Everything You Need to Know About Umrah

Everything You Need to Know About Umrah

Muslims across the world long for Umrah because it brings countless blessings and rewards. You need proper preparation to fully engage in Umrah without any error or oversight.  

Whether it’s your first time or tenth, this comprehensive guide we compiled will get you ready for performing Umrah.  

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The Spiritual Rewards of Umrah  

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Every Umrah performed is like a new chance to start again, and past sins are forgiven.  

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized that performing Umrah is as rewarding as Jihad for those who cannot participate in it.  

The rewards extend beyond the individual, removing poverty and bringing blessings to one’s wealth and life.  

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How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide  

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1. Ihram  

Performing Umrah starts with Ihram. It consists of two white unstitched cloth pieces for men and loose modest clothing for women.  

Before putting on the Ihram, you must make an intention of Umrah.

Once in the state of Ihram, you will recite Talbiyah which marks the beginning of Umrah before arriving at the Kaaba:

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لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ،

إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ،

لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wa-nni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak."

"Here I am, O Allah, here I am! Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

2. Tawaf  

Once you reach the Kaaba, you will begin the Tawaf. This is performed by circling the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction seven times reciting prayers.  

3. Sa’i  

After Tawaf, you will have to walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah in commemoration of Hajar’s (as) search for water.  

4. Tahallul  

The last step is shaving or trimming the hair for the men and women cutting a small portion of their hair which completes your Umrah.  

• What to Pack for Umrah  

The next important thing while you are preparing for Umrah is packing smart.  

Packing smart makes your Umrah experience smooth and comfortable.  

Pack these essentials to make sure you have a hassle-free Umrah journey:    

• Ihram garments for men, modest clothes for women.  

• To maintain the purity of Ihram, unscented toiletries like soap and shampoo must be carried along.  

• Comfortable shoes or sandals.  

• Personal belongings like a toothbrush, prayer mat, and a small first-aid kit.  

• Important documents (passport, visa, etc.).  

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Duas to Recite During Umrah  

Dua is the most important part of connecting with Allah throughout your Umrah because it is what makes your Umrah truly transformative.  

We recommend reciting these duas while performing Umrah:  

• Dua for Travel:  

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ

“Subhanalladhi sakhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin wa inna ila rabbina lamunqalibun.”  

(Glory be to Him who has brought this under our control; we could not have done it by ourselves, and indeed, to our Lord, we will surely return.)  

• Dua When You Enter Makkah:  

اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَامُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَاجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ

“Allahumma hadha haramuka wa amnuka fajalni feehi mina almustaghfireen.”  

(O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and Your protection, so include me among those who seek forgiveness in it.)  

• Dua at the First Sight of the Kaaba  

Seeing the Kaaba for the first time is quite an emotional moment-so make a special dua that very moment as it is believed to be accepted by Allah.  

Along with your personal dua recite this one too:  

اللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَمَحَبَّةً

“Allahumma zid hadha al-baita tashreefan wa ta'theeman wa takreeman wa mahabatan.”  

(O Allah, increase this House in honor, nobility, and awe.)  

• Dua for Tawaf:

Recite Allahu Akbar at the start of each round and follow it by:  

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban nar.”  

(Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)  

• Duas for Sa’i  

When walking between the hills recite:     

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

“Innassafa wal marwata min sha'a'irillah.”  

(Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.)  

Remember that on the first ascent to Safa you should face the Kaaba and make personal duas and then add the following dua as well:    

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ ۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”  

(There is no deity except Allah alone; He has no partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things omnipotent.)  

• Dua After Completing Umrah  

Even after you complete the rituals of Umrah you can make duas. Here is one dua we recommend to recite to seek forgiveness and blessings:  

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِ مَا سَأَلَكَ بِهِ نَبِيُّكَ مُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِن شَرِّ مَا اسْتَعَاذَ بِكَ بِهِ نَبِيُّكَ مُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ  

“Allahumma inni asaluka min khayri ma sa'alaka bihi nabiyyuka Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wa a'oodhu bika min sharri ma ista'adaka bihi nabiyyuka Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”  

(O Allah, I ask You for all the good that Your Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked You for, and I seek refuge in You from all the evil that Your Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sought refuge from.)  

FAQs About Performing Umrah  

Can I perform Umrah at any time of the year?  

Yes, Umrah can be performed year-round because it has no specific dates like Hajj.  

Is Umrah compulsory?  

Although Umrah is not obligatory like Hajj, it is nonetheless highly recommended as it comes with great rewards, blessings, and forgiveness.  

Can women perform Umrah alone?  

Women must be accompanied by a mahram or travel in a group with one.  

Performing Umrah is your chance to cleanse your soul and reap enormous rewards both in this life and the next. You can make the most of this blessed act of worship by preparing mentally, physically, and spiritually.