All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His messenger, Muhammad (saw). This brief yet comprehensive pocket guide is designed to outline the rituals of Umrah, providing essential information on the methods, rights, and formalities involved.
It is crucial to perform Umrah with Ikhlaas (sincerity), aiming solely to please Allah (swt) and following the Sunnah of His Prophet (saw). Umrah is considered a minor pilgrimage compared to Hajj. It is a recommended Sunnah but not obligatory. Umrah can be performed any time of the year except during the five days of Hajj, which is Makruh (discouraged). A person who sets out to perform Umrah is considered a pilgrim until they return home.
“One Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the next Umrah.” (Bukhari, Muslim). This hadith encourages performing Umrah multiple times as it cleanses one of past sins. “Do Hajj and Umrah one after the other, as they remove poverty and sins just as fire separates impurities from iron, gold, and silver.” (Tirmidhi)
The reward for performing Umrah during Ramadan is equal to that of performing Hajj with the Prophet (saw). (Abu Dawud)
May Allah forgive any errors in this booklet and abundantly reward all those who have contributed to making this publication possible.
Pre Hajj / Umrah Preparations
Make the Intention: Begin with a sincere intention to perform Hajj or Umrah, solely for the sake of Allah.
Repentance: Seek forgiveness for past sins and commit to abstaining from them in the future.
Halal Earnings: Ensure that your earnings used dua for Umrah or Hajj are halal.
Fulfill Obligations: Resolve to make up for any missed prayers, fasting, and Zakat.
Seek Forgiveness: Ask for forgiveness from parents, relatives, and anyone you may have wronged.
Make a Will: Write a will, have it signed by two adult witnesses, and give it to your lawyer or a close relative.
Prepare Spiritually: Embark on your journey with a sense of detachment from worldly matters.
Learn the Rituals: Educate yourself about Hajj and Umrah, understanding how to perform them correctly.
Get in the Spirit: Embrace the spirit of Hajj or Umrah as acts of love and submission to Allah.
Physical Preparation: Get physically fit by eating a balanced diet and adjusting to early sleeping and waking times.
Learn Duas and Zikr: Start memorizing the necessary Dua for Umrah or Hajj.
Dependants: Make arrangements for those who depend on you during your absence.
Settle Debts: Ensure that any outstanding debts are arranged to be paid off.
Ahraam
Meaning of Ahraam: Ahraam signifies entering a state where specific conditions apply, making certain halal things unlawful. Upon reciting the Talbiyah (“Labbaik…”), certain halal actions become haram.
Garments of Ahraam: For male pilgrims, Ahraam consists of two unstitched garments, but the true Ahraam is the Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah. Without these, one does not enter the state of Ahraam.
Women’s Ahraam: A woman’s Ahraam is her regular clothing that covers her Awrah, leaving only her face, hands, and feet visible. In the presence of non-mahrams, her face should be concealed without anything touching it, especially if she wears a Niqab.
Preparation for Ahraam: Before donning the Ahraam garments, pilgrims should trim their nails, shave their armpits and pubic hair, bathe, comb their hair, and apply perfume to their bodies.
Footwear for Men: Male pilgrims should wear sandals or slippers that leave the central bone of the foot uncovered.
State of Ahraam: These prohibitions take effect as soon as the pilgrim makes the intention for Hajj or Umrah and begins reciting the Talbiyah.
Location of Intention: The intention for Hajj or Umrah should be made at Meeqat or earlier.
Nafils of Ahraam: The two Nafils of Ahraam can be prayed at home, at the airport, or on the plane. It is Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rakat and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second Rakat.
Prohibitions in Ahraam
No Perfume: A pilgrim may not apply perfume, use any fragranced items, or consume fragrant raw food.
No Grooming: Cutting nails, and cutting or plucking hair are prohibited.
No Marriage: Marrying or proposing is not allowed.
No Intimate Talk or Relations: Engaging in intimate conversations with sexual undertones or having conjugal relations is forbidden.
