Umrah is the short pilgrimage and sacred journey for Muslims to the holy city of Makkah. It is not an obligatory act; however, it is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It can be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj. It is the opportunity for those who want to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. One who can afford it must perform it once in a lifetime. An Islamic travel agency provides British Muslims with affordable Umrah packages for this sacred journey.

Types of Umrah

There are two types of Umrah discussed below:

Umrah al-Mufradah

Umrah al-Mufradah can be performed independent of hajj at any time of year. (Except for the 8th to 12th of Dul Hijjah).

Umrah al Tamattu

Umrah al-Tamattu can be performed during Hajj before the main Hajj starts.

How to perform Umrah step by step?

Muslims can perform Umrah by following few steps which are discussed below.

Entering into the state of Ihram

Here are some steps to enter into the state of Ihram

• Perform Ghusl: Before wearing the Ihram, first perform Ghusl for cleaning purposes. Cut your nails and excess hair before wearing the ihram. Using perfume after wearing ihram is prohibited.
• Ihram rule for men: Men should wear two pieces of unstitched white sheets. One over the shoulder (rida) and the other around the waist (izar). Men should wear shoes that do not cover the top of the foot and ankle. It is not allowed to cover the head.
• Things to avoid for men: Do not use perfume on Ihram. Do not cut nails and hair after wearing ihram.
• Ihram rule for women: Women must wear modest, loose-fitting, and non-transparent clothes that cover the entire body except the face and hands.
• Things to avoid for women: Do not use perfume and do not cut their hair or nails after entering into the miqat.

Miqat boundary

A miqat is a boundary where pilgrims enter after wearing the ihram for the intention of the Hajj and Umrah.

Ihram Salah

Perform two rakahs of Salah after wearing ihram before entering the miqat boundary because it is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. It is Sunnah to recite Surah –al Kafirun in first rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second rakah.

Make intention

Make intention after wearing the ihram. The intention matters a lot for Umrah it must be solely for the acquittance of the pleasure of Allah Almighty. When you perform Umrah with the pure intention, you get greater rewards.

Recite Talbiyyah frequently

After making the intention, recite talbiyah frequently all the way to Haram. Men should recite loudly; however, women recite softly.

Labbayka llahumma labbayka

Enter in the Masjid al Haram

After entering the state of purity (Ihram), pilgrims go to Masjid al-Haram; it is recommended to enter with the right foot and make duas because in this holy place your duas are accepted a lot.

Perform tawaf

Make wudu and perform tawaf. Tawaf is a process of circumambulating seven times anti-clockwise around the Holy Kaaba. Start the first circle facing the black stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and say Allah Hu Akbar and end at the black stone. After completing the three circles, men perform raml (walk fastly).It is the Sunnah, not compulsory. With every circle, touch the Yemeni corner of the Kaaba if possible. Complete seven circles by reciting Allah Hu Akbar and Ayatul Kursi.

Maqam e Ibrahim 

After completing tawaf, perform two rakah Salah at Maqam e Ibrahim and make supplication.

Drink ZamZam

Drink Zamzam at the end of tawaf if you get the opportunity to touch the Multazam. (Between the black stone and door of the kaaba)

Perform Sa’i

It includes the seven round between the mountains of Safa and Marwah. Start the round from Safa and end it at Marwah. When the green light comes, men should run fast; however, women should walk slow. Complete seven rounds in this lantern and make dua zikr frequently.

Shave or trim the hair

The last step of Umrah is to shave or trim (halq and taqsir) the hair. It is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There are specific rules for men and women regarding Halq and Taqsir.

• For men: Men should shave or trim the hair.
• For women: Women should cut hair about one fingertip’s length.

Frequently asked question:

How much time does Umrah take?

It depends on your strength. However, it takes 3 to 6 hours to perform Umrah.

Is shaving the head necessary for Umrah?

Yes, it is necessary to shave the head in Umrah. It is the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).