Umrah is spiritually filled journey to Mecca therefore it has great importance in the hearts of Muslims. Performing Umrah involves a range of rituals (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq), vital preparation (attire, prohibitions, and intention), and holy duties to fulfil (spiritual &physical needs). Each step towards performing Umrah holds importance and provides unlimited divine rewards and blessings. Umrah is a Sunnah to cleanse the sins and renew the faith as the Holy Prophet PBUH said in Sahih Bukhari:
Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between them.”
Step-by-Step Essential Rituals of Umrah
Umrah consists of the necessary practices to provide a spiritually balanced journey. Qiblatain offers Umrah packages from USA with a complete guide to get ready or prepare for Umrah. The Travel agency makes sure to support you throughout the journey so that you enjoy a worry-free and spiritually focused pilgrimage from departure to return. Preparing for Umrah includes the following :
Ihram
Pilgrims enter into Ihram to perform Hajj and Umrah. It is a sacred ritual to fulfil. Ihram consists of two white sheets. The fabric must be clean, soft and comfortable and no scents are allowed to be used. Entering into the Ihram offers spiritual purity, compassion, and equality before Allah.
Preparation:
It is important to take shower (Ghusal), trim nails, and wear neat and comfortable clothes before entering into Ihram. The physical and spiritual preparation ensures the spiritual cleansing, purification, and religious refining. It is a Sunnah to perform two Rakat Nafal before making the Umrah intention for spiritual benefits.
Attire:
The Ihram Attire/ cloths for males and females are different. For men: they should wear two unstitched white cloth/ sheets to cover their waist and wrap their shoulders. And as far as females are instructed to wear modest, comfortable, and clean attire that covers their bodies. There is no specific color is mentioned for females; just modest clothing that doesn’t attract others.
Intention and Talbiyah:
After entering into Ihram, pilgrims make their Umrah intention while reciting the Tlbiya as:
“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”
Saying O’Allah I’m here to perform Umrah, there is no partner with you and all praise and blessings, and the Kingdom belongs to you. Pilgrims must recite the Talbiya throughout the pilgrimage. Men loudly and women in a soft and lower voice.
Restrictions
Allah SWT forbade some specific things after entering into Ihram to keep a calm and peaceful atmosphere while focusing on the spiritual aspects of Umrah, allowing you to focus on compassion and humility.
- Pilgrims are not allowed to cut or trim their nails
- Scented and perfumed items are restricted to use
- No physical content is allowed
Tawaf
Tawaf is the second rite of Umrah that involves the seven circles around the Kaaba. Pilgrims perform it once they enter into Ihram and say their Talbiya with pure intention and sincerity.
Start and End point
The Tawaf begins from the Black Stone or Hajar Aswad and completes at the same starting point. Pilgrims are required to complete seven rounds around the Kaaba and recites this dua:
“O Allah Grant us the best in this world and in the next
world and save us from the torment of the fire.”
Proper Demeanor:
- Pilgrims are advised to walk straight and peacefully.
- Avoid pushing or harming others
- Recite short Duas, personal reflections or Talbiya during Tawaf
After Tawaf:
Once pilgrims complete their Tawaf, they are advised to pray two Raka’t Nwaifil at Maqam Ibrahim. If the place is crowded, women can perform the Nwafil anywhere in the holy masjid to tribute the sacrifices and devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim. Then head to drink holy water (Zamzam) as it provide healing and blessed properties.
Sa’i
Sai’ is a walk between the Mount of Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims complete the Sa’i walking in the footsteps of Hazrat Hajar AS. Niyah is compulsory while performing the ritual. There is no specific supplication for Sa’i. You can recite your personal duas or any short surah for spiritual benefits.
Route:
Sai’ start from the Mount Safa to Marwa. Men run slightly or jog when the green lights appear and women walk steadily (normal pace) to complete the ritual. The place is located inside the Masjid al-Haram with marks to recognise when to run/walk.
Meaning:
Sai is performed to honor the sacrifice and patience of Hazrat Hajar AS, who ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa to search for Water for Infant Ismail – the son of Hazrat Ibrahim AS, to learn patience, sacrifice, trust in Allah and hope.
Halq or Taqsir
Halq/ Taqseer is the end of rituals as well as restrictions. It involves shaving the head or cutting a measurable amount of hair after completing Sa’i. The ritual is to be completed within the walls of Masjid al-Haram.
For men
Halaq is for men to shave their head. But they can choose to just trim the hair (Taqseer) too. It is a wajib act and should be completed within the walls of Masjid al-Haram.
For women
Females do not need to shave their head. They should cut the amount of hair, the length of a fingertip to complete the rituals.
End of Restrictions
After completing the Halaq or Tqseer, pilgrims exit the state of Ihram and can return to their normal activities. The final step of the Umrah rituals symbolizes the obedience to Allah.
Sunnah and Recommended Acts during Umrah
Apart from these four essential rituals there are some other important acts to complete. Our Ramadan Umrah Packages include a thorough guideline about the necessary Sunnah, rituals and essential to secure a spiritually focused journey.
1. Performing Ghusl before Entering Ihram
Performing Ghusal (shower) is essential before entering into Ihram. It is a sign of physical purification and cleanliness.
2. Praying Two Rak’ahs after Ihram
After purifying your intentions now is the time to show your readiness and compassion by performing two Rak’at Nwafil after entering into Ihram.
3. Duas and Dhikr during the Journey
Making duas and personal reflections is a Sunnah act to purify the soul, strengthen the intentions and build a heartfelt connection with Allah SWT.
4. Drinking Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is known as the blessed and spiritually filled water with healing properties. Drinking this holy water ensures physical and emotional strength. Moreover, it is a Sunnah to drink Zamzam.
Spiritual Meaning behind Umrah Rituals
Umrah offers deep spiritual and physical benefits for Muslims.
- Entering into Ihram teaches pilgrims the lessons of humility, compassion and equality, leaving status, color and casts behind
- Tawaf shows the unity, devotion and brotherhood of pilgrims
- Sa’i connects the pilgrims with the rich Islamic history and patience and faith of Hazrat Hajar AS
- Shaving or trimming hair shows the submission to Allah, and a renewal of life with spiritual richness
Common Mistakes Pilgrims Should Avoid
- Don’t forget to make intention before entering into Ihram
- Avoid using perfumed items i.e soaps, towels, or hygienic products
- Don’t push or rush during large crowds
- Ignoring the spiritual essence and focusing on just completing the rituals
- Missing prayers because of tiredness and disruption.
Practical Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
Pilgrims should follow these simple steps to make the best use of their Umrah packages from USA:
- Learn and understand basic rituals
- Pack only essentials to avoid stress and luggage issues
- Stay hydrated and hygienic
- Respect the holy sites and avoid photo clicking or talking loudly
- More focused on enjoying the spiritual essence of pilgrimage through worship and reflection than just sightseeing
Duration and Timing of Umrah
Pilgrims can complete the rituals in 3-5 hours based on the crowd level, personal stamina, and weather conditions. And the time to perform Umrah depends on your preferences, personal calendar and budget. Whether you are performing Umrah during peak season, going first time or repeating, seeking family or solo travel- Qiblatain is available to support and assist you throughout the journey so that you enjoy a spiritually focused trip while the professional handles the logistics.