No Harm to Animals: Hurting or killing animals is prohibited.
Avoid Sin: Committing any sin is forbidden.
No Arguments: Involvement in arguments or quarrels is not allowed.
No Removing Dirt: Removing dirt from the body or causing hair to fall is prohibited.
No Stitched Clothing for Men: Male pilgrims must not wear stitched clothes.
Footwear Restrictions for Men: Men must not wear footwear that covers the central bone of the foot.
Head and Face Covering for Men: Men must not cover their head and face.
Face Covering for Women: Women must not cover their faces. In the presence of men, they must ensure a covering that does not touch the face.
No Wiping Face: A pilgrim should not wipe their face with a towel or cloth.
Virtues of Makkah Mukarramah
Sacred Land: There is no land in the world as sacred as Makkah.
Sworn by Allah: Allah (swt) has sworn by the city of Makkah in the Qur’an.
Mother of All Towns: Makkah is called Ummul Quraa in the Qur’an, meaning “Mother of all Towns.”
First House of Allah: The first House of Allah (Qiblah) for mankind was established in Makkah.
Sanctuary: Allah made Makkah a Haram (sanctuary) where it is forbidden to shed blood, cut trees, kill or hunt animals, or pick up lost items not belonging to you.
Superior Prayer: Prayer in Masjid-ul-Haram is 100,000 times superior to prayer in any other place.
Qiblah for All: Makkah is the Qiblah for all people on Earth.
Rites of Hajj: Allah chose Makkah for the rites of Hajj.
Place of Return and Security: Makkah is a place of return and security, continually drawing hearts back to it.
Entering Makkah Mukarramah
Etiquette: Pilgrims should learn and observe proper etiquette (Adab) before entering the Holy City.
State of Wudhu: Enter Makkah in a state of wudhu, with humility and overwhelming love.
Recite Frequently: Frequently recite Talbiyah, along with durood, tahleel, takbeer, and other azkaar.
Avoid Idle Talk: Refrain from meaningless conversations or useless activities.
Mindful of Others: Be mindful not to hurt or push others in crowded situations and be ready to forgive those who may hurt you.
Avoid Sin: Like good deeds, sins are also multiplied in Makkah, so avoid sinful behavior.
Entering the Haram
Entering Dua: While entering Masjid-ul-Haram, step in with your right foot and recite the dua:
“Rabbi ighfir li dhunubi waftah li abwaba rahmatik”
(“O Allah! Forgive me my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy.”)
The intention of Aitikaaf: Whenever you enter the Haram (or any other masjid), make the intention of Aitikaaf (spiritual retreat), as it earns more merit.
First Glance at Kaabah: Upon seeing the Kaabah, raise your hands, say “Allahu Akbar,” recite durood, and make dua for umrah as long as you can, as duas are accepted at the first glance of the Kaabah.
Greeting Tawaf: Tawaf is the greeting for Masjid-ul-Haram. If unable to perform Tawaf, pray 2 Rakats of Tahiyyatul Masjid (provided it is not a Makruh time).
Women’s Entry: Women cannot enter the Masjid in a state of menstruation.
Exiting Dua: When stepping out, recite:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlik“
(“O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.”)
Avoid Smelly Foods: Do not eat smelly foods like raw onions or garlic before coming to the Masjid.
Silence Phones: Switch off or mute your cell phone to avoid disturbing others.
Avoid Worldly Activities: Avoid worldly talk, discussions, business transactions, and games in the Haram.
Keep Voice Down: Do not disturb others by raising your voice during recitation or dua.
Respect Property: It is a grave sin to take home property of the Haram, such as books or chairs.
Leave Found Items: Do not pick up items someone may have dropped; leave them where they are.
Tawaf
Definition: Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaabah counterclockwise 7 times, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad).
Preparation
Iditiba: Pass the upper sheet of Ahraam from underneath the right arm and drape it over the left shoulder, baring the right shoulder, known as Iditiba.
