Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation and Intention:

• Purification:
  • Before entering the state of Ihram, it’s highly recommended to perform Ghusl (a full ritual bath). This act symbolizes physical and spiritual purification.
  • Additionally, trim your nails and remove any unwanted body hair.
  • Men may apply perfume, but this is only before entering the state of Ihram, and not on the Ihram clothing itself.
• Ihram Clothing:
  • For men, Ihram consists of two seamless white cloths: one wrapped around the waist (Izar) and the other draped over the upper body (Rida).
  • Women wear regular, modest Islamic clothing that covers their entire body, excluding the face and hands. They must avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or anything that attracts attention.
• Niyyah (Intention):
  • This is a crucial step. You must make a clear intention to perform Umrah. This intention is made in your heart, and it is also recommended to say it verbally.
  • A common intention is: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah).
• Talbiyah:
  • After making the intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka ¹ lak.”  
  • This is a declaration of your submission to Allah. Men should recite it loudly, while women recite it softly.
  • You should continue reciting the Talbiyah until you begin the Tawaf.
• Miqat:
  • The Miqat is a designated boundary where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram. It’s essential to know the Miqat relevant to your point of arrival.
  • These locations are:
    • Dhu al-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
    • Al-Juhfah (Rabigh)
    • Qarn al-Manazil (Al-Sail Al-Kabir)
    • Yalamlam (Al-Sa’diyyah)
    • Dhat Irq (Al-Dhariba)
  • Therefore, before crossing one of these boundries, the state of Ihram must be entered.

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation):

• Entering Masjid al-Haram:
  • Enter the Masjid al-Haram with your right foot first, reciting supplications.
  • Proceed towards the Kaaba.
• Starting Point:
  • Begin the Tawaf at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
• Circumambulation:
  • Perform seven complete circuits around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.
  • If possible, kiss or touch the Black Stone (Istilam). If not, raise your right hand towards it and say “Allahu Akbar.”
  • During the first three rounds, men are encouraged to perform Raml, which is a brisk walk with short steps, if the crowd allows it.
  • Between the Yemeni Corner (Al-Rukn Al-Yamani) and the Black Stone, it is sunnah to recite the Dua: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
  • Throughout the Tawaf, you can make personal supplications and remember Allah.
• Maqam Ibrahim:
  • After completing the Tawaf, perform two Rak’ahs (units of prayer) behind the Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim).
  • If it’s crowded, you can pray anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.
• Drinking Zamzam Water:
  • Drink Zamzam water, which is available throughout the Masjid al-Haram.

3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa):

• Starting Point:
  • Proceed to the hill of Safa, located within the Masjid al-Haram.
  • When approaching Safa, recite: “Inna-s-safa wal-marwata min sha’a’irillah”.
• Walking:
  • Walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwa.
  • Between the green markers, men are encouraged to jog (Raml), if possible. Women walk at a normal pace.
  • Make supplications and remember Allah during the Sa’i.
• Completion:
  • Completing the trip from Safa to Marwa counts as one round, and returning from Marwa to Safa counts as another. Therefore completing 7 total rounds.

4. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair):

• Halq (Shaving):
  • Men should shave their entire head (Halq). This is the most virtuous act.
• Taqsir (Trimming):
  • Alternatively, men can trim their hair (Taqsir) equally from all sides.
  • Women should trim a fingertip’s length of hair from the end of their hair.
• Completion of Umrah:
  • With the Halq or Taqsir, the Umrah is completed, and you are no longer in the state of Ihram.

Important Considerations:

• Patience and Humility: Umrah can be physically demanding, especially during peak seasons. Maintain patience and humility throughout the journey.
• Respect and Etiquette: Respect the sanctity of the holy sites and treat fellow pilgrims with kindness.
• Knowledge and Guidance: It’s highly recommended to learn the rituals from knowledgeable sources or travel with a reputable Umrah group.
• Health and Safety: Take necessary precautions to protect your health, especially in hot weather.
• Dua and Supplication: Make sincere Duas (supplications) throughout your Umrah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.

By following these steps and maintaining a sincere intention, you can perform a meaningful and accepted Umrah.

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