Umrah Guide

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 (Revised Jan 2020)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Allah’s Messenger e said, “Let the Hajj and Umrah follow one another, for they remove poverty and sin as the furnace remove rust from iron, gold and silver.” – Tirmizi: 810

Rituals of Umrah consist of mainly four things:

1. IHRAM - احرام 

2. TAWAAF - طواف 

3. SA’EE - سعي 

4. HALAQ - حلق

IHRAM

When performing Umrah, before entering the Holy City of Makkah, you should be in Ihram. Ihram is a state of purity and holiness. A man in Ihram is called muhrim; a woman is called muhrima. To be in Ihram first take a bath or perform wudhu though bathing is preferable. One may trim his hair (for men) and cut his or her nails and other things, if wish, also apply some oil. Men garb themselves in a white, seamless, two-piece garment. The top garment covers the torso and the lower garment covers from waist to knee without knotting them. Women wear long white robes (or normal loose clothes) which cover them from head to toe. All wear sandals, rather than shoes. Apply some fragrance (Etar) perform two Rak’ats ركعة and then say:

اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ. فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي.

Allahumma inni ureed-ul-Umrah fa yassirhu lee wa taqabbalhu minni (O Allah I intend to perform Umrah, make it easy for me and accept it on my behalf)

And after that say the Talbiyah along with the intension of performing Umrah. Talbiyah is to say:

لَبَّيْكَ اَللّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ. لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ. إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالْنِعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالمُلْكَ. لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ.

Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik Labbaika la shareeka laka Labbaik innal Hamda wan-ne’mata laka wal mulk la shareeka lak (Here I am O Allah, [in response to Your call], here I am. Here I am You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner). Now you are a Muhrim/Muhrima

Misc. Masa’il

There are five places known as ‘Miqaat’ some distance from the Holy City of Makkah which pilgrims must not cross before they are in a state of Ihram if they intend to enter al Masjid al Haram for Umrah or Hajj. Miqaat for the pilgrims of India is Yalamlam about 50 kilometres to the southeast of Makkah. No need to mention much about it at this point, as nowadays most of the pilgrims travel by plane and put on their Ihram from their home place or airport.

The thing you have to remember is that when you are done with the above mentioned rituals of Ihram don’t say the Talbiyah nor you make the intension (niyat) of Umrah as mentioned above but as you board the plane say the Talbiyah along with the intension of performing Umrah.

When you reach the Holy City of Makkah, it is preferable to take a bath.

Things to refrain in the state of Ihram

Use of spoil language, quarrelling and other abominable acts, killing of animals except those that can harm people, uprooting trees and bushes, for men: wearing stitched clothes, socks, caps, covering of head, for both men and women: covering of face, use of any kind of fragrance, shaving of head or beard or trimming of hair from any part of the body, cutting of nails.

Women can use fan made up of plastic or some other material to cover their face among the strangers but try to keep it off from the face.

One can have bath but without using shampoo or fragranced soap, can also wear pouch and use blankets but covering of head is still prohibited.

If one is not able to refrain from any of the above-mentioned norms knowingly or unknowingly or by forgetting have to pay a penalty by sacrificing an animal there itself. And if any of the above-mentioned norms is violated with some sound reason then there are three options to pay the penalty (1) Sacrifice an animal. (2) Give about 1^3/4 kg of wheat or the cost equivalent to it to six faqeer (poor) each. (3) Fast for three days.

Now when you are in the state of Ihram recite Talbiyah after every prayer as much as you can also when ascending or descending places and at the time of Sahr (tahajjud) etc.

TAWAAF

Enter the Holy Sanctuary (al Masjid al Haram), preferably right foot first through the Baab as-Salam gate, reciting the Talbiyah. You may then say:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ. اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنۢبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ. وَأَعِذْنِي مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ.

Bismillahi was–salatu was-salaamu ‘ala rasulillah Allahumma-maghfirli zambi wa-ftahli abwaaba rahmatika. (In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. And grant me refuge over the accursed Satan).

When you first see the Holy Kaaba, keep your eyes fixed on this the holiest of all structures in Islam. Standing to one side, proclaim:

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ Allahu Akbar La ilaha illa'Llah three times.

Then proclaim a blessing (Salawat/Darood) on the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and, in all humility, make your prayers to Allah. This is an especially propitious time to offer prayers to the Almighty.

You may recite some other similar holy verses if you so desire, such as:

أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْبَيْتِ مِنَ الدَّيْنِ وَالْفَقْرِ. وَمِنْ ضِيقِ الصَّدْرِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ.

A’oozu bi rabbil bait minad dain wal faqr wa min diqis sadr wa ‘azabil qabr (I seek refuge in the Lord of the House from debt, poverty, sadness and torment of the grave).

After this, while uttering Talbiyah once more and repeatedly, move forward to prepare for the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf).