State of Wudhu: Tawaf must be done in a state of wudhu.
Stop Talbiyah: Stop reciting Talbiyah upon reaching the Black Stone.
Intention (Niyyah)
Making Niyyah: Stand in front of the Kaabah facing the Black Stone and make the intention for Tawaf without raising your hands:
“O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Accept it from me and make it easy for me.”
Istilam
Kissing the Black Stone: Go towards the Black Stone and kiss it if possible. If not, touch it with a stick and kiss the stick. If even this is not possible, raise your hands to your ears with palms open towards the Black Stone and say:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd”
Palms Gesture: Drop your hands, then point your palms towards the Black Stone again and kiss them. This act is called Istilam.
Start of Tawaf
Begin Tawaf: Start the Tawaf around the Kaabah counterclockwise.
Encircling the Hateem: The Hateem (semi-circle) must be included in the Tawaf as it is part of the Kaabah.
Facing the Kaabah: During Tawaf, do not face the Kaabah except when starting from the Black Stone.
Sa’ee
Definition: Sa’ee means to walk and to run. In Shariah, it means covering the distance between Safa and Marwah seven times.
Intention: Niyyah (intention) is not a prerequisite for Sa’ee.
Sequence: Sa’ee must be performed after a Tawaf.
Wudhu: Wudhu is not a requirement for Sa’ee.
Women’s Participation: Women can perform Sa’ee during their period.
On Foot: Sa’ee must be performed on foot unless there is a valid reason.
Avoid Vain Talk: It is Makrooh (discouraged) to engage in vain talk during Sa’ee.
No Intervals: It is Makrooh to take intervals between the seven rounds without a valid excuse.
Istilam of Hajr-e-Aswad
Istilam Before Sa’ee: Before performing Sa’ee, it is Sunnah to perform Istilam (greeting the Black Stone). This will be your ninth Istilam, following the eight performed during Tawaf. This applies if you are performing Sa’ee immediately after Tawaf.
Start of Sa’ee
Mount of Safa: Proceed towards the Mount of Safa, reciting:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah.”
Intention: Make the intention to perform Sa’ee (though it is not a prerequisite).
Dua at Safa: Climb the hill of Safa, face the Kaabah, raise your hands in dua, and recite:
“Rabbighfir warham wa antal a’azul akram”
“O Allah, forgive me and have mercy upon me, for You are the most Mighty and Honourable.”
Additional Supplications: You may also make other supplications.
Proceeding to Marwah
Descend Safa: Climb down from Safa and start walking towards Marwah. You may make supplications in any language, perform dhikr (remembrance of Allah), recite durood (blessings on the Prophet), etc. There is no prescribed supplication during Sa’ee.
Men’s Jogging: Men should jog or walk briskly between the green lights.
At Marwah
Dua at Marwah: When you reach the top of Marwah, praise Allah facing the Kaabah, repeating the same words recited at Safa.
Rounds: One round is from Safa to Marwah. Seven such rounds must be completed.
End of Sa’ee
Completion at Marwah: The seventh round ends at Marwah. Face the Kaabah and make dua.
Optional Prayer: Offer two rakats of Nafil in the Haram (optional) if the timing is not Makrooh.
Halaq or Qasar
Shaving or Trimming: After Sa’ee, a pilgrim must either shave (Halaq) or trim (Qasar) their hair within the boundaries of the Haram.
Trimming: If not shaved, the hair must be trimmed at least an inch or more. If the hair is shorter than an inch, it must be shaved.
Minimum Requirement: The minimum requirement is to trim 1/4th of the head to the length of a finger joint (or 1 inch), though this is not preferred.
Women’s Hair: Women should make a ponytail and cut off an inch or more from the bottom. Shaving is not allowed for women.
Completion of Umrah
Completion: Umrah is now complete.
Restrictions Lifted: The restrictions of Ahraam are lifted.
Gratitude: We should thank the Creator for providing the opportunity to perform dua for Umrah.
