The Correct Way to Perform Umrah – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Umrah is one of the most beautiful acts of worship in Islam. It is a spiritual journey that brings a Muslim closer to Allah and provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness, purification, and blessings. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Umrah and visit the Holy Kaaba.
Although Umrah is often referred to as the "minor pilgrimage," it holds immense rewards and significance in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory upon eligible Muslims once in a lifetime, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the virtues of Umrah and encouraged Muslims to perform it whenever possible. This sacred journey allows believers to renew their faith, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and experience the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the correct way to perform Umrah according to the Sunnah, covering every step from preparation to completion.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah that consists of specific acts of worship. The four essential components of Umrah are:
1. Entering the state of Ihram.
2. Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba.
3. Performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
4. Shaving or trimming the hair.
Once these acts are completed, the Umrah is considered complete.
Virtues and Rewards of Umrah
Forgiveness of Sins
One of the greatest benefits of Umrah is the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between them.”
This means that Umrah serves as a means of spiritual purification and renewal.
A Means of Spiritual Growth
Performing Umrah strengthens a person's faith and reminds them of their purpose in life. It encourages humility, gratitude, patience, and complete reliance upon Allah.
Acceptance of Supplications
Makkah is one of the most blessed places on earth. The prayers and supplications made in the Haram have special significance, and Muslims often use this opportunity to ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.
Reward from Allah
Every step taken toward the House of Allah is rewarded. The effort, expenses, and sacrifices made for Umrah are all recorded by Allah and rewarded generously.
Preparing for Umrah
Proper preparation is important before embarking on the journey.
Make a Sincere Intention
The intention for Umrah should be solely for the pleasure of Allah. Avoid showing off or seeking praise from others.
Repent from Sins
Before leaving for Umrah, sincerely repent for past sins and ask Allah for forgiveness.
Fulfill the Rights of Others
Return any trusts, repay debts, and seek forgiveness from anyone you may have wronged.
Learn the Rules of Umrah
Understanding the rulings and steps of Umrah beforehand helps ensure that the pilgrimage is performed correctly.
Prepare Spiritually and Physically
Read about the virtues of Umrah, increase your worship, and prepare yourself physically for walking and standing for extended periods.
Understanding Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state that a pilgrim enters before beginning Umrah.
Ihram for Men
Men wear two simple white unstitched cloths:
- One wrapped around the waist.
- One draped over the shoulders.
This simple attire symbolizes equality and humility before Allah.
Ihram for Women
Women may wear any modest Islamic clothing that fulfills the requirements of hijab. They should not wear face veils or gloves while in Ihram.
Entering Ihram at the Miqat
Before crossing the designated boundary known as Miqat, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram.
Recommended Actions
- Take a bath (Ghusl).
- Trim nails if necessary.
- Apply perfume before wearing Ihram (men only).
- Wear Ihram garments.
Make the Intention
After preparing, make the intention for Umrah by saying:
“Allahumma inni ureedul Umrah fa yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni.”
Meaning:
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
Recite the Talbiyah
After making the intention, begin reciting:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
Meaning:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Continue reciting the Talbiyah frequently until reaching the Kaaba.
Entering Makkah
When arriving in Makkah, maintain humility and gratitude.
As soon as the Kaaba comes into view, many pilgrims become emotional. This is a blessed moment to praise Allah and make sincere supplications.
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Holy Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction.
Beginning the Tawaf
Start at the corner containing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
If possible, face it and say:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
If you cannot reach it due to crowds, simply point toward it and continue.
Seven Circuits
Walk around the Kaaba seven times.
Each circuit begins and ends at the Black Stone.
During Tawaf
There are no specific required supplications for each round. Pilgrims may:
- Recite Quran.
- Make personal duas.
- Remember Allah.
- Seek forgiveness.
- Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Between Rukn Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad
It is Sunnah to recite:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil akhirati hasanah wa qina azaban nar.”
Meaning:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Praying Behind Maqam Ibrahim
After completing Tawaf, it is recommended to pray two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
If the area is crowded, the prayer may be performed anywhere within the Haram.
Drinking Zamzam Water
After the prayer, drink Zamzam water.
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned the blessings of Zamzam water, and many scholars encourage making sincere supplications while drinking it.
Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge, good health, forgiveness, and success in this life and the Hereafter.
Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is the act of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
This ritual commemorates the struggle and trust in Allah demonstrated by Hajar (AS), the mother of Prophet Ismail (AS).
Starting at Safa
Go to Safa and face the Kaaba.
Praise Allah, make dua, and begin the Sa’i.
Seven Trips
- Safa to Marwah = One trip.
- Marwah to Safa = Second trip.
Continue until seven trips are completed, ending at Marwah.
For Men
Men should walk briskly between the two green markers.
For Women
Women should maintain their normal walking pace throughout the Sa’i.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair
After completing Sa’i, pilgrims must either shave or trim their hair.
For Men
Men may:
- Completely shave the head (preferred).
- Trim the hair evenly from all sides.
For Women
Women should trim a small portion of their hair, approximately the length of a fingertip.
Completion of Umrah
Once the hair has been shaved or trimmed, the Umrah is complete.
The pilgrim exits the state of Ihram, and all restrictions associated with Ihram are lifted.
This marks the successful completion of the sacred pilgrimage.
Common Mistakes During Umrah
Pushing and Shoving
Many pilgrims attempt to reach the Black Stone by pushing others. Islam teaches kindness and respect, and causing harm to fellow Muslims should be avoided.
Excessive Photography
Constantly taking pictures and videos can distract from worship and reduce spiritual focus.
Neglecting Duas
Some pilgrims spend too much time socializing and forget to make sincere supplications.
Lack of Patience
Crowds and delays are common during Umrah. Patience is one of the greatest acts of worship during the pilgrimage.
Important Etiquettes of Umrah
1. Maintain sincerity.
2. Avoid arguments and disputes.
3. Lower your gaze and guard your character.
4. Increase remembrance of Allah.
5. Read the Quran regularly.
6. Help fellow pilgrims.
7. Respect the sanctity of the Haram.
8. Be patient in crowded situations.
Recommended Acts While in Makkah
Recitation of the Quran
The Haram is one of the best places to engage in Quran recitation and reflection.
Voluntary Prayers
Perform additional prayers whenever possible.
Seeking Forgiveness
Frequently recite:
“Astaghfirullah.”
Sending Blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ
Increase the recitation of Salawat.
Making Dua
Pray for yourself, your parents, family, friends, the Muslim Ummah, and those who are suffering around the world.
The Spiritual Lessons of Umrah
Umrah is much more than a physical journey. Every ritual teaches a profound lesson.
Ihram reminds us of simplicity and equality before Allah.
Tawaf symbolizes complete devotion and obedience to Allah.
Sa’i teaches perseverance, trust in Allah, and hope even during difficult circumstances.
Shaving or trimming the hair represents humility and submission to the commands of Allah.
The entire journey encourages believers to renew their faith and return to Allah with sincere hearts.
Conclusion
Umrah is one of the greatest spiritual experiences a Muslim can have. It provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness, strengthen faith, and draw closer to Allah. By following the Sunnah and performing each step correctly, a believer can maximize the rewards and blessings of this sacred pilgrimage.
May Allah grant every Muslim the opportunity to visit His Sacred House, perform Umrah and Hajj, accept their worship, forgive their sins, and bless them with guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter.
Ameen.
ROMAN URDU
Umrah Karne Ka Sahi Tareeqa – Mukammal Rehnuma
Muqaddima
Umrah Islam ki ek azeem ibadat hai jo Musalman ko Allah Ta'ala ke qareeb karti hai. Har saal lakhon Musalman Makkah Mukarramah ka safar karte hain taake Allah ke ghar, Kaaba Sharif ki ziyarat kar saken aur apne gunahon ki maghfirat talab kar saken. Umrah ko "chhota Hajj" bhi kaha jata hai, lekin yeh Hajj ka badal nahi hai. Hajj farz hai jabke Umrah sunnat-e-muakkadah ya baaz ulama ke nazdeek wajib hai.
Rasulullah ﷺ ne farmaya:
"Ek Umrah se doosre Umrah tak un dono ke darmiyan ke gunahon ka kaffarah hai."
