Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah. Muslims can make this pilgrimage at any time of year. They can easily attain 7 nights Umrah packages from any renowned tour operator. A 7 nights’ package is the finest one to undertake Umrah at an affordable rate without burning your pockets.
Donning Ihram 7 Miqat
When traveling to the Holy City of Makkah for Umrah, you must ensure that you wash your body of any unnecessary hair and clip your nails. These things should be done before “Miqat.” Miqat is a Sharia-approved location where you can get your hair washed and your nails clipped. After that, you must take a bath, ensure your body is tidy, and do ablution. To conduct Umrah, you must wear Ihram, and after wearing Ihram, you must follow specific criteria. The conditions that you must follow are detailed below:
- The main purpose of performing hajj should be to fulfill Allah’s mandate.
- From the depth of your heart, try avoiding all big and little sins. Offer prayers and ask Allah and all the people for atonement for any sin.
- Ensure to pray 5 times every day.
- Make sure your nails are properly manicured.
- While performing Umrah, you must be strong enough to face the trials and tribulations with patience.
- Before boarding the plane, you must put on Ihram.
- Check that you have all of your medications and that you have received the relevant vaccinations.
- Your passport and travel credentials are quite vital; therefore, you must have some carrier bags that can accommodate everything you need.
Intent to perform Umrah
After putting on the Ihram, you must perform two Rakats of Nafl prayer after declaring the intention of Umrah. After that, you must peruse the Talbiyah.
The First Step: Circumambulation Around Allah’s (SWT)
When you get to Makkah Mukarma, make absolutely sure to keep your belongings in a secure place before entering Masjid Haram by any door. You must recite the Dua prayer before proceeding to the first stage.
Right Method of Performing Tawaf
The Tawaf also knowns as circulatory movements, is the most essential phase in Umrah. After conducting ablution, proceed to the Bait-Ul-Allah side. The Hajr Aswad is positioned beside a green light installed over the ground in the location of Tawaf, and this is where the Tawaf shall begin. You must aim for the Tawaf Bait-Ul-Allah while having to stand there, and you may pray and read Dua’s.
Following the intent, you must conduct “Idhtiba.” Idhtiba is performed by covering the left shoulder with one side of the Ihram and passing the other side underneath the right arm. Then, stand to the right of Hajr-e-Aswad and lift your hand, and your palm towards Hajr-e-Aswad. It’s finally time to kiss Hajr Aswad. This is referred to as “Estalam.” Following that, proceed to the Ka’ba’s door. When you approach the Ka’ba door, you must recite a Dua. The first phase of Tawaf is now being completed, and you must conduct 7 rounds of Tawaf in the same manner. Ramal will be performed by males in the first three rounds. Ramal is an act in which males walk quickly, take smaller steps, firmly lift their legs, maintain their chest out, and move their shoulders at the same time. You should now perform two Rakat Nafl and drink ZamZam.
Second Step: Running Between Safa & Marwa
The second stage is to do the Sai of Safa and Marwa. This requires climbing Safa Mountain towards the height where you can view the Bait-Ul-Allah. Then you must begin running up Marwa Mountain with the intent of Sai. Men must run, whilst women can stroll. Continue for a total of seven sets of Sai of Safa and Marwa.
Third Step: Halaq/Qasr
Now comes the third and last phase, which is to conduct Halaq. Men must shave their heads in this phase, while ladies must trim their 1-inch long hair. Afterward, your Umrah is finished, and you can stay in Makkah for Ziayarats. Additionally, you can do multiple Tawaf and kiss the Black Stone. This would be additional and will definitely reward you for it.
Muslims must accomplish Umrah to understand the beauty and magnificence of this Holy act and the House of Allah Almighty.
