Umrah

Saifudeen Noohukannu Labba

Basics of Rituals

Compiled by

Professor and Head,Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,

Kerala Agricultural University,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram – 695522

nsaifudeen@gmail.com

Once you have decided to perform Umrah,

prepare for it;physically, mentally, & spiritually.

You are going for a life-changing pilgrimage,to the house of Allah,

as a sinful person for repentance ....

which would result in a spiritual upliftingInsha’ Allah.

How to prepare well?And to perform well?

Follow the best pilgrim and the best worshipper of Allah:

Our beloved Prophet: Muhammad (S)

If you are in a group, your leader (Ameer) will explain the rituals of Umrah as directed by Rasulullah (S).

The act of Umrah is known to cleanse one’s soul from past committed sins.

Performing Umrah protects one from poverty.

Umrah is an act in which Allah considers the pilgrim to be answering His call and so, He loves you!

In the blessed month of Ramadan, the reward of performing Umrah is equal to that of performing Hajj with the Prophet (S).

Another absolutely breathtaking virtue of Umrah is that if one passes away in their journey of Umrah, the reward for them is Jannah.

Some Virtues of Umrah

A. Entering the state of Ihram

B. Tawaf around Ka’bah

C. Sa’ey between the hills of Safa and Marwah

D. Shaving or clipping of the hair (Tahal-Lul)

THE RITUALS OF UMRAH

The four rites of Umrah are:

A. IHRAM Ihram is a state of purity and holiness; a state of mind and

body, one is in, while performing Umrah.

The two sheets that a pilgrim wears are also figuratively known as Ihram but the real Ihram is its Niyyah & Talbiyah.

Entering into the state of Ihram is the beginning of complete transformation. We must enter into absolute dedication to Allah, deciding that there is no reason we do Umrah; except for the pure worship of our Creator.

A man in Ihram is called Muhrim; a woman is called Muhrima.

Procedure for Ihram:1. Cleaning yourself:

Trim and comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.

2. Purification of body and mind:

Take a lavish bath with profuse use of scented soap, shampoo, perfumes etc with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu.

For internal purification, do sincere repentance on your sins.Say something like this: "O Allah, I sincerely repent on my sins and seek your forgiveness."

3. Wear Ihram dress:

Men garb themselves in a white, seamless, two-piece garment, one around the waist (Izaar) and cover the upper body with the other sheet (Ridaa').

Women's ordinary clothes are their Ihram.

Both should wear flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered.

Procedure for Ihram:

Procedure for Ihram:4. Nafl Salah:

Offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram by covering your head. In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering two rakahs of nafls for Ihram. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafroon- "Al-Kafiroon" [109] - in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah - “Al-lkhlaas” [112] - in the second rakah.

Note:

you are still not in the status of ihram because you haven't done the main thing yet, i.e., intention and Talbiyah which is done at or before the Miqat. Do items 1 to 4 above, at your convenience. These should be done in sequence but not necessarily together, continuously.

THE MIQATS

There are five places some distance from the Holy City of Makkah which pilgrims must not cross before they are in a state of Ihram (unless they live within the area between Miqat and the Haram). These points or stations are called Miqats.

5. Intention and Talbiyah: If you are flying with a group, follow instructions of the group leader. You may do Intention and Talbiyah during your flight or even at an airport, before you reach the Miqat.

5. Intention and Talbiyah:Uncover your head and declare your intention:

"O Allah! I intend to perform Umrahand so, I am entering into Ihram.Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen."

Immediately after that, utter the words of Talbiyah or its translation in any language,

three times,in a loud voice by men and

in a subdued voice by women.

"Labbayk,Allahumma Labbayk.Labbayk.La shareeka laka.Labbayk.Innal-hamda wan-n'imatalaka wal-mulk.La shareeka lak."

( Here we come,O Allah, here we come !

Here we come.No partner have You.

Here we come!Praise indeed, and blessings, are Yours,

the Kingdom too!No partner have You!)

TALBIYAH

6. Du'a:After this recite Salawat and supplicate to Allah Almighty any du'a in

Arabic or in your own language.