Umrah sirf chand aamaal ka naam nahi balki ruhaniyat, tawbah, ikhlas aur Allah ki mohabbat ka safar hai. Is article mein hum Umrah karne ka mukammal aur sahih tareeqa tafseel se bayan karenge.
Umrah Kya Hai?
Umrah Allah ke ghar Kaaba ki ziyarat aur kuch makhsoos aamaal ada karne ka naam hai. Is ke chaar bunyadi arkaan hain:
- Ihram bandhna
- Tawaf karna
- Safa aur Marwah ki Sa'i karna
- Baal mundwana ya katwana
In aamaal ko ada karne ke baad Umrah mukammal ho jata hai.
Umrah Ki Fazilat
Umrah ki bohat si fazail ahadith mein bayan hui hain.
Gunahon Ki Maghfirat
Rasulullah ﷺ ne farmaya:
"Umrah gunahon ko is tarah mita deta hai jis tarah bhatti lohe ki gandagi ko mita deti hai."
Rizq Aur Barkat
Jo shakhs Allah ke ghar ki ziyarat ke liye jata hai Allah Ta'ala uske rizq mein barkat ata farmata hai.
Duaon Ki Qubooliyat
Makkah Mukarramah aur Haram Sharif duaon ki qubooliyat ki maqbool jagah hai. Yahan ki gayi duaon ko Allah Ta'ala khaas fazl se qubool farmata hai.
Umrah Se Pehle Tayyari
Ikhlas-e-Niyyat
Sab se pehle niyyat sirf Allah ki raza ke liye honi chahiye. Riyaa aur dikhawa ibadat ko zaya kar dete hain.
Tawbah Karna
Safar se pehle apne tamam gunahon se sachchi tawbah karni chahiye.
Haqooq-ul-Ibad Ada Karna
Agar kisi ka haq baqi ho to use ada karein aur logon se maafi talab karein.
Zaroori Masail Seekhna
Umrah ke ahkam aur masail pehle se seekh lena chahiye taake ibadat sahih tareeqe se ada ho.
Ihram Kya Hai?
Ihram ek khaas halat ka naam hai jisme kuch cheezein halal hone ke bawajood muhrim par mamnu ho jati hain.
Mardon Ka Ihram
Mard do safed bina sile kapde pehente hain.
Aurton Ka Ihram
Auratein apna mamool ka shar'i libas pehenti hain. Chehra aur haath khule rakhti hain.
Miqat Par Niyyat Aur Talbiyah
Miqat par pahunch kar ghusl karein, ihram pehnein aur do rakat nafl ada karein.
Phir niyyat karein:
"Allahumma inni ureedul Umrah fa yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni."
Tarjuma:
"Aye Allah! Main Umrah ka iradah karta hoon, isay mere liye aasan farma aur mujh se qubool farma."
Uske baad Talbiyah padhein:
"Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak."
Is Talbiyah ko baar baar padhte rahna sunnat hai.
Makkah Mein Dakhil Hona
Makkah Mukarramah mein dakhil hote waqt Allah ka zikr aur dua karni chahiye.
Jab pehli martaba Kaaba Sharif nazar aaye to Allah ki hamd bayan karein aur dil se dua maangein.
Yeh lamha bohat barkat wala hota hai.
Tawaf Ka Tareeqa
Tawaf Kaaba Sharif ke gird saat chakkar lagane ko kehte hain.
Tawaf Ka Aghaz
Hajr-e-Aswad ke samne khade ho kar:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar"
kahen aur tawaf shuru karein.
Saat Chakkar
Kaaba ke gird anti-clockwise saat chakkar lagaye jate hain.
Har chakkar Hajr-e-Aswad se shuru aur wahin khatam hota hai.
Tawaf Ke Dauran
Quran ki tilawat karein.
Tasbeeh padhein.
Dua karein.
Istighfar karein.
Rukn-e-Yamani Aur Hajr-e-Aswad Ke Darmiyan
Yeh dua padhna masnoon hai:
"Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanah wa fil akhirati hasanah wa qina azaban naar."
Tarjuma:
"Aye hamare Rabb! Hume duniya mein bhi bhalai ata farma aur akhirat mein bhi bhalai ata farma aur hume jahannam ke azaab se bacha."
