Umrah is a holy visit to Mecca, which is highly spiritual to Muslims all over the world. Contrary to Hajj, which is held on certain days of the Islamic calendar, Umrah may be held any day of the year. This has enabled it to reach out to millions of believers in need of spiritual rejuvenation and intimacy with Allah.
If you are planning the first trip or just need to show a loved one how it works, it is crucial to be aware of the rituals of Umrah. Every step is full of meaning and is based on traditions set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Since the state of Ihram up to the Tawaf, all the rituals relate you to the centuries of Islamic history.
This book will take you through the Umrah rituals one by one. You will know what to anticipate, how to prepare and the spiritual meaning of every worship performance. At Hajar Travels, we have assisted thousands of pilgrims to do the Umrah with a lot of confidence and peace of mind.
Understanding the Rituals of Umrah
Umrah possesses rituals that have as their main acts of worship those that should be undertaken in a particular sequence. These include: taking Ihram, Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and Saway (walking between Safa and Marwa), and hair shaving or hair cutting. To people who wish to take this spiritual cruise, Umrah Packages from Houston would provide a one-stop solution to help in planning and accommodation. Each ritual has details and the manner in which they should be observed by the pilgrims.
With such rituals, you are sure that your Umrah will be accepted by Allah. Although on a superficial level, such a process may seem complicated, millions of Muslims pass through Umrah each year. The right direction and training will also allow you to finish this blessed journey without troubles and with all devotion.
Entering the State of Ihram
It is the Ihram that is the start of your Umrah. It is a physical condition as well as a spiritual condition and one that needs special preparations
What is Ihram?
It is called ihram, a sacred state that pilgrims get during Umrah or Hajj. This condition implies donning special clothes and following some taboos. The men wear two white unstitched clothes, whereas the women wear modest clothes that cover their bodies but not their faces and hands.
Miqat: The Entry Point
Mecca has several Miqat points where pilgrims are required to go before they enter Ihram. These are geographical lines that define where pilgrims ought to start their sacred status. Which Miqat you have is based on your direction.
You will also do ghusl (ritual bath) at the Miqat, put on your Ihram clothes, and intend (niyyah) to do Umrah. Then you will repeat the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk (Here I am, O Allah, here I am).
Prohibitions During Ihram
Then, there are activities that are not permitted once one has entered the Ihram. These involve the use of perfume, trimming of nails or hair, and sexual intercourse with a spouse and hunting. Women are not supposed to cover their faces, and men are not supposed to cover their heads. The blasphemy of thy pilgrimage is checked with these taboos.
Performing Tawaf Around the Kaaba
One of the rituals of Umrah is tawaf, which is regarded as the most religious. It consists of going round the Kaaba 7 times in the anti-clockwise direction.
Arriving at the Kaaba
The first time you are staring at the Kaaba, you should take time to absorb its magnificence. It is the House of Allah, on which the Muslims pray five times per day. There is a point when most of the pilgrims are emotional.
Beginning Your Tawaf
Start your Tawaf with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). I would rather feel the stone or kiss it with my lips and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar where I can. And all you need to do is to point it should the press be too thick.
Turn around the Kaaba as a prayer that it should be upon your left hand. Men should do the first three circuits briskly (known as Raml) where possible, and the rest four walking. Make personal prayers and memorize Allah during the Tawaf.
Completing Seven Circuits
One round around the Kaaba is counted as one round. Having gone through seven rounds, repeat two rak'ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim if available, or anywhere in the mosque.
Performing Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa
Sa'i celebrates the quest of Hajar in finding water to her son Ismail. This is a ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.
Starting at Safa
and after Tawaf, go to the hill of Safa. Ascend to the top till you are able to see Kaaba and then face it and offer supplications. Repeat these words said by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "It is true that Safa and Marwa are some of the symbols of Allah.
Walking to Marwa
Go on a walk with Safa to Marwa. Men will run with the green markers and ladies at a normal pace throughout. Once you have reached Marwa , stand up and continue with your prayers facing the Kaaba.
Completing Seven Laps
One turn would be walking between Safa and Marwa, and the other turn would be walking between Marwa and Safa. Ride till you complete seven laps and complete at Marwa. Do dhikr, prayer and meditation all over Sa.
Halq or Taqsir: Cutting the Hair
The last ritual is Umrah which entails the cutting of your hair which is a sign of spiritual freshness and the fulfillment of your pilgrimage.
For Men
Men have a choice of Halq (shaving of the whole head) or Taqsir (cutting of the hair). Head shaving is viewed as more virtuous and more rewarding. Nevertheless, both alternatives are satisfactory.
For Women
Women are just to do Taqsir by cutting an end of their hair to a length of a fingertip. They are not supposed to shave their heads.
Exiting Ihram
Once you have cut your hair you come out of the Ihram state. The restrictions that had been there are not relevant anymore, and you have completed your Umrah. There is a great feeling of peace and spiritual satisfaction in many pilgrims at this moment.
Additional Voluntary Acts
Although it is optional, there are a number of voluntary activities that will make your Umrah a better experience.
Visiting the Prophet's Mosque
A lot of pilgrims come to Madinah and pay tribute to the Mosque of the Prophet (Masjid an-Nabawi). It is not a part of Umrah but it is strongly suggested to visit this blessed place and to send salutations to the Prophet.
Repeated Umrah
As Umrah can be done upon a number of occasions, there are those pilgrims who opt to repeat it through their stay in Mecca. Every Umrah is a reward in itself and paves your way into Allah.
Voluntary Prayers
Pray more at the Grand Mosque on your own will. Praying at the Kaaba is an activity that is multiplied many times, which is an outstanding chance to find forgiveness and blessings.
Preparing for Your Spiritual Journey
Learning about what goes on in Umrah can make you visit this sacred location without apprehension and in a respectable manner. The importance of each step as it is actually has a connection with the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
At Hajar Travels, we do not see the need to make your pilgrimage a burden. Our professional guides provide guidance on every level, training to complete. Logistics enables you to put all your attention into worship and thinking.
It could be your first Umrah or a series of Umrahs but going about it with knowledge and sincerity will make it a transformational process. May Allah receive your pilgrimage and bless you with the benefits of this holy trip.
