour or race. If you accomplish your pilgrimage to Mecca effectively, choose a reputable Umrah travel agency. 

 Umrah consists of four basic rituals: 

· Ihram

· Tawaf

· Sa'i 

· Halq or Taqsir

We will discuss these rituals in detail:

Ihram

The Arabic verb haram, which means "to be forbidden," is the root of the word Ihram. This is the state of purity in which pilgrims enter Makkah to perform Umrah and Hajj. Muslims are Muslims who enter the state of Ihram since it indicates the person who has placed restrictions on himself.

 Purpose of Ihram

The purpose of Ihram is to show equality and unity among Muslims during Hajj and Umrah. When Muslims turn away from their worldly life and attend to the presence of Allah, they wear plain white and unstitched clothes. White colour represents equality. Ihram is a unique dress for pilgrims. The Ihram clothing is different for men and women. The Ihram attire for men includes two unstitched white sheets, while women can use an abaya to cover their bodies, but the hands and face must be exposed. Before putting on Ihram, you must observe the state of physical purity.

Tawaf 

Walking around the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia is called Tawaf during Umrah. Tawaf is an essential part of the pilgrimage to Mecca. This ritual involves seven rounds around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. If you make Tawaf al-Umrah, make sure you are wearing Ihram clothes.

 Method of Tawaf:

You are going up to the Kaaba. Hajar al-Aswad is the place where Tawaf begins as you approach the Kaaba. Faced towards the Black Stone, raise your hands for Istilam (pointing to or kissing the Black Stone) before beginning Tawaf. Recite essential supplications while pointing to the Black Stone if it is challenging to get there due to the dense crowd.

Make your way around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction. You should complete seven rounds in this manner. Recite supplications and remember Allah when doing Tawaf. Recite your favourite supplications during Tawaf, take full advantage of this opportunity, and remember Allah frequently. Complete seven cycles of Tawaf, making sure to end at or near the Black Stone. Men must complete the first three cycles around the Kaaba at a fast pace, which is a sign of enthusiasm.

After completing Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs in the vicinity of Maqam Ibrahim. Maqam Ibrahim is a building that contains the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) after circumambulation. After offering two rakats at Maqam Ibrahim, pilgrims drink Zamzam water.

Sa'i

The custom of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah is known as Sa'i. Sai is an integral part of the pilgrimage and is historically significant in Islamic culture. This ritual is connected with the tale of Hajar and his infant son Ismael.

 Method of Sa'i

Pilgrims must start Sai from Safa. When they arrive at Safa Hill, the pilgrims raise their hands while praying for the Kaaba. This indicates the beginning of the event. After departing from Safa, pilgrims begin to make their way on this fantastic journey. During this ritual, men are encouraged to run between two green markers to respect Hajar's rush to find water for his son Ismail. Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.

 Taqsir or Halq 

After Sa'i, you should keep your hair shaved (Halq) or cut at least an inch (Taqsir) so that you are free to leave the state and perform your Umrah. A man should shave his head completely to get more rewards from Allah.

 Halq (shaving the head): 

It has to face the head ultimately. It is often advisable for men, and it is a more complete way to remove the hair. Pilgrims who shave their heads represent equality and humility and abandon their outward beauty for the maximum good of God.

 Taqsir (cutting the hair): 

Cutting a small section of hair - usually a finger length - is part of the Hajj and Umrah. Performing Taqsir is essential for both men and women. Cutting small parts of the hair from different areas of the head is customary.

Following the completion of Halq or Taqsir, some restrictions were lifted, and it is believed that this person fulfilled the rituals of Umrah.

 Muslims can perform Umrah, the sacred pilgrimage in Islam, at any time for 12 months. This holy pilgrimage consists of four main rituals. These rituals include Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir. Muslims should complete these rituals with humility and passion. If you want to acquire additional information about Umrah, reading this article Easy Umrah Guide: How To Perform Umrah will be beneficial.