Maqam-e-Ibrahim Par Namaz
Tawaf mukammal hone ke baad agar mumkin ho to Maqam-e-Ibrahim ke qareeb do rakat namaz ada karein.
Agar bheed ho to Haram ke kisi bhi hissay mein padh sakte hain.
Zamzam Peena
Namaz ke baad Zamzam ka paani peena sunnat hai.
Zamzam peete waqt dua karein kyun ke Zamzam jis niyyat se piya jaye uske liye faidahmand hota hai.
Sa'i Ka Tareeqa
Sa'i Safa aur Marwah ke darmiyan saat chakkar lagane ko kehte hain.
Safa Se Aghaz
Safa pahari par ja kar Kaaba ki taraf rukh karein.
Allah ki hamd bayan karein.
Dua karein.
Safa Se Marwah
Safa se Marwah tak jana ek chakkar hai.
Phir Marwah se Safa wapas aana doosra chakkar hai.
Isi tarah saat chakkar mukammal karein.
Mardon Ke Liye
Do hary battiyon ke darmiyan halki daud lagana sunnat hai.
Aurton Ke Liye
Auratein aam raftaar se chalengi.
Halq Ya Taqsir
Sa'i mukammal hone ke baad mard sar mundwayein ya baal katwayein.
Sar mundwana afzal hai.
Auratein apne baalon ka chhota sa hissa katengi.
Yahi Umrah ka aakhri rukn hai.
Umrah Mukammal Hone Ke Baad
Baal katwane ke baad ihram khatam ho jata hai aur tamam mamnu cheezein dobara halal ho jati hain.
Ab banda Umrah se farigh ho jata hai.
Umrah Ke Dauran Aam Ghaltiyan
Talbiyah Chhod Dena
Kai log niyyat ke baad Talbiyah kam padhte hain jabke yeh sunnat hai.
Tawaf Mein Gup Shup
Tawaf ke dauran duniya ki baaton mein mashghool rehna munasib nahi.
Dhakka Mukki Karna
Hajr-e-Aswad ko chhoone ke liye logon ko takleef dena durust nahi.
Tasveerain Lena
Har waqt selfie aur video banana ruhaniyat ko kamzor karta hai.
Umrah Ke Adab
- Ikhlas ke saath ibadat karein.
- Kasrat se Quran padhein.
- Kasrat se durood sharif padhein.
- Duaon ka ehtimam karein.
- Gunahon se bachein.
- Logon ko takleef na dein.
- Allah ke ghar ka adab karein.
Haram Sharif Mein Karne Wali Ahem Ibadatein
Quran Ki Tilawat
Haram mein Quran ki tilawat ka sawab bohat zyada hai.
Nafl Namazein
Farz namazon ke saath nafl aur tahajjud ka bhi ehtimam karein.
Istighfar
Kasrat se Astaghfirullah padhna chahiye.
Dua
Apne liye, walidain ke liye, ummat-e-muslimah ke liye aur mazloom Musalmanon ke liye dua karein.
Umrah Ka Ruhani Paigham
Umrah insan ko Allah ki taraf wapas lautne ka paigham deta hai. Ihram hume maut aur qabr ki yaad dilata hai. Tawaf Allah ki mohabbat aur farmabardari ki alamat hai. Sa'i Hazrat Hajra (Alaihas Salam) ki qurbani aur tawakkul ki yaad dilati hai. Baal katwana ya mundwana Allah ke samne ajzi aur itaat ka izhar hai.
Jo shakhs Umrah ko ikhlas ke saath ada karta hai uske dil mein taqwa, sukoon aur Allah ki mohabbat mazeed barh jati hai.
Khatma
Umrah har Musalman ke liye ek azeem ruhani tohfa hai. Yeh safar sirf Makkah tak pahunchne ka naam nahi balki Allah ke qareeb hone ka zariya hai. Umrah ke tamam arkaan ko sunnat ke mutabiq ada karna chahiye aur poore safar mein zikr, dua, tawbah aur ikhlas ko apna saathi banana chahiye.
Allah Ta'ala har Musalman ko Umrah aur Hajj ki sa'adat naseeb farmaye, hamare gunahon ko maaf farmaye aur hume apna maqbool banda banaye.
Aameen Ya Rabbal Aalameen.
