What is done in Umrah?

Umrah is not just a series of rituals but a spiritual journey. It is usually referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage" because it is a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness, strengthen their faith, and turn to Allah. From wearing Ihram to circumambulating the Kaaba and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, every Umrah step has a spiritual resonance.

Stay here to learn "what is done in Umrah and how rituals of this spiritual journey change your soul and heart." This blog provides all the information you need to perform Umrah better. 

 

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a beloved Sunnah that provides a unique opportunity to purify yourself and chance cleanse one's soul. It's also called a lesser pilgrimage because it includes only four rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, sa'i, and Tahallul. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended we perform Umrah at least once. He (PBUH) completed it four times during his lifetime. Four times shows how important Umrah is in our lives. This act is an exceptional combination of physical struggle and spiritual commitment, resulting in a journey that affects the body, mind, and soul.

 

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said," according to Abu Hurairah's narration.

"The pilgrims performing Hajj and 'Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them."

source: https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:2892

 

Definition of Umrah:

• Voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca, unlike the obligatory Hajj.
• Shorter in duration: can be performed anytime during the year.
• Means "to visit a populated place" in Arabic.

Spiritual Significance:

• Cleanses past sins; provides a fresh spiritual start.
• Deepens connection with Allah through focused devotion.
• A powerful act of spiritual renewal and purification.

 

What Are the Main Rituals of Umrah?

Umrah consists of four rituals, each of which has deep spiritual significance. These rituals are symbolic acts and essential steps for all pilgrims that connect them with the centuries-old tradition of Islamic worship of Umrah.

The four rites are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Tahallul. Each has its particular importance and conditions.

Ihram – The State of Purity

The first step in performing Umrah is entering the state of Ihram. It's not changing clothes physically. Instead, it has other spiritual significance.

Ihram is a unique dress that's distinct for both men and women. For men, Ihram consists of two unstitched white sheets, one of which he wraps around his waist, and the other has a wrap over his shoulders.

 Meanwhile, women can wear modest clothing during Umrah that meets the requirements of Islamic dress. However, covering their faces and hands during Ihram is prohibited.

They must do Ghusl and shave the unwanted hair to assume the Ihram. All this is done before crossing the Miqat to perform Umrah. When someone does it correctly, he must recite Talbiyah "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk" (Here I am, O Allah, at Your service).

 After that, they can visit Masjid Haram to perform the rest of their rituals.

So, that's the right place where Umrah begins physically and mentally.

It is where the Umrah begins, requiring physical preparation and mental readiness.

 

Tawaf – Circumambulating the Kaaba

Tawaf is the first significant ritual of Umrah after entering the state of Ihram. The seven-time counterclockwise circumambulation of the Kaaba is a crucial ritual in Umrah. The Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram is Islam's holiest site, which signifies Allah's oneness. Tawaf is an essential ritual representing Muslims worldwide' unity in worshipping one God. So, Each cycle of circumambulation begins at the Black Stone and ends there. While pilgrims can touch or kiss the stone, raising one's hand towards it is enough if the crowds are enormous.

 

Sa'i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah

After completing Tawaf, the following ritual is Sa'i. It involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram. After completing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), pilgrims proceed to the hill of Safa. The distance between Safa and Marwah is approximately 450 meters, making the entire Sa'i about 3.15 kilometres.

 

Dua at Safa: Facing the Kaaba, pilgrims recite:

 'Verily! (The two mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.

Source: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1648

 Then, they make a personal dua, asking for Allah's blessings and mercy.

Pilgrims start walking towards Marwah from the hill of Safa while praying silently or reciting:

Dua: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir."

 

2. Walking to Marwah:

Men are encouraged to run or increase their pace between two green markers along the path, representing Hagar's frantic search for water.

 

3. Reaching Marwah:

When pilgrims reach Marwah, they face the Kaaba and make a dua, marking the end of the first lap. One complete circuit is from Safa to Marwah.

 

4. Repeating the Process:

Pilgrims walk back to Safa, completing the second lap, and continue this process until they have completed seven circuits. It's important to remember that one-way is considered one lap (e.g., from Safa to Marwah = one lap, and Marwah to Safa = two laps).

 

5. Concluding at Marwah:

Following the seventh circuit, which finishes at Marwah, pilgrims might offer a last dua requesting acceptance of their Sa'i, pardon, and meeting their necessities.

 

Tahallul – Shaving or Trimming the Hair

The final step in Umrah is Tahallul, which marks the completion of the pilgrimage by shaving or trimming the hair. Men usually shave their whole heads or cut their hair short. Women have only one option against men: cutting their hair one inch long. This act marks the pilgrim's departure from the state of Ihram and represents a fresh start free from previous sins and errors.

Shaving or cutting the hair is more important than just a mechanical action. In Islamic culture, hair represents one's identity; by shaving or cutting it, the pilgrims symbolize losing their old self and adopting a cleansed, rejuvenated identification. It's a symbolic act of humility and submission to Allah, showing that the pilgrim is ready to start fresh, spiritually cleansed and devoted to the path of righteousness. Pilgrims are freed from Ihram limitations after Tahallul and may continue their regular activities.

Moreover, performing these rituals of Umrah has several benefits, including the removal of past sins, eradication of poverty, etc.

Common Mistakes During Umrah

Inaccurate Ihram Entrance:

Mistake: Ignoring Ihram's guidelines (e.g., cutting hair, donning perfume) or failing to enter it at the Miqat.

The Miqat site is known. Make Niyyah (intention) before crossing it, then carefully obey Ihram's rules.

Tawaf faults:

Starting Tawaf at the incorrect point or failing to finish all seven rounds marks a mistake.

Solution: Start from the Black Stone and concentrate to prevent pushing or hurrying others.

Inaccurate Sa'i:

Mistake: Counting the seven circuits or neglecting the Green lighting mark area.

Men should briskly walk between the green markers; ensure seven complete loops between Safa and Marwah.

Disrespect at Masjid al-Haram:

Mistake: Ignoring the solemnity of the mosque, littering, or snapping pictures.

Limit distractions, maintain the mosque's cleanliness, and then concentrate on prayer.

Insufficient patience for others:

Mistakes include cutting lines, pushing past crowds, or expressing annoyance.

Solution: Respect others' personal worship environment by being courteous and patient.

Summary:

A spiritual trip, Umrah is more than a physical one. At the outset, pilgrims undergo a ceremony of spiritual purification known as Ihram, during which they remove all worldly belongings and unite in their commitment to Allah by donning plain white robes. The most moving part of the Umrah is Tawaf, the magnificent ceremony of making seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba. As they go to Islam's holiest shrine, the pilgrim experiences a growing sense of oneness with God via the spiritual energy surrounding them.

Following Tawaf, the pilgrim walks the path of Sa'i, retracing Hagar's footsteps as she desperately searches for water between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Each of the seven circles reminds the pilgrim to be patient, continue, and have faith in Allah's kindness, represented by the everlasting well of Zamzam.

As a last ceremony, the pilgrim undergoes Tahallul, a symbolic haircut that signifies rebirth and a new beginning in their spiritual journey. This voyage leaves a memorable mark on one's soul, a demonstration of the strength that comes from modesty, loyalty, and the never-ending quest for Allah's favour.

Courtesy By: Labbaik Hajj Umrah USA