Umrah Packages

Knowledge & Information on Umrah

IHRAM

Procedure

1. Preparations for Ihram - Comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.

2. Purification - Take a bath with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu. Here it is noted that there are two ways of purification:

* Purification of the body, shower or wudu.

* Internal purification, sincere repentance on your sins. Say something like this: "O Allah, I sincerely repent on my sins and seek your forgiveness."

3. Ihram Sheets - Men should wear a sheet of white cloth around the waist and cover the upper body with the other sheet. Women's ordinary clothes are their Ihram. Both should wear the flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered.

4. Nafl Salah - If it is not makruh (undesirable) time, offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram by covering your heads.

5. Advice - If going to Jeddah by an airplane, it is convenient to get into the status of Ihram inside the plane. Here is what you do. Do everything at home or at the airport except Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah. Have your shower, pray two rakahs of nafl but you are still not in the status of ihram because you haven't done the main thing yet, i.e., intention and Talbiyah which is done at or before the boundary line called Miqat.

Go to the airplane and sit down with the white sheets on. In a Hajj flight when you are close to Miqat, the pilot will announce that this is the border line to make your intention and to say Talbiyah. Those who did not change their clothes before should do so now although it is not convenient inside the plane. Please note that:

* It is a good idea to ask at the time of boarding if the arrival of Miqat will be announced by the pilot. If not, make your intention and say Talbiyah on your own approximately one hour before you reach Jeddah.

* If you are flying with a group, follow the instructions of the group leader.

6. Intention and Talbiyah - Now uncover your head and declare your intention. It is assumed that you are performing Hajj al-Tammat'u in which Umrah is performed first as described later in the "Kinds of Hajj".

"O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen."

Immediately after that utter the words of Talbiyah three times and as often afterwards as possible. If you don't remember it, you can say its translation in English or in any other language but Talbiah or its translation is pronounced in a loud voice by men and in a subdued voice by women.

7. Du'a - After this recite Darud Sharif and supplicate to Allah Almighty any du'a in Arabic or in your own language.

8. Prohibitions of Ihram - After intention and Talbiyah, you are in the status of Ihram and from this time on you should not do acts that are forbidden in Ihram , for example, here are some of the things a muhrim must not do:

* Cover head (men), cover face (women)

* Cover the middle bone of the upper part of the feet (Both men and women)

* Shave / cut hair

* Cut nails

* Wear perfume

* Wear stitched clothing (men) / (Women can wear their ordinay clothes)

* Hunting / killing

* Sex

9. Journey towards Makkah - When this sacred journey towards Makkah al-Mukarrama starts, recite Talbiyah frequently on the way. Then enter the city very humbly and with great fondness still reciting Talbiyah.

After arranging for your residence, proceed to the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah.

Ihram - Information PDF

HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH

THE RITES OF UMRAH: The only rites of Umrah are:

I. Entering the state of Ihram

II. Tawaf of Ka'bah

III. Sa'yee between the hills of Safa and Marwah

IV. Shaving or clipping of the hair

I. IHRAM FOR UMRAH AND ENTERING MASJID AL-HARAM

1. Ihram:You should be already in Ihram for Umrah before entering Mecca as mentioned above.

2. Entering Masjid al-Haram:

3. First Sight:At the first sight of Ka'bah, keep your eyes fixed at Baitullah and standing at one side, it is suggested that you do the following:

* Say Allahu Akbar three times

* Say La Ilaha Illallah three times

* Proclaim Darud on our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and very humbly and with tears in your eyes supplicate to Allah for whatever you wish. This is a special time for the acceptance of prayers.

The idea is to praise and glorify your Creator before proclaiming Darud and supplications. Therefore, in lieu of Allahu Akbar and La Ilaha Illallah, you may recite some other similar holy verses if you so desire.

After this, while uttering Talbiyah, move forward to perform Tawaf of Ka'bah.

II. TAWAF OF UMRAH

Tawaf means circling around something. Here it means moving around Ka'bah seven times with extreme love and devotion.

1. Preparation: Pass the upper sheet of Ihram from underneath the right arm and put it on the left shoulder. This act bares the right shoulder and is known as Iztaba. Ablutions (vudu) is essential for tawaf. Reciting of Talbiyah is stopped when you reach Hajar-e-Aswad, the starting point of tawaf.

2. Niyyah (Intention): Stand in front of Ka'bah facing Hajar-e-Aswad (the Black Stone) in such a way that the whole Hajre-e-Aswad is on your right side. To achieve this end, you may get help from the black stripe on the floor. This stripe should be on your right side. Then without raising your hands make Niyyah (intention) for Umrah:

" O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."

3. Istilam:

4. Tawaf Starts:After Istilam, turn right and start tawaf counter clockwise.

WARNING

* The authorities often apply perfume to Hajar-e-Aswad, Rukn Yamani and Multazam. If so, do not touch them while in the state of Ihram, otherwise a dum will be required as a penalty.

* During tawaf, it is not permissible to face or turn your back towards Ka'bah except when you are kissing or pointing towards Hajar-e-Aswad.

