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Guide to how to perform Umrah.
See Also: Guide to how to perform Hajj
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a small Hajj(pilgrimage) that can be performed at any time of the year. Thus Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"---fulfill Hajj and Umrah to Allah". (Qur'an 2: 196)
Great Virtues of Performing Umrah
Prophet (peace be upon him) has described the great merits of performing Umrah saying:
1- "The people who come to perform Hajj or Umrah are the guests of Allah because they visit His House on His Call; therefore, Allah grants them what they ask for"
Performing Umrah in Ramadan
Performing Umrah during the Holy month Ramadan is most commendable and equal to Hajj in merit and excellence. Meaning that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in terms of rewards, but it does not substitute the performance of Hajj which is Fard (imperative), once in a life time if one is financially and physically capable (as it is one of the basic Five Pillars of Islam).
RULES FOR UMRAH
1- Umrah is a Sunna (Sunna is following prophet Mohammad (PBUH)):
Umrah is neither imperative (Fard) nor obligatory (wajib), but performing Umrah once in a life time is a Sunna.
2- No Fixed Time:
Umrah can be performed during anytime in the year, there is no fixed month, day or time for Umrah as the case with Hajj, as said earlier.
3- The station of Ihram (Miqat):
3.The Rites of Umrah: The only rites of Umrah are:
- Entering the state of Ihram
- Tawaf of Ka'bah
- Sa'yee (running) between the hills of Safa and Marwah
- Shaving and clipping of the hair (after you finish the Umrah)
In Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are only performed during Hajj.
HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH?
Ihram for Umrah and entering Masjid (Mosque) Al Haram
1. Ihram:
Steps of Ihram:
• perform Wudu.
• Change to state of Ihram
Men: must take off all their clothes including underwear
Women: remain in their normal clothes
• Perform 2 Rakha's Nafilah
• Make intention of Umrah only
• Start Talbiyyah
• Now you are in state of Umrah
Entering Masjid al-Haram:
While reciting Talbiyah, enter Al- Masjid Al-Haram preferably through Bab Al Salam (if possible). Supplicate to Allah and proceed towards Ka'bah. You may recite the following supplication which is usually used before entering a mosque:
1. Allahumma eftah li abwabe rahmateka (Allah, open to me your doors of mercy)
2. First Sight: At the first sight of Ka'bah, keep your eyes fixed at it and standing at one side, it is suggested that you do the following:
- Say Allahu Akbar: three times (Allah is the Greatest)
- Say La-Ilaha-Illa-Allah: three times (There is no god but Allah)
- Say May peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad)
- Then supplicate to Allah as you wish. This is a special time for the acceptance of prayers. |
