Umrah, often referred to as the "minor pilgrimage," is a beautiful and highly rewarding act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. While simpler than Hajj, understanding its rituals is key to performing it correctly and earning maximum blessings.
1. Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It involves making the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah and adhering to specific restrictions. Pilgrims must enter Ihram at or before passing the Miqat (designated boundary points).
- For Men: Two unstitched sheets of white cloth.
- For Women: Any modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body, except for the face and hands.
Upon entering Ihram, one should recite the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wannimata Laka Wal Mulk. La Shareeka Lak." (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.)
2. Performing Tawaf Around the Kaaba
Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from the Black Stone. Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone. During Tawaf, supplicate to Allah and remember Him.
"And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], 'Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.'"
— Quran 22:26
3. Performing Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa'i, which involves walking briskly (or running a short distance for men) seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual commemorates Hajar's desperate search for water for her son Ismail. Start at Safa and end at Marwah, counting one trip for each direction.
4. Halq (Shaving) or Taqsir (Trimming)
The final ritual of Umrah is to exit the state of Ihram by performing Halq or Taqsir. Men must shave their heads (Halq), while women only need to trim a small portion of their hair (Taqsir). This signifies completion and rebirth.
- For Men: Shaving the head completely.
- For Women: Trimming at least an inch from the ends of their hair.
Once Halq or Taqsir is performed, all restrictions of Ihram are lifted, and your Umrah is complete. May Allah accept your efforts and grant you a blessed journey!