Prohibitions on conduct during Ihram:The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a pilgrim pronounces the Niyyah (intention) of Umrah

and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible) things become haraam for him.

A Muhrim / Muhrima must not do these:

Covering head (men), covering face (women)Covering the middle bone of the upper part of the feetShaving / cutting hairCutting nails or skinUsing or even touching perfumeWearing stitched clothing (men) / (Women can wear their ordinary clothes). Both, men and women are permitted to wear watch and spectacles.

Hunting / killing or hurting animals / birds, except those can harm people

SexGetting married or asking for someone's hand in marriageFighting or quarreling, arguing, slandering, acting without

humility and decency, and harming others with the hands or tongue.

Washing hair with shampooWearing gloves or socks (Men) Cutting/uprooting plants or trees

Those who do these knowingly or unknowingly have to pay a penalty that varies according to the kind of violation.

Prohibitions on conduct during Ihram:

Early morning at Jeddah North Terminal…..Long delay in emigration clearance…..

Journey towards Makkah:After Ihram,during your sacred journey towards Makkah al-Mukarrama,recite Talbiyah frequently.

To the Holy City of Makkah with lots of Talbiyah

Enter the city very humbly,ensuring Ihram andwith great fondness,still reciting Talbiyah.

Proceeded to Haram

After arranging your residence and getting fresh, proceed to the Masjid al-Haram

The pilgrim is allowed to bathe and use the washroom as they require; so the Ihram may be removed and put back on for such circumstances.

No.1 Gate; The King Abdul Azeez Gate!!

Entering Masjid al-Haram: 

While reciting Talbiyah, enter Masjid al-Haram

Haram…

…expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings Allah Almighty, conferred upon you.

Remove chappals andenter with right foot

View; inside out

Inside….

Supplicate to Allah and proceed towards Ka’bah

After walking for a few yards step down 10 steps and walk along..Further 7 steps down and walk for a few yards inside the Masjid…….You reach the spot under the ceiling, noted by arrow!!

The first look at Kaabah….Propitious time to offer prayers to the Almighty

"Allahu Akbar" three times "La ilaha illa'Llah" three timesSalawat on the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)

Prayers to Allah: whatever you wish

Further 10 steps down and a few steps forward;You reach Matawaf (The Thawaf Floor!!)

while uttering Talbiyah go to the green light in the direction of Hajar al-Aswad!! to prepare for the Tawaf

HATEEM:

TAWAF OF UMRAHTawaf means circling (moving around) Ka’bah seven times

with extreme love and devotion.

The circuits must begin from Hajar al-Aswad and end at it, keeping the Ka’bah on left, counter-clockwise, around the Ka’bah and Hateem, which was originally a part of Ka’bah

Being in a state of serenity, concentration, and humbleness, the pilgrim should avoid harming others and should also

refrain from talking to others unless it is necessary.

Ramal:For the first three circuits of Tawaf, men are required to move

their shoulders and walk with quick, short steps. This is called Ramal and is Sunnah. Do not try this if there is rush of

people around. Walk normally during the remaining four circuits.

TAWAF OF UMRAH

Make intention for TawafCleanliness with Wudu as for prayerCovering ‘Awrah’ for both men and womenTawaaf should be inside al-Masjid al-Haraam

The number of rounds should be exactly seven, beginning from Hajar al-Aswad, and ending at it

These rounds should be continued without interruption except in the case of an extreme necessity

If Tawaf is interrupted by obligatory, congregational prayer, resume it afterwards from where you had stopped.

In order to have the Tawaf properly completed, one must adhere to the following:

Preparation 1Pass the upper garment of the ihram (the rida') under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right

shoulder bare. This procedure is called Iztaba'

Preparation 2When you reach the line of Hajar al-Aswad (Starting point for

Tawaf), you may stop reciting the Talbiyah

Niyyah:Stand in front of Ka’bah facing Hajar-al-Aswad in such a way

that the whole Hajar-al-Aswad is on your right side (Just before the green light). Then without raising your hands make

Niyyah (intention) for Umrah:

"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah  to please You.Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

You may not even see this!!