To prepare for the Tawaf, the pilgrim must ensure ablutions have been performed. The pilgrim (men) should pass the upper garment of the Ihram (the rida') under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right shoulder bare. This procedure is called ‘iddtibaa’.

When you reach the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), you have arrived at the starting point for the circumambulation (Tawaf), and you may cease reciting the Talbiyah.

NIYYAH:

You are now ready to perform Niyyah (i.e. express your intention to perform Umrah):

"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."

ISTILAM:

Now, moving right, if space permits, stand before the Black Stone  say لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ Allahu Akbar La ilaha illallah and raise your hand as done at the beginning of the prayers (Namaz) place it on the Black Stone and kiss it. If you are unable to move close enough to kiss the Black Stone, you may touch it with by hand and kiss it. If you are unable to kiss or touch the Black Stone, place your hands at your ears, palms facing outwards and say:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ. لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ. وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ. وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ.

Bismi'Llah Allahu akbar La ilaha illallah wa lillahil hamad was-salatu was-salaamu ‘ala rasulillah and then kiss your palms.

This alternative is perfectly acceptable so there is no need for pushing or shoving which may harm yourself or others if you are not able to reach the Black Stone.

This act, whether you kiss the Black Stone, touch it by hand or utter a prayer while pointing by the palm of your hands towards the Black Stone is called Istilam.

TAWAF:

You may now begin your seven circumambulations, moving to the right so that you keep the Kaaba to your left, counter - clockwise, around the Kaaba.

When performing the first three circumambulations, men may uncover their right arm and move with quick, short steps. (This procedure is called Ramal.) The remaining four circumambulations should be performed at a normal walking pace.

PRAYERS DURING TAWAF:

While performing Tawaf, there are no prescribed prayers but there are a number of supplications which are recommended. You may also use the prayers that form part of your daily prayer sessions and pray to Allah in your own way in your own language.

HATEEM:

Hateem is a semi-circular section which originally formed part of the Kaaba but was not incorporated into the Kaaba when the Kaaba was rebuilt. You should include the Hateem in your circumambulations.

When you reach the fourth corner of the Kaaba (Rukn Yamani), touch it with your right hand or both hands (if possible) and, as you walk between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, you may pray:

ﱡﭐ ﲫ ﲬ ﲭ ﲮ  ﲯ ﲰ ﲱ ﲲ ﲳ ﲴ ﲵ  ﱠ

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar (Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and save us from the torment of the Fire!).

When you reach the Black Stone, perform Istilam again, to mark the start of your second circumambulation.

Continue in the same way, until you have completed the seven circumambulations, including Istilam at the end of each circuit. (Total 8 Istilam)

COMPLETION OF TAWAF:

On completion of your seven circumambulations, men should cover their right shoulder, thus ending iddtibaa'.

MULTAZAM:

Between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba is a deeply holy place about two meters in length where it is very good to pray. If you are able to reach this place, pray to Allah for His mercy and for His beneficence. If you are prevented by the number of people from reaching Multazam, simply face towards the area and make your prayers.

MAQAM IBRAHIM:

On completion of the seven circumambulations, you should approach Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) and offer two short prayers (rakaat) (if possible or else offer two Rakaats anywhere in the Masjid). It is preferable to recite Surah Kafiroon and Surah Ikhlaas in these two Rakaats.

ZAM ZAM:

Also, after you have prayed two rakaats come to the well of Zam Zam and drink some water and make Dua.

Then, it is preferable you should return to the Black Stone and do the Istilam as mentioned above.

SA’EE

You are now ready to perform the Sa'ee, the shuttling between the two hills of Safa and Marwah.

As you approach Safa, you recite the Quranic verse:

ﭐﱡﭐ ﱵ ﱶ ﱷ ﱸ ﱹ ﱺﱻ  ﱠ

Innas-safa wal marwata min sh’aairillah (Verily, Safa and Marwah are among the Symbols of Allah).

You should now ascend Safa and, facing the Kaaba, raise your hands as done during the Dua, proclaim three times:

اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ. لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ. وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ. وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ.

Allahu akbar La ilaha illallah wa lillahil hamad was-salatu was-salaamu ‘ala rasulillah and then make whatever supplication you choose.

You should now proceed towards Marwah, walking at a normal pace until you reach the green marker. Men, if they are able, should run until they reach the next green marker, whereupon they should revert to a normal walking pace until you reach Marwah. Women should proceed throughout at normal walking pace. The area between the two markers is where Haajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim ؑ) used to hear her baby Ismael ؑ crying out of thirst while she was looking for help. She ran whenever she heard his cries. When you stand on Marwah, face the Qibla, and repeat the prayers and supplications you voiced at Safa. You are now ready to make the return journey, walking where you should walk and, if a man, running, if able, where you should run. This is your second passage.

You should now repeat the procedure until you have completed seven passages, ending your Sa'ee at Marwah. While performing Sa'ee, you should pray to Allah as you wish and recite verses from the Holy Qur'an. (e.g. Rabbana Dua’s)

Then after completion of Sa’ee it is preferable to offer two Rakaats in the Masjid.