5. Ramal:For the first three circuits of Tawaf of Umrah and Tawaf of Arrival, men are required to move their shoulders and walk with quick short steps. This act is called Ramal and is Sunnah. They walk normally during the remaining four circuits.

6. Supplications of Tawaf:There are no fixed supplications for tawaf but there are several recommended supplications listed in the books of Hajj and Umrah out of which the following supplication is easy to memorize:

"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah."

If you don't remember these words, you may glorify Allah by repeatedly uttering:

The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) has said that there are two kalimahs that are light on tongue and (on the day of judgment) they weigh heavy on the scale (Mizan) and are liked by Allah. These kalimahs are:

Subhan Allah Wabe Hamde hi Subhan Allah Hil Azeem (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)

You may also use supplications used in the daily Salah or you may seek forgiveness of Allah and ask Him whatever you wish in your own language.

7. Hatim:Hatim is a semi-circular half-built portion which was originally a part of the Ka'bah but which could not be included in the main structure when the Ka'bah was rebuilt. It is obligatory to go around Hatim also while performing tawaf.

8. Rukn Yamani and its Supplications: After passing the three corners of the Ka'bah you reach the fourth corner known as Rukn Yamani. Touch it with both hands or with right hand. There is a beautiful supplication to be used while walking between Rukn Yamani and Hajar-e-Aswad:

"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."

Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) has repeatedly recited this supplication. The first circuit is complete when you reach Hajar-e-Aswad.

9. Seven Circuits:At Hajar-e-Aswad, start the second circuit by kissing it or pointing towards it as you started the first circuit, i.e., come in front of Hajar-e-Aswad, raise both hands to your ears with open palms towards it and say:

" Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd

Now kiss both palms and drop your hands. After this go around Ka'bah as you did before and similarly complete the seven circuits.

10. The End of Tawaf:At the end of seven circuits, do Istilam of Hajar-e- Aswad or point towards it eighth time which is Sunnat Mu'akidah. Also say:

"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd"

11. Iztaba Finished :Now Iztaba is finished, therefore, you cover your both shoulders with upper portion of the Ihram sheet. This does not apply to women.

12. Multazam:Now, come to Multazam which is a place five or six feet in length between Hajar-e-Aswad and the door of Ka'bah. This is a highly sacred place where prayers are accepted. Among a large crowd of people, if it is possible to reach Multazam, cling to it pressing your chest and cheeks, and while trembling and crying with devotion and with all humility seek Allah's mercy, His blessings and ask Him whatever you wish. If you are unable to come close to Multazam, just face towards it and supplicate from a distance.

13. Maqam Ibrahim:Next offer two rakahs of nafls behind and close to Maqam Ibrahim without covering your head. If it is zawal time when sajdah is not allowed, you have to wait till this undesirable time is passed and then offer prayers.

In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering 2 rakahs of nafls wajib al- tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafroon in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah in the second rakah. After this, supplicate to Allah in Arabic or in your own language. Ask Him whatever you wish and invoke His blessings.

14. Zamzam:Now go to Zamzam well situated in the basement of the Haram about 200 feet from the Ka'bah's door. There are separate portions for men and women. Zamzam is the best available water in the world. Drink this water to fill while in standing position saying Bismillah. Then supplicate to Allah:

"Allahummah inni as'aluka ilm-an naafi'an wa rizqan waasi'an wa shifa'am min kulli daa'in."

(O Allah! I implore Thee for beneficial knowledge, for vast provisions, and for cure from every disease.)

III. SA'EY

The literal meaning of Sa'ey is to run or to make effort, but as a Hajj and Umrah term, Sa'ey denoteswalking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are situated to the south and north of the Ka'bah respectively. Now there are only signs of these hills and the whole route between them is enclosed in a long gallery.

HOW TO PERFORM SA'EY

1. Istilam of Hajar-e-Aswad - Before starting Sa'ey, do Istilam of Hajar-e-Aswad again the ninth time or point towards it, saying:

"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamad."

Now Proceed towards Safa. It is a Sunnah to be in the state of ablutions during Sa'ey.

2. Start of Sa'ey at Safa - Climb the hill of Safa and make intention (niyyah) for Sa'ey:

" O Allah! I perform Sa'ey between Safa and Marwah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."

Now recite:

"Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha'a'irillah."

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

After this climb Safa to the point from where you can see the Ka'bah, then facing the Ka'bah raise your hands in supplication, say Allahu Akbar three times and recite the following supplication or ask Allah whatever you wish:

"La ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la Sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadeer."

If you don't remember this, you may use the supplication recited earlier during Tawaf:

"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd"

3. Proceed towards Marwah - Come down from Safa and move towards Marwah while reciting this supplication:

"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa."

If you don't remember this supplication also, recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, Allahu Akbar repeatedly and keep moving. You may also praise Allah and ask for His mercy in your language or use supplications taken from the daily Salah. When you reach two green pillars between which men have to run but the women walk with their normal pace.

4. At Marwah - When on top of marwah, praise Allah facing the Ka'bah and repeat the same supplications that were recited at Safa. One trip is over, second trip will be on Safa and third trip will be on Marwah.