"Bismi'Llah Allahu akbar wa li'Lah al-hamad"

ISTILAM:

(while pointing by the palm of our hands towards al-Hajar al-Aswad)

Now, moving towards right, come in front of Hajar-al-Aswadand raise your hands to your ears keeping your open palms

towards Hajar-al-Aswad(Kissing, touching with right hand or touching with a stick are

preferred but may not be possible due to the crowd; don’t apply force; you are in Ihram!!)

You may not even see this!!

Drop your hands down. Kiss your palms, since you could not kiss Hajar-al-Aswad. The above said act is called Istilam.

The nine Istilams1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Istilam again, to mark the start of second round

Istilam again, to mark the start of third round

Istilam again, to mark the start of fourth round

Istilam again, to mark the start of fifth round

Istilam again, to mark the start of sixth round

Istilam again, to mark the start of seventh round

Istilam again, to mark the end of Tawaf

Istilam again, to mark the start of Sa’ey

Istilam to mark the start of first round

TAWAF STARTS:

During Tawaf, it is not permissible to face or turn your back towards Ka’bah except when you are kissing or pointing

towards Hajar-al-Aswad.

Prayers During Tawaf:

Make prayers from your heart, because that will benefit you better!! Recite whatever you wish, from Qur’an

Seek pardon, and ask Allah whatever you wish, in your own language.

Yes, of course, Follow your Ameer……..

Cleaning during Tawaf

This is one of the best supplications!!"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah

wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah."

Rukn Yamani and its Supplications: After passing the three corners of Ka’bah you reach the fourth corner known as Rukn Yamani. Touch it with both

hands or with right hand (do NOT kiss it).

If this is difficult for you, then go on performing Tawafwithout touching it,

pointing at it; saying "Allaahu Akbar".

The Yemeni Wall

There is a beautiful supplication to be used while walking between Rukn Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad:

"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhiratihasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."

Our beloved Prophet (S) has repeatedly recited this supplication

The first circuit is complete when you reachthe line of Hajar-al-Aswad again.

At the line of Hajar al-Aswad, start the second circuit by performing Istilam again. Continue in the same way, until you

have completed the seven circumambulations, including Istilam at the end of each circuit.

Repeat the Circuits:

COMPLETION OF TAWAF:At the end of seven circuits, do Istilam of Hajar-al- Aswad

(eighth time). Now, men should cover both shoulders, thus ending ‘iddtibaa'.

MULTAZAM

Now, among a large crowd of people, if it is possible to reach Multazam, cling to it, pressing your chest and cheeks, and with all humility, seek Allah’s mercy, His blessings and ask Him whatever you wish. If you are unable to come close to

Multazam, just face towards it and supplicate from a distance.

Multazam:

If possible

If possibl

e

MAQAM IBRAHIM

Next, offer two rakahs of nafl behind and close to Maqam Ibrahim without covering your head.

If it is undesirable time, you have to wait till this undesirable time is passed and then offer prayers.

If it is not possible to offer this obligatory prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, it can be offered anywhere in Mataf (the area where

Tawaf is done), or in Hatim or anywhere in Masjid al-Haram or even at any place in Haram area of Makkah.

In the niyyah, say that you are offering two rakahs of nafls wajib al- tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafiroon- "Al-Kafiroon" [109] - in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah - “Al-lkhlaas” [112] -

in the second rakah.After this, ask Allah whatever you wish and

invoke His blessings.

Zamzam:Drink this water, saying Bismillah, to fill your stomach while in standing position, facing Qiblah, in three sequences while having the intention to be cured, with the blessing of Allah,

from any disease.

…and Drink lots of Zam Zam water!!

You are now ready to perform the Sa‘ey,the shuttling between the two hills of Safa and Marwah

The Sa’ey

Now, proceed towards SafaBefore starting Sa’ey, it is desirable to do Istilam of Hajar-al-Aswad again the ninth

time or point towards it, saying: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd”

As you approach Safa, recite the Quranic verse:"Verily, Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah"

1. SAFA TO MARWAH

7. SAFA TO MARWAH

3. SAFA TO MARWAH

5. SAFA TO MARWAH

6. MARWAH TO SAFA

4. MARWAH TO SAFA

2. MARWAH TO SAFA

SAFA MARWAH

Being after Tawaf, not before, and make niyyahContinue doing the Sa’ey without interruption except

when it is extremely necessary.Make du'a facing Qiblah at as-Safaa and al-MarwaGoing back and forth seven times- 4 stops at each hill.

