Umrah pilgrimage is a widely religious adventure, and it is a pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make every year to a sacred city Makkah. It is a religious practice that purifies the mind and makes one more attached to Allah (SWT). Though it is commonly referred to as the minor pilgrimage, the meaning is enormous. The choice of going to Umrah is life changing as many of them anticipate, hope and want to have a spiritual revival.
It will be a step wise guide of what to do and how to perform Umrah. We will dwell upon the preparations you must make, the condition Ihram, the Tawaf circular Kaaba, the Sa i between Safa and Marwah and the final operation Halq or Taqsir. We hope this will be as simple and all-inclusive as you can make it to enable you to be ready and willing in this blessed journey. This guide shall guide you during the pilgrimage process either it is your first pilgrimage or you are refreshing.
Understanding How to Perform Umrah
Pilgrimage based on the righteous manner of doing Umrah forms the basis of a spiritual fulfilling pilgrimage. Since the moment of entering Ihram until the Tawaf of the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finally shaving or hair trimming, all this symbolizes a great amount of devotion and is a continuation of the steps of the prophets. Your trip should be worthwhile and smooth so Salah Travels provides carefully prepared Umrah Packages. We will ensure as we provide the full logistical assistance and professional guides so that you can execute all the rituals properly and only concentrate on worshiping and drawing close to Allah (SWT).
The Pillars and Rituals of Umrah
There are four pillars upon which Umrah is based. Each of them is critical in order to have a valid and accepted pilgrimage.
1. Ihram: The State of Purity
Ihram is not only the plain unstitched clothes of pilgrims but also a certain state of mind and body. Pilgrims need to declare their intention (niyyah) to be on Umrah before they reach the specification points (Miqat) which are referred to as Miqat. This is then accompanied by a ritual cleansing (ghusl) and putting on of the Ihram clothes. In the case of men, it is two white unsewn cloths. In case of women, it is simple, regular attire covering the whole body except the hands and face.
There are a number of restrictions once in the state of Ihram. The pilgrims are supposed to avoid the use of scented products, hair or nail-cutting, arguing, and any sexual activities done by a married pair. These restrictions have the aim of cultivating an atmosphere of humility, equality and total adherence to worship. In the eyes of Allah (SWT), all pilgrims are equal irrespective of their worldly status and this strengthens the oneness of the Muslim Ummah. During these years, pilgrims repeat Talbiyah all the time: Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk…. (“Here I am, O Allah, here I am…”).
2. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba
The Tawaf is the next pillar upon visiting the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. This ceremony is a process of going around Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction starting at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Pilgrims are supposed to put hands on the Black Stone, or kiss it; otherwise, it is no more than a gesture towards them.
Both circuits are strong demonstrations of devotion, which represent the concept that a believer is expected to live his/her life in the sphere of faith and submission to Allah (SWT). Pilgrims are able to make personal supplications (dua), recite the Quran verses, or glorify Allah during Tawaf. Once you have finished the seven circuits, you are supposed to pray two units of prayer (Kiswah) preferably facing the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim).
3. Sa’i: Between Safa and Marwah
After the Tawaf, pilgrims go to Sa’i. The ritual is in honor of the fight of Hajar (RA), a wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who fled in between the hills of Safa and Marwah in a desperate attempt to find water to sustain her baby son, Ismail (AS).
Pilgrims do this seven times between these two hills beginning with Safa and finishing with Marwah. It is a distance calculated at about 450 meters. It has a part that is indicated by green lights where the men are encouraged to be running or walking fast as Hajar is desperate. The Sa’i is a powerful meditation of patience, endurance and never giving up hope in the mercy of Allah (SWT).
4. Halq or Taqsir: The Final Step
The last ritual is the hair cutting which is called Umrah. The men can choose either to shave the whole head (Halq) that is regarded as more virtuous or to trim the hair all over the head in the same manner (Taqsir). Women are expected to cut only a small part of their hair; approximately a fingertip.
This is symbolic of a spiritual rebirth and shedding of sins and earthly attachments of oneself in the past. As soon as the hair is cut, the pilgrim comes out of the state of Ihram, and all its limitations are removed. The Umrah is finished with this.
Preparing for Your Umrah Journey
Preparation is important in order to make your pilgrimage happy and fulfilling. The following are some of the key considerations:
- Spiritual Preparation:
- You are to travel, prepare yourself by learning about the meaning of Umrah. Read the Quran, repent to the sincere past, and attempt to end any existing conflict with others. It is aimed at coming to Makkah with a pure heart and clear intention.
- Physical Preparation:
- Umrah is a physically tasking activity when it comes to walking. Before the trip, it would be wiser to train on your physical fitness. Carry light clothes and soft shoes also with regard to weather.
