how to perform umrah

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Umrah

Umrah is an act of worship that brings a believer closer to Allah. It’s a special trip to the holy city of Makkah that people can make at any time of the year. It is often called the mini-Hajj. Hajj is a must-do pilgrimage once in a lifetime for those who can afford it. But Umrah is more like a Sunnah that brings lots of spiritual blessings. That’s why you must learn how to perform Umrah from our digital Quran academy.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1773)

This guide will show you how to perform Umrah, following the true teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Preparing for Umrah

When you go for Umrah, it’s important to prepare yourself in two ways: spiritually and practically.

a. Intention (Niyyah)

Your actions of worship are judged by your intentions in Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1)

You make the niyyah (intention) for Umrah in your heart. You don’t need to say it out loud. Just make sure your intention is purely for the sake of Allah.

b. Physical Preparation

Before you put on your Ihram clothes, it’s a good idea (following the Sunnah) to do these things:

  • Ghusl (full body wash)
  • Cut your fingernails and toenails
  • Shaving or trimming the armpit and pubic hair
  • Applying perfume (men only) before entering the Ihram

Entering the State of Ihram at Miqat

a. What is Miqat?

Miqat is the specific place where you need to put on your special Umrah clothes (Ihram) before going into Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) designated different Miqat spots for people coming from various parts of the world.

For example:

  • Dhul Hulayfah (for people from Madinah)
  • Yalamlam (for those from Yemen)
  • Qarn al-Manazil (for people from Najd)

If you don’t wear Ihram (special Umrah clothes) at the Miqat (designated spot) without a good reason, you’ll need to offer a sacrifice called a dam.

b. Wearing the Ihram

For men, it’s two simple, plain white clothes: one goes around their waist, and the other over their shoulders. And for women, they wear their regular modest clothes that cover everything. However, they should not wear gloves or face veils.

c. Talbiyah

When you wear your Ihram, you should say Talbiyah.

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. Laa shareeka lak.”

Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, you have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

You should keep repeating the Talbiyah prayer a lot until you’re just about to begin your Tawaf. 

Performing Umrah: Step-by-Step

a. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)

After entering the Masjid al-Haram, perform Tawaf:

  • Make sure you have wudu (ablution).
  • Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” if you can’t kiss it.
  • Circle the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
  • Men should try to do a raml (brisk walk) for the first three circles. After that, you can walk normally.
  • You can say any prayers or make any dua you like while walking. There aren’t any specific ones you must say, so just speak from your heart, even in your own language.

Once you’ve completed all seven circles, try to pray two rak’ahs (units of prayer) behind Maqam Ibrahim. Don’t worry if it’s too crowded; you can pray for them anywhere else in the Masjid al-Haram.

b. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 158)

  • Begin at Safa, face the Kaaba, and say:

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”

  • Walk to Marwah, then back to Safa. This is one lap.
  • Complete seven laps, ending at Marwah.
  • Between the two green markers, men should run lightly (like a slow jog).

It’s a good idea to make special prayers and remember Allah throughout your walk.

c. Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Tahallul)

After you’ve finished the Sa’i (your walk between Safa and Marwah), the very last thing you do is come out of Ihram.

  • It’s best if men shave all their hair off (this is called “halq”). This is considered the most rewarding option.
  • If you don’t want to shave completely, it’s also okay to just trim a little bit of hair from all over your head.
  • Women should cut a very small piece of hair from the end of their ponytail or braid, about the length of a fingertip.

The Prophet (PBUH)  made du’a for those who shave their heads:

“May Allah have mercy on those who shave their heads.” (Sahih Muslim, 1301)

Conclusion

Performing Umrah in the right way, as taught by the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is really important because: Allah accepts it when you do it correctly; your worship is pleasing to Allah. You get closer to Allah, and it strengthens your connection with God. It cleans away your sins: It’s a way to be forgiven for your mistakes and become pure. It renews your spirit, giving you a fresh start and boosting your faith.

By following the Prophet Muhammad’s example on how to perform Umrah, you can ensure your Umrah is sincere and performed correctly. If you’re travelling from another country, especially from the United States, there are many reliable Umrah packages from the UK that can make your journey easier and more meaningful.

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