In order to have the Sa’ey properly completed one must adhere to the following:

Some desirable sunnah while performing Sa’ey are:

Fast walking on the green light area as Hajira (R) did and as it is recorded about the Prophet (S).

Making dhikr and du'a or reading Qur'an during Sa’ey.

Having ‘Wudu’ (Recommended but not compulsory).

To walk unless the pilgrim is weak.

To lower the gaze and abstain from talking to others, harming others, and try to be humble and serene and to remember the Day of Judgment.

Start of Sa’ey at Safa: 

As you approach Safa, make intention (niyyah) for Sa’ey:

"O Allah! I perform Sa’ey between Safa and Marwahto please You.

Make it easy for me and accept it from me."

"Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’a’irillah”(Al-Qur’an 2 : 158)

(Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the Signs of Allah.)

Now, recite the Quranic verse:

You should now ascend Safa and, face Ka’bah, Propitious time to offer prayers to the Almighty

"Allahu Akbar" three times "La ilaha illa'Llah" three timesSalawat on the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)

Prayers to Allah: whatever you wish

"La ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la Sharika lahu,lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer."

Proceeded towards Marwah, walking at a normal pace….

Ameer

"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbarwa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa."

Do dhikr and du'a orRead Qur'an during Sa’ey.

Recite any supplications

….until you reach the green marker

Men, if they are able, should run until they reach the end of green marker, whereupon they should revert to a normal walking pace until you reach Marwah.

The green light area is where Hajira (R) heard her baby Ismail (A) crying out of thirst while she was looking for help. She ran whenever she heard his cries.

Women should proceed throughout at normal walking pace.

Men may ‘run’…. until they reach the end of green marker

And then proceeded to Marwah in normal pace….

1Ready for the second lap

Proceed to Safa for the next lap

At Marwah, face the Qibla, and repeat the prayersand supplications you voiced at Safa.

"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbarwa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa."

Do dhikr and du'a orRead Qur'an in every lap.

Recite any supplications

Second trip will end on Safa and third trip will end on Marwah. Fourth trip will end on Safa, fifth on Marwah and

sixth on Safa.

In all trips, men will run

(walk fast)on green light area

Butwomen will walk in a

normal way.

Drink Zamzam

on the way, if you feel

so

End of Sa’ey:

The seventh trip will end at Marwah.

TAHAL-LUL:(Shaving or clipping of hair)

Men are encouraged to have their hair shaven completely. Trimming is also permitted but there is less reward in this.

(If the Umrah is a precursor to performing Hajj, men may not want to shave their heads but merely clip their hair so that there will be enough hair to shave when performing Hajj.)

Women, only trim their hair slightly (one or two centimeters). They are forbidden to shave their heads.

Shave your hair from any nearby Barbar ShopWomen, get your hair cut

by your companion who is not in Ihram

Thus ending our well cherished holy Umrah

Umrah is complete:

The Umrah rituals are now concluded and the pilgrim may change into normal clothes.

The prohibitions on conduct during Ihram are now ended.

Be thankful to Allah thatHe provided the opportunity for performing Umrah

and lead rest of your life according to thecommands of your Creator.

You may perform Umrah as often as you wantaccording to the above procedure.

However, if you are staying in Makkah,you may travel out of Haram area to

Aysha Masjid (Taneem Mosque), which is nearbyor Jaharana for entering into Ihram.

Additional Umrah:

Taneem Mosque Jaharana

If you want to perform just a nafl Tawaf,follow the same procedure,

however, in a nafl Tawaf there is no Ihram, no Ramal, no ‘iddtibaa'

and even no Sa’ey.

Nafl Tawaf:

Tawaf of Umrah Nafl Tawaf