HALAQ - CUTTING OF HAIR:

On completion of Sa'ee, men may shave their heads or shorten/clip their hair. Women should clip their hair one or two centimetres. The Umrah rituals are now concluded and the pilgrim may change into everyday clothes. The prohibitions on conduct during Umrah are now ended.

Misc. Mas’ail

You can perform as many Umrah you wish as per the above-mentioned manner.

While you are still in Makkah, Ihram for another Umrah has to be put on from Tan’eem (Masjid ‘Aisha).

Going Madinah to visit the Holy Prophet e is considered highly virtues act in Islam. But it doesn’t form a part of the Umrah ritual.

While proceeding towards Madinah one should recite Salawat/Darood Shareef as much as possible. And while entering Madinah you may recite if you so desire:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ r رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَّأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَّاجْعَلْ لِّي مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا.

Bismillahi wa ‘ala millati Rasulillah s.a.w Rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqiw wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqiw waj’al li mil ladunka sultanan nasira (In the name of Allah and on the religion of Allah’s Messenger e My Lord! Let my entry be good, and likewise my exit be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me).

Enter the Holy Masjid in Madinah, preferably right foot first and say:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ. اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنۢبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ.

Bismillah was-salaatu was-salaamu ‘ala rasulillah Allahumma-magh firli zambi waf-tahli lee abwaaba rahmatik.

After entering the Holy Masjid its preferable to pray two rakaats as tahiyatul Masjid and then if possible pray two rakaats close to the Mimbar of the Holy Prophet e and stay in between the Mimbar and Holy Grave of the Prophet e known as Riyadul Jannah, offer these two Rakaats as thanks giving and pray whatever you wish then proceed towards the Holy Grave of the Prophet e and stand in front of the Holy Grave with respect and say:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سَيِّدِي يَا رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ. اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نَبِيَّ اللّٰهِ. اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حَبِيبَ اللّٰهِ. اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نَبِيَّ الرَّحْمَةِ. جَزَاكَ اللّٰهُ عَنَّا أَفْضَلَ مَا جَزَى نَبِيًّا وَّرَسُولًا. أَشْهَدُ أَنْكَ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ. صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْكَ وَسَلَّمَ.

As-Salaamu ‘alaika Ya Sayyidi Ya Rasullah As-Salaamu ‘alaika Ya Nabiyallah As-Salaamu ‘alaika Ya Habiballah As-Salaamu ‘alaika Ya Nabiyar Rahmah Jazakallahu ‘anna afzala ma jaza Nabiyaw wa Rasula ashhadu annaka Rasulallahi Sallallahu ‘alaika wa sallam.

Then convey the Salaam of those who had requested by saying:  اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ...As-salaamu ‘alaika from so and so. Then pray whatever you wish after then move towards the Holy Grave of Hazrat Abu Bakr t and say:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا خَلِيفَةَ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ. اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. جَزَاكَ اللّٰهُ عَنَّا أَحْسَنَ الْجَزَاءِ.

As-salaamu ‘alaika ya khalifata rasulillah As-salaamu ‘alaika wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh jazakallahu minna ahsanal jaza. Then move towards the Holy Grave of Hazrat Umar t and say:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينِ. اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. جَزَاكَ اللّٰهُ عَنَّا أَحْسَنَ الْجَزَاءِ.

As-salaamu ‘alaika wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh jazakallahu minna ahsanal jaza. And then pray for them and for yourself and indulge yourself in prayers, Durood and Zikr.

There are many places of historical interest in and around Makkah and Madinah some are mentioned below:

Makkah – Jannatul Mu’alla (The resting place of prominent Islamic personalities), Mina, Arafat, Muzdalfa (The three important places of Hajj), Ghar-e-Saur (The hideout of the Holy Prophet e and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr t during the journey to Madinah), Ghar-e-Hira (The cave the Holy Prophet e used to worship in)

Medinah – Jannatul Baqi (The resting place of prominent Islamic personalities), Badr (The battle ground of the first war of Islam), Uhud (another battle ground consists of many graves of the Sahabas)

Do remember me in your Duas and please convey my Salaam to the Holy Prophet e

ﱡﭐ ﱈ ﱉ  ﱊﱋ ﱌ ﱍ ﱎ ﱏ ﱠ

Compiled by:
Shams Tabrez Asrar Ahmed
4th Jumadi ul Aakhir 1441 H., 30th January 2020
stabrez@live.com
t.me/s_tabrez
www.ithaaf.blogspot.com

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

Police                                     999        

Fire                                         998        

Ambulance                            997

Traffic Accidents                  993        

Highway Patrol                     996

Distance between Jeddah and Makkah: 85 km

Distance between Makkah and Madinah: 450 km

Distance between Jeddah and Madinah 415 km

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