5. End of Sa'ey - In the same way, the seventh trip will end at Marwah. In all trips the men will run between the green pillars but the women will walk in a normal way.

6. Two raka'at Nafl - If it is not an undesirable (Makrooh) time, offer two raka'ats of nafl in the al-Haram.

IV. SHAVING OR CLIPPING OF HAIR

1. Shaving or clipping of hair - After Sa'ey, men should get their heads completely shaved or get their hair clipped to the length of the upper third of their finger or a little more. Both shaving and clipping are permissible for men, though shaving is preferable. Women are, however, allowed to have a lock of their hair clipped. They are forbidden to shave their heads.

2. Umrah is complete - After cutting the hair, umrah is complete. The restrictions of Ihram are finished. Now wear your everyday clothes and lead a normal life. Be thankful to Allah that He provided the opportunity for performing Umrah and lead rest of your life according to the commands of your Creator.

NAFL TAWAF

You may perform Umrah as often as you want according to the above procedure. And if you want to perform just a nafl Tawaf, follow the same procedure, however, in a nafl Tawaf there is no Ihram, no Ramal, no Iztaba and even no Sa'ey.

How to perform Umrah - Information PDF

VISITING MADINAH

(A Journey of Love)

To visit Madinah is not a Hajj or Umrah rite, but the unique merits of the Prophet's city, his Mosque and his sacred tomb attract every pilgrim to visit it. There is no Ihram nor talbiyah for the visit to Madinah or the Prophet's Mosque.

Unique Merit of the Prophet's Mosque - The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself participated in the construction of this mosque, called it "My Mosque" and led prayers in it for years. He has also said that a salah performed in the Prophet's Mosque is better than a thousand salats in any other place except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

According to Hazrat Anas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has also said:

"The person who offers 40 prayers consecutively in my Mosque, without missing a prayer in between, will secure immunity from the fire of Hell and other torments and also from hypocrisy." (Musnad Ahmad)

Visiting the Holy Tomb - It is a great privilege for the pilgrims to visit our beloved Prophet's tomb. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once said: "The person who comes solely for the purpose of paying a visit to my grave, has a right on me that I should intercede for him." ('Ilm al-Fiqh, Vol. V)

And he has also said:

"The person who performs Hajj and then visits my Tomb, will be regarded as though he had seen me in my worldly life." (Baihaqi)

PROCEDURE TO VISIT MADINAH

1. Travel to Madinah and Niyyah - When you start travel to Madinah, Make niyyah (intention) as such:

" O Allah! I start journey to visit the holy tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Please accept it from me."

2. Masjid-e-Nabvi - After putting your luggage at your residence, take a bath or perform ablutions (vudu), wear nice dress, apply perfume and proceed towards the Prophet's Mosque while uttering Darud.

3. Bab-e-Jibril - Enter the mosque through Bab-e-Jibril or Bab-us-Salaam or if this is not possible, enter through any other door.

4. Right Foot - Place your right foot first in the entrance, praise Allah (such as say Allhu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, etc.), recite Darud and say:

"Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahamte ka"

5. Two Raka't Nafl - If it is not undesirable (Makrooh) time, offer two rakahs of nafl tahiyyat al-masjid (greeting of the masjid) preferably in Riaz al-Jannah near the tomb of the Prophet or otherwise anywhere else in the mosque.

6. In front of the Holy Tomb

In front of the sacred tomb of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), there are three sections of brass screens and all three have holes in them. Look at the picture carefully. If you stand in front of the middle section between the pillars, you'll see a big round hole on your left. This is in front of the face of the Holy Prophet. Adjacent to it is a door that stays closed. Right after it on the right side is a round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique. On the right of it, there is another round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Umar Farooq.

Here is an enlarged view of the screen in front of the sacred face of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). Standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and hushed voice:

"Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu"

(Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.)

After this say:

Then supplicate to Allah for good things in this life and the life after death. You may use the same supplication recited earlier during the Tawaf :

7. Offer Salam of others - Now offer salam of relatives or friends in your own language or say:

"Asslamu alaika ya Rasul Allah min ------------."

After the word "min", add the name of your friend or relative.

8. Salam on Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique - Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Greet him and supplicate to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.

9. Salam on Hazrat Umar Farooq - Again move a little to the right before the grave of Hazrat Umar ( may Allah be pleased with him), and greet him and make supplication for him.

10. Forty Prayers - Men should offer forty prayers (Salat) in the Prophet's Mosque, but it is not a requirement of any kind. It is only Mustahab, i.e., rewarding if done, but if not done there is no sin.

11. Other places to visit - Some of the other important places to visit are: Masjid Quba, Jannat al-Baqee, graves of Hazrat Hamzah and other martyrs of Uhud (may Allah be pleased with them) and Masjid Qiblatain, etc.

12. Departure from Madinah - When you have to leave Madinah, offer your Salam again to the Prophet (peace be upon him), cry at this separation, supplicate to Allah and leave with the earnest desire to come back.

Visiting Madinah - Information PDF

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