Umrah, the sacred journey for Muslims, which they can perform anytime of the Year, requires specific rituals: like entering the state of ihram, circling the Kaaba, walking between safa and Marwa, then shaving or trimming head hair.
It is a pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Basically, Umrah includes fewer steps than Hajj. Umrah doesn’t have specific dates. Muslims from all over the world wish to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime.
Umrah is a highly respected act of worship. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, and it is a non-obligatory act of worship. Umrah is also known as a lesser pilgrimage. Umrah rituals are performed in Mecca, but many Muslims combine umrah with a visit to Madina. Umrah is considered the sunnah of Prophet Mohammed. Umrah takes a few hours to complete. Umrah is a chance to purify the heart.
Essential Steps to Perform Umrah
Before starting the sacred journey, it is essential for a visitor to check all documents and the Visa completely. Your visa must be valid for 6 months for Umrah.
Complete your visa process through an authorized travel agency. Always get the package from the authentic travel agencies for your Umrah. Always keep extra photocopies of your passport photos and vaccination certificates. Umrah e-visas are now eligible for many countries.
For the visa process, apply online, upload documents, and receive your visa digitally. Many travel agencies are offering Umrah packages.
Economy 10-day package includes a visa return ticket, 3-star hotel, and transport. Standard package includes visa, flight, hotel near Haram, Sahoor, and Iftar meals. Another package is the last ashra package, which includes visa, airfare, hotel near masjid Al Haram, and ziyarat.
Spiritual Preparation
Umrah is a divine journey, not only a physical journey. It is necessary to prepare your heart and mind for the spiritual experience that always starts with the purification of your intention.
Your only purpose should be seeking Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Don’t treat your umrah journey as your normal vacation. Always leave your worldly desires behind. Ask Allah for forgiveness of your past sins. Start reciting the Quran daily.
Engage yourself in the remembrance of Allah and send salawat on the Prophet Muhammad.
Start attending the Islamic lectures near your Islamic centre. Prepare yourself for calmness, be kind and patient with fellow pilgrims. Start giving sadqah before travelling.
It softens your heart. Try to solve all your disputes with your family and friends before your journey. Learn to memorize duas. Try to learn the rituals of umrah. Understand the steps of umrah and its significance.
Miqat
Miqat means entering the state of ihram. It is also referred to as specific boundaries set by the Prophet Muhammad that pilgrims cannot perform Umrah without wearing ihram.
The five main miqat boundaries are Dhul Hulayfah, Juhfah, Qarn al manazil, Yalamlam, and Dhat Irq. Dhul Hulayfah is located about 450 km north of Makkah. It is for people coming from Madina. Juhfah is located near Rabigh.
It is for people coming from Jordan, Egypt, and North Africa. Qarn Al Manazil is about 100 km from Makkah. This Miqat is for people coming from India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries arriving by air.
The last Miqat is Dhat Irq which is around 90 km North East of Mecca. This miqat is for people coming from Iraq and Iran. People who live in Mecca and come to perform Umrah, their Miqat place is masjid e Ayesha.
Tawaf
After coming to Mecca, Muslims freshen up and prepare themselves for Umrah. Tawaf is the main step of Umrah, and it is circling the Kaaba. Pilgrims start their tawaf at the Hajar Al Aswad and end the journey at the black stone.
Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This type of worship symbolises unity. Muslims face the black stone, raise their hands, and say, “In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest”.
Then they kiss or touch the black stone if possible. There is no specific dua for tawaf; you can recite the Quran or any personal Dua. Between the yameni corner and the black stone, it is sunnah to say “our lord give us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire”.
Praying at Maqam e Ibrahim
After completing the tawaf, pilgrims go to the maqam e Ibrahim and offer two rakkahs. If this place is crowded, you can pray anywhere in Masjid Al Haram.
Try to offer to rakahs as follows: in the first Rakah, recite Surah Al Fatiha, then Surah Al Kafirun.
In the second rakah recites Surah Al fatiha then Surah al-ikhlas. If you don’t remember these Surahs, you can recite any Surah from the Quran. After completing Rakah, raise your hand and ask Allah for forgiveness and make any dua for yourself.
Praying at this point reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and submission to Allah. After completing the rakah, pilgrims also drink the Zamzam water.
Sai and Halq
Sai is walking between Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims offer this step in remembrance of Hazrat Hajra. Starting the Sai Muslim face the Kaaba, raise their hands and praise Allah. Recite: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah”. (Quran 2:158) Between two green light markers, men should start running from this point. Women are allowed to walk normally all the time.
There is no fixed Dua for Sai. After the Sai men shave their heads completely and women are allowed to cut a small portion of hair from the ends. After halq Umrah is complete. The expense of hair trimming is not included in your Umrah packages. Umrah packages include airfare, hotel accommodation, a tour guide, and meals.
Conclusion
Umrah is a spiritual journey. After completing the Umrah, you feel the divine connection with Allah almighty and remain grateful. For a more rewarding umrah experience, keep a Quran Pak, a Dua book, and a prayer mat with you. Every Muslim wishes to perform Umrah once in their life.
After Umrah, you always feel blessed and near to Allah. Umrah is the best reminder to come to Allah before death and praise Allah for his pleasure. It is a great chance to renew your faith and ask forgiveness. Each step of Umrah is a reminder of Allah’s Mercy.