A Step-by-Step Guide to the Rituals of Umrah
Are you getting ready for the blessed journey to Umrah? Then this Umrah guide will serve as your ultimate companion, leading you to learn the steps of Umrah.
Before undertaking the Umrah rituals, spiritual and physical preparation is key. To start your Umrah journey, ask for forgiveness. Think about your goals. Learn the steps of Umrah from a guide or apps like My Umrah Companion.
Prepare Your Heart & Soul
The Umrah journey is not just packing your bags, but preparing your heart. Seek forgiveness from those you’ve wronged, and forgive those who’ve hurt you. It isn’t just a trip—it’s a cleanse for your soul.
Pack your bags lightly, including Ihram garments and all the Umrah essentials. Place your documents in a small waterproof bag.
State of Ihram
Step into the state of Ihram before reaching Meeqat (the boundary for Ihram).
Purify yourself
: It’s Sunnah to take a bath, trim your nails, and remove your excess hairs if required.
Ihram
: Men have to put on their Ihram (two unstitched white garments), and women can put on any modest dress that covers their Awrah.
Make your intention
: Make an intention for Umrah and recite “ Allahumma labbaika umrat.” Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.
Recite Talbiya
: After doing Niyat for Umrah, men have to recite talbiya loudly and women can whisper it.
When you are in the state of Ihram, remember to avoid certain things. Do not argue or use perfumes. Do not trim any hair or clip your nails. Avoid hunting, sexual activity, and marriage contracts. Do not wear sewn clothes or cover your head if you are a man. And covering your face and hands (for women).
Tawaf: A Journey Around Kaaba
Reach the Masjid al-Haram with wudu and stop reciting the Talbiya. Begin your Tawaf from the corner of Hajar al-Aswad. Touch Hajar al-Aswad and say Allahu Akber, if touching is not feasible, do Istelaam and begin to circumambulate around the Kaaba seven times.
During Tawaf, men have to adopt Idteba (uncover the right shoulder), and in the first three rounds, males have to do Ramal (walk briskly).
Note that Ramal and Iteba are only for men and not for women.
Between Hajar al-Aswad and Rukn Yamini, pray:
”Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah wa fi‘l-ākhirati ḥasanah wa qinā `adhāban-nār.
After Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs near Maqame Ibrahim and drink Zam Zam. And then move to the Multazam. Pour your heart at Multazam. (A place of divine connection, where supplications are met with the mercy of Allah [SWT] ).
Sa’i: Ritual of Devotion
To perform Sa’i, let us proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah. As soon as you reach the hills of Safa, turn your face towards Kabah, raise your hands in dua, and recite the following dua:
Inna assafa walmarwata min shaAAa-iri Allahi faman hajja albayta awe'-tamara fala junaha AAalayhi ay-yattawwafa bihima waman tatawwaAAa khayran fa-inna Allaha shakirun AAaleem.
The above dua you have to recite when you reach the hills of Marwah also.
Begin your first round of Sa’i at the hill of Safa. Then, go to Marwah for the second round. Repeat this journey back and forth seven times. During Sa’i recites any dua or adhkar. In between the green lights, men are required to walk fast or jog, whereas women can walk slowly.
This act honors Hajar’s urgent search for water for her son Ismail (AS). Performing Sa’i shows faith and trust in Allah (SWT).
Complete Umrah with Taqsir/Halaqa
On completing Sai:
Men are required to shave or trim their hair short from all parts of the head.As per
Sunnah, shaving is more preferable than trimming. Women should trim their hair to a length equivalent to the width of a finger.
After completing the Umrah rituals, you will be free from Ihram's restrictions. Carry the blessings of Umrah in your heart, and may they guide you on your life's path.
Conclusion
Every Umrah ritual ties you to a legacy. The Hill of Safa, Hajar al Aswad, and Maqam Ibrahim aren’t just places—they’re portals to history. To facilitate your Umrah learn all the steps for Umrah from a credible Umrah guide.
You’re part of something eternal. Performing all the rituals and reciting the Talbiyah connects you to every pilgrim.
Hope Umrah Guide helped you to know the steps for Umrah from the state of Ihram to perform Umrah peacefully.
Wishing you a safe journey.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Idteba and Ramal during Tawaf, and who must perform them?
A: Idteba refers to uncovering the right shoulder by draping the Ihram garment under the right armpit. Ramal means walking briskly during the first three circuits of Tawaf. Both are Sunnah acts for men only and are not required for women.
Q2: Why do men walk fast between the green lights during Sa’i?
A: The green lights mark the area where Hajar (AS) ran desperately in search of water for her son Ismail (AS). Men jog or walk briskly and women walk normally here to commemorate her struggle.
Q3: Is shaving the head mandatory for men after completing Sa’i, or is trimming sufficient?
A: Trimming the hair short is sufficient, but shaving is strongly recommended (Sunnah) for men. Women are only required to trim a fingertip’s length of their hair.
