A Complete Guide to Performing Umrah

In Islam, umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca. Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city for Muslims. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and where Muslims believe their holy book, the Qu’ran, was first revealed to Muhammad by Allah (SWT). At the centre of Mecca is the Masjid al-Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca), the most important mosque in Islam, and at the centre of that is the Kaaba – held by Muslims to be the House of God, built by the prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) at the command of Allah (SWT). Wherever they are in the world, Muslims face the Kaaba during their prayers.

It is no surprise, therefore, that pilgrimages to Mecca are a key part of Islam. Pilgrimage to Mecca can take two forms – Umrah and Hajj. Both are more than a physical journey. Muslims consider them a spiritual journey that are a form of devotion to Allah (SWT), spiritual cleansing, renewing and expanding their faith and furthering solidarity with other Muslims.

What is Umrah Pilgrimage?

Umrah is often called the ‘lesser pilgrimage’. While it shares many of the key practices with the Hajj, Umrah can be undertaken at any time and does not include visiting all the locations required of pilgrims on the Hajj. Undertaking Umrah does not fulfil the requirement to perform the Hajj, and can be undertaken multiple times.

Although it is not one of the Five Pillars and is described as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’, Umrah is still a significant event for Muslims and holds great spiritual rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Pilgrims carrying out Umrah undertake many of the same key practices as those on the Hajj – Ihram (a sacred state entered by performing cleansing rituals and wearing prescribed clothing), Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times) and Sa’i (walking between two hills now contained within the Masjid al-Haram) and Halq (cutting their hair).

The Difference Between Hajj and Umrah

The most significant and famous form of pilgrimage in Islam is the Hajj. Making this pilgrimage to Mecca and the Kaaba is one of the core Five Pillars of Islam, required of all capable Muslims at least once during their lifetime. This deeply significant event must be undertaken during the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. It consists of certain specific rituals that must be performed and locations that must be visited, with strict requirements for the timing of these events and spiritual practices surrounding them.

Here is a clear summary of the differences between Hajj and Umrah:

Obligation: Hajj is the fifth of the mandatory Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially capable must undertake the Hajj during their lifetime. By contrast, Umrah is highly recommended and spiritually valuable, but voluntary.

Process: While the two pilgrimages share many aspects, Hajj also requires pilgrims to stand at Arafat, perform Ramy al-Jamarat (‘Stoning the Devil’) and performing qurbani (an animal sacrifice).Umrah omits these rites.

Timing: Hajj only takes place during five days of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Umrah can be undertaken at any time of the year except those days reserved for the Hajj. The rites, timings and rituals of Hajj mean that it requires a minimum of five days to complete. Umrah can be completed in a single day.

How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Entering the State of Ihram 

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim must enter before beginning the Umrah pilgrimage. It involves wearing the prescribed Ihram clothing – without knots or stitches. Men wear two white pieces of cloth and must not cover their heads. Women wear modest clothing in line with Islamic principles, such as an abaya. Clothing must remain free of najas (ritually unclean substances) and scented liquids – fouled clothing must be changed for new items. Pilgrims should be clean both spiritually and physically, with trimmed nails, hair and beards.

A niyyah is concept of intention in the heart to do something for the sake of Allah (SWT). It is held that actions are judged according to intentions, so making the intention of a deed clear maximises the spiritual benefits. For Umrah, a suitable form of niyyah is, “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah)

The state of Ihram imposes restrictions on pilgrims during their journey. These include cutting or trimming hair, smoking, using perfumes, swearing, arguing or engaging in sexual activity. Hunting, sacrificing, killing, confining or harming animals is also forbidden for people in the state of Ihram – this applies to all land animals including birds and insects.

Pilgrims must attain the state of Ihram at or before they reach a miqat – one of the boundary points marking the beginning of the holy site of Mecca.

2. Performing Tawaf

Tawaf is the ritual act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Each round begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Pilgrims often attempt to kiss or touch the Black Stone, but if it is too crowded, they may simply point towards it. Pilgrims should perform the first three rounds of the Kaaba at a hurried pace, and the next four at a slower pace. This circling of the House of God is held to demonstrate the unity of Muslims and the focused worship of Allah (SWT), the one God.

3. Praying at Maqam Ibrahim

After completing Tawaf, pilgrims perform two rak’ahs of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, a site associated with Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.

4. Performing Sa’i

In Sa’I, pilgrims travel back and forth seven times between Safa and Marwa, two small hills that once stood out in the open but are now incorporated within the Great Mosque of Mecca. They are 450m (1480ft) apart, so pilgrims will walk roughly 3.6km (2.2 miles). This commemorates the search for water in the desert by Hagar for her dying child, Ismail (AS). The Zamzam Well is still flowing today, and water from it is available to pilgrims while they perform Sa’i. This water can also be collected after Sa’I to be taken home.

5. Halq

The final step of Umrah is Halq, or the shaving or trimming of hair. Men are encouraged to shave their heads completely, while women trim a small portion of their hair. This act symbolizes humility and renewal.

Once these steps are completed, the Umrah pilgrimage is successfully concluded, and pilgrims exit the state of Ihram.

The Reward and Blessings of Umrah

Performing Umrah brings immense rewards, including the forgiveness of sins, closeness to Allah, and spiritual purification. It is also an opportunity for self-reflection and supplication, allowing believers to strengthen their faith.

Support Orphans While Performing Umrah

On this journey, remember the countless orphans around the world who need our support. Islam encourages us to care for orphans, with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stating, “The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this” (Sahih al-Bukhari). By donating today, you can help provide food, shelter, and education to orphaned children.

Make Your Umrah More Meaningful

While preparing for your Umrah pilgrimage, consider giving Sadaqah (charity) to those in need. Many children lack basic necessities, and your generous contributions can transform their lives.

Umrah is a beautiful and rewarding act of worship that allows Muslims to seek Allah’s mercy and strengthen their faith. By following this Umrah guide, you can ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience. As you plan your journey, remember to extend your blessings by supporting orphaned children.

May Allah (SWT) accept our duas, Ameen!