Umrah is a blessed journey that is important to all Muslims worldwide. Millions of Muslims come every year to the Holy city of Makah and perform this sacred worship to fulfil the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Islamic Travel offers Umrah packages from UK including necessary services. Umrah gives them change to seek forgiveness of past sins from Allah Almighty, removal of poverty, inner peace, and purification of heart and mind, affection and devotion towards Allah Almighty.
As in the Hadith;
The performance of Umrah is an expiation for sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.
Preparation before Umrah
Preparation for Umrah is the first step to take before Umrah. Preparation for Umrah includes the following things mentioned below;
- Spiritual preparation: It means purifying your heart for Umrah. Make a clear intention for Umrah; your intentions must be solely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. If you perform Umrah with pure intention, you get the forgiveness of your sins.
- Physical preparation: learn about the rituals of Umrah (tawaf, sai, Halq, and Taqsir) before departure, as they demand physical strength. Stay Hydrated all day, drink a lot of water so that your body remains hydrated, and start exercising regularly to improve your strength and cardiovascular system.
- Financial preparation: Financial preparation is important. Plan your budget for accommodation, transportation, and meal facilities. Prefer to save money for Umrah expenses in advance. Look for an affordable and suitable Ramadan Umrah packages according to need and budget.
- Travel preparation: pilgrims need to acquire (passport, visa application, health certification, etc.).
Understanding Ihram
The word Ihram comes from the Arabic word harama which means prohibited and forbidden. Ihram is a spiritual state of purity that pilgrims enter when making the intentions for Umrah. Pilgrims change into ihram at the nearby miqat point (Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali). Yalamlam (Al-Sadiyah). Miqat is the boundary on which pilgrims make intention before Umrah.
Major Ihram rules include performing ghusl, making sincere intention, and wearing ihram (women wear appropriate clothing) and men wear (two white sheets of unstitched white cloth without fragrance). Pilgrims must refrain from engaging in arguments, fighting in the Haram, or physical intimacy.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
Enter the masjid al haram with your right foot and pray sincere duas. At your first sight of Masjid–e–Haram, recite this Dua;
O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and guide me to the straight path.
(Sunan Abu Dawud 465).
Follow these Etiquettes of entering masjid Haram: Perform two Rakah of Tahyyatul –Masjid, Recite supplications, and be humble and patient.
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf includes circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba about seven times. It gives a sense of unity and equality among pilgrims.Steps to perform during tawaf: Perform wudu, Idibta: men must uncover their right shoulder while performing circles, Raml: After their circles, men should walk with a medium pace if possible, make intention for Tawaf, Start the first circle from the black stone and walk counterclockwise around Kaba.
Recite this Dua;
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Performing Sa’i
Sai includes seven rounds between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Pilgrims start their first round from mount of Safa and end at Marwah when the green light comes, men start walking fast, but women continue walking normally. It embodies patience and humility among pilgrims.
Supplication during Sai
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.
Halq or Taqsir (Hair Cutting).
Halq and taqsir represent the renewal of faith and soul, and it indicates the completion of Umrah. This is the mandatory and last ritual of Umrah; after that, you complete the Umrah.
Rules for Halq and Taqsir for Men and Women:
- Men can choose shaving or cutting, but shaving is highly recommended
- Women can only trim about one length of their fingertips.
Completion of Umrah
After completing the rituals of Umrah state of Ihram ends, and your Umrah is complete, this feeling fills your heart with gratitude and peace. Pilgrims feel blessed and say thanks to Allah for His Mercy. They feel their souls and faith get refreshed and their heart fills with inner peace. The feeling of getting forgiveness for their sins makes them grateful and stress-free.
After completing the rituals of Umrah, the state of Ihram ends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pilgrims are required to avoid these mistakes during Umrah.
- Forgot to make an intention.
- Perform Umrah on behalf of someone else.
- Entering the state of Ihram after miqat.
- Do not harm anybody in the crowd.
Health and Safety Tips
Follow these safety tips for a stress-free Umrah journey.
- Drink plenty of water during Umrah.
- Take a balanced diet.
- Start exercising daily.
