Umrah Guide And Rules – A Step-by-Step Guide
Umrah is a very crucial pilgrimage in Islam, which is often known as the lesser pilgrimage rather than the Hajj. It might not be as obligatory as Hajj, but it holds its own spiritual value.Muslims will get an opportunity to seek forgiveness, renew their faith, and be close to Allah. To make it easier, we have a comprehensive guide to help you know the steps and rules for performing Umrah, covering spiritual importance, rituals, and proper etiquette.
For a fulfilling and meaningful journey, the Umrah Packages will be suitable for giving an insight to deepen your knowledge as well as performing your first Pilgrimage with devotion and confidence. As you move to this place, you will have an overview of the rules and regulations, what to wear and what to avoid, and the etiquette to perform this spiritual ritual in Islam. As it’s the best thing to do,so umrahandhajjtaxiservices is here at your service to make this trip easier.
What is Umrah in Islam?
It is a spiritual journey and might have a lesser Pilgrimage, but it is truly a sacred act of worshiping Allah in Islam that can be performed at any time. Unlike Hajj, it doesn’t have any specific dates, as Hajj is performed yearly by financially and physically capable Muslims at specific dates. While Umrah is voluntary instead of Obligatory and can be performed to be closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and purify the soul.
What Is the Purpose of Umrah?
Of course, it’s for spiritual renewal through devotion and worship of Allah Almighty. Once you perform this ritual, it will cleanse your soul, remove sins, and purify you. Performing Al Umrah Al Jadidah offers spiritual rewards and is also known as an act of great value and merit. Many rules of this spiritual journey are a must to follow, and before that, there are many duas that you can recite during this Journey. Learn about those Duas with us.
Umrah Duas:
There are no particular Duas for this ritual, but sometimes the pilgrims can recite a few Duas which include:
- Talbiyah: This is recited upon entering Ihram as it affirms the intentions of performing it.
- Duas During Tawaf: While the Pilgrims circle around the Kaaba, they can offer prayers for guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah:
As we have already mentioned, these are two different spiritual journeys; one is obligatory, while the other is voluntary. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides multiple facilities for Muslims aiming to undertake this at any time. Later on, you can join Jabal Ahad as well. Moreover, a few major differences are as follows:
- Timing: It is performed at any time without waiting for specific dates, while the Hajj is performed in Dhu Al Hijjah, an Islamic month, and cannot be performed at any random time.
- Obligation: As Umrah is voluntary, it’s not mandatory in Islam, but Hajj is. It is mandatory for financially and physically capable Muslims.
- Rituals: Hajj entails an array of rituals that are not required in that voluntary pilgrimage. Some of these are names such as stoning Satan (Rami Al-Jamarat), standing at Arafat (Wuquf), and sacrificing an Animal, which is known as Qurbani.
How to Perform Umrah?
For this, you have to follow several sacred steps. Here you go:
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Ihram:
This is a phase of spiritual purity, and Pilgrims must have to enter it to begin the pilgrimage. Muslims must wear specific clothing, mainly including two large white clothes for men, cleanse themselves, and make Umrah Ki Niyat. For niyat, Muslims have to recite Talbiyah gesturing the kickstart of this pilgrimage.
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Tawaf:
This act of worship involved circling the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction seven times, beginning from Hajr Al Aswad (Black Stone). At that moment, prayers are recited while circling. It symbolizes the centrality of the Kaaba and the unity of Muslims in Islam for the worship of Allah Almighty.
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Muqam E Ibrahim:
Once Tawaf is done, pilgrims have to pray two rak’ahs at Muqam e Ibrahim, which is a sacred place closer to Kaaba. It’s believed that the station of Ibrahim is the place where Hazrat Ibrahim had stood while constructing the Kaaba.
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Sa’i:
Further, Sa’i is about walking seven times between the hills of Safari and Marwah. It’s the place where you have to retrace the steps of Hagar, who was the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim. Here, she rubbed her heels for searching the water for his thirsty son Ismael. It symbolizes the faith and perseverance In Allah’s provisions.
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Shaving/Cutting Hair:
Later, to Sa’i, men have to trim their hair or shave their heads, and women have to trim a small portion of hair to symbolize the renewed state of purity and the conclusion of Umrah.
Rules for Women:
The woman in Iddah cannot perform Umrah. She must complete the waiting period before joining a Mahram for it. Moreover, Saudi regulations allow an elderly woman to perform Obligatory events on her own.
- Modest Dress: Women ought to wear modest dresses that cover the body with only hands and face exposed.
- No Physical Contact with Non-Mahram Men: In Ihram, women should avoid physical contact with unrelated or non-Mahram men.
- Menstruation: Women can’t perform Tawaf during their menstrual period but they can engage in other activities.
What Is Forbidden During Umrah?
Certain actions that are prohibited in the state of Ihram include:
- Cutting Hair or Nails: While in Ihram, pilgrims can’t trim or cut their nails or hair before the conclusion of this spiritual journey.
- Using Perfume: They can’t use scented products.
- Engaging in Marital Relations: Likewise, physical intimacy is strictly prohibited during Ihram.
- Hunting: Hunting and killing animals in this state is also prohibited.
- Quarreling or Arguing: You must not engage in any arguments or quarrels and maintain a peaceful demeanor.
What Is the Minimum Number of Days for Umrah?
Pilgrims can complete this voluntary act of worship within hours if they perform it continuously without any gap. However, some of the people spend more days in Makkah and Medina for purity and spiritual reflection. Generally, a trip ranges between 3 to 7 days, it’s all up to the choice of pilgrims.
