Umrah is a special pilgrimage that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. It involves several rituals and prayers, known as Duas, that help purify the soul and bring you closer to Allah. This guide will walk you through how to perform Umrah, with step-by-step instructions and the essential Arabic Duas needed for each part of the pilgrimage.
Getting Ready for Umrah
Before starting your Umrah, you must prepare yourself spiritually and physically. Here are a few important steps:
- Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah.
- Learn: Familiarize yourself with the rituals and Dua of Umrah.
- Repent: Ask Allah for forgiveness for any sins you have committed.
- Resolve Issues: Clear any debts and ask forgiveness from people you may have wronged.
Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a special state of cleanliness and purity that Muslims must enter before performing Umrah.
- Wearing Ihram:
- For men: Two white, unstitched sheets.
- For women: Modest clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands.
- Intention and Talbiyah:
- Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention for Umrah.
- Nawaitu al-umrata wa ahramtu biha lillahi ta’ala (I intend to perform Umrah and have entered into Ihram for it, for the sake of Allah).
- Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah repeatedly until you reach the Kaaba.
- Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda, Wan-Ni’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. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner).
- Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention for Umrah.
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
- Starting Point:
- Begin at the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad).
- Raise your hand to signal towards it and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Dua During Tawaf:
- While circling the Kaaba, recite: Subhan Allah, Walhamdulillah, Wala ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Supplications:
- After completing each circuit, you can make personal Duas, asking Allah for anything you desire.
Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Starting at Safa:
- Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, and recite: Innasa Safa wal Marwata min Sha’airillah (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
- Dua During Sa’i:
- While walking between Safa and Marwah, recite Rabbighfir Warham Watajawaz Amma Ta’lamu Innaka Antal-Azizul-Akram (O Lord, forgive, have mercy, and overlook what You know [of our faults]. You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous).
- Supplications:
- Make personal Duas and ask Allah for His blessings and mercy.
Cutting or Shaving Hair
The final ritual of Umrah is cutting or shaving the hair.
- For Men:
- Shave the head completely or cut a portion of the hair.
- Dua: Allahumma taqabbal minni (O Allah, accept it from me).
- For Women:
- Cut a small portion of hair, usually a fingertip’s length.
- Dua: Allahumma taqabbal minni (O Allah, accept it from me).
Conclusion
After completing these rituals, your Umrah is finished. You can now exit the state of Ihram and return to your normal activities. Performing Umrah with sincerity and devotion brings great spiritual rewards and blessings. Continue making Duas, seeking Allah’s guidance, and strive to keep the purity and dedication you felt during Umrah in your daily life.
Essential Duas for Umrah
Here is a summary of the essential Duas for each step of Umrah:
- Intention (Niyyah):
- Nawaitu al-umrata wa ahramtu biha lillahi ta’ala (I intend to perform Umrah and have entered into Ihram for it, for the sake of Allah).
- Talbiyah:
- Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda, Wan-Ni’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. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner).
- Dua at the Black Stone:
- Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Dua During Tawaf:
- Subhan Allah, Walhamdulillah, Wala ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Dua at Safa:
- Innasa Safa wal Marwata min Sha’airillah (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
- Dua During Sa’i:
- Rabbighfir Warham Watajawaz Amma Ta’lamu Innaka Antal-Azizul-Akram (O Lord, forgive, have mercy, and overlook what You know [of our faults]. You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous).
- Dua After Cutting Hair:
- Allahumma taqabbal minni (O Allah, accept it from me).
Dua between Rukn Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad
“Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fiddunyaa Hasanatan Wa Fil Aakhirati Hasanatan Wa Qinaa ‘Adhaaban Naar”
(Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire).
Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)
The final ritual of Umrah is Halq or Taqsir, which symbolizes the end of the pilgrimage.
- Halq (Shaving): Men should shave their heads completely.
- Taqsir (Trimming): Women should cut a small portion of their hair, typically the length of a fingertip.
- Completion: After performing Halq or Taqsir, the state of Ihram ends, and all restrictions are lifted.
Following this guide ensures that your Umrah is performed correctly and with the necessary spiritual devotion. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you the blessings and rewards associated with this noble act of worship.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that brings Muslims closer to Allah and allows them to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By understanding and performing each step with sincerity and devotion, pilgrims can achieve immense spiritual rewards. Remember to maintain a state of purity, recite the necessary Duas, and seek forgiveness and guidance throughout the pilgrimage. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you peace and blessings.
Arabic Supplications for Umrah
نية العمرة
لبيك اللهم عمرة
التلبية
لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك، لا شريك لك
دعاء عند الحجر الأسود
بسم الله، الله أكبر
دعاء بين الركن اليماني والحجر الأسود
ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار
دعاء الطواف
سبحان الله، الحمد لله، الله أكبر
دعاء السعي
إن الصفا والمروة من شعائر الله
أدعية عامة
اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وارزقني، وعافني
