Make Intention
Wear Ihram
Dua at the first sight of kaaba
Complete tawaf (7 circuits of kaaba)
Read 2 rakat at mukaam e ibrahim
Drink zamzam
Do Saee (7 times from safa to marwa / marwa to safa is counted as one)
Make dua
Finally men shave/haircut hair from all around the head and women only need to cut the length of a fingertip of hair.
In Islam performing Umrah is an important act of Worship of Allah. Umrah is not compulsory. it is a highly recommended act based on the Quran and the Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said;
العُمْرَۃُ إلي الْعُمْرۃِکَفَّارَہٌ لِمَا بَيْنَھُمَا، وَالْحَجِّ الْمَبْرُ وْر لَيَسَ لہ جَزَا إلْا الْجَنَّۃ :البخاری والمسلم
Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, And The reward of Hajj Al Mabroor is nothing but Paradise. (Bukhari and Muslim).
The rewards of performing the Umrah are enormous, which can be sourced in the Quran and of course, from the Traditions of the Holy Prophet PBUH. There are many virtues for the ones who perform Hajj or Umrah correctly. Hazrat Abu Hurairah reported it is one of the best deeds for a muslim to do: the Prophet PBUH was asked about good deeds. He PBUH said the struggle to the utmost which is Jihad. He inquired again, for what is the next best thing? He PBUH replied: the accepted Hajj and Umrah.
روى مسلم في صحيحه عن ابْنَ عُمَرَ أَنّ رَسُولَ اللّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ إِذَا اسْتَوَىَ عَلَىَ بَعِيرِهِ خَارِجاً إِلَىَ سَفَرٍ، كَبّرَ ثَلاَثاً، ثُمّ قَالَ: سُبْحَانَ الّذِي سَخّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ* وَإِنّا إِلَىَ رَبّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ. اللّهُمّ إِنّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرّ وَالتّقْوَىَ. وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَىَ. اللّهُمّ هَوّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا. وَاطْوِ عَنّا بُعْدَهُ. اللّهُمّ أَنْتَ الصّاحِبُ فِي السّفَرِ. وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الأَهْلِ. اللّهُمّ إِنّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السّفَرِ، وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ، وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ، فِي الْمَالِ وَالأَهْلِ". وَإِذَا رَجَعَ قَالَهُنّ. وَزَادَ فِيهِنّ: "آيِبُونَ، تَائِبُونَ، عَابِدُونَ، لِرَبّنَا حَامِدُونَ"
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Subhanal-ladhi sakhkharalanahadha wa ma kunna lahumuqrinin. Wa "inna "ila Rabbina la-munqalibun. Allahumma "inna nas'aluka fi safarina hadhal-birrawat-taqwa, wa-minal-'amalima tarda, Allahummahawwin 'alayna safarana hadha watwi 'anna bu'dahu, Allahumma "Antas-sahibufis-safari, wal-khalifatufil-"ahli, Allahumma "inni "a'udhubika min wa'tha"is-safari, waka'abanl-manzari, wasu"il-munqalabifil-maliwal"ahli.
Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Glory is to Him Who has provided this for us though we could never have had it by our efforts. Surely, unto our Lord we are returning. O Allah, we ask You on this our journey for goodness and piety, and for works that are pleasing to You . O Allah , lighten this journey for us and make its distance easy for us . O Allah, You are our Companion on the road and the One in Whose care we leave our family . O Allah , I seek refuge in You from this journey's hardships, and from the wicked sights in store and from finding our family and property in misfortune upon returning.
1 – When a person has intention to travel, it is mustahabb for him to consult with somone whose religious commitment, experience, knowledge and someone he trusts about travelling during that time. The one who is consulted must be sincere in offering advice and avoid being influenced by their own whims and desires. Allah (swt) says : “and consult them in the affairs” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:159] The saheeh ahaadeeth tells us that the people used to consult the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with regard to their affairs.
2 – Once he has made a decision to travel, the Sunnah is to seek Allah’s guidance by praying istikhaarah. To perform istikhaarah you should pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then recite the du’aa’ of istikhaarah.
3 – If a person has decided to travel for Hajj or Umrah or any other purpose, he should start by repenting from all sins and makrooh actions, and he should put right any wrongs he has done towards people and pay off whatever he can of the debts he owes them; he should also return anything that has been entrusted to him and seek forgiveness from anyone with whom he has any dealings or friendship. He should also write his will and have it witnessed, and should appoint someone to pay off any debts that he was not able to pay. He should also leave funds with his family and those on whom he is responsible for to spend and should be enough to cover their needs until he returns.
4 – He should seek to please his parents and those whom he is obliged to honor and obey.
5 – If a person is travelling for Hajj or jihad or any other purpose, he should make all efforts to ensure that his funds are halal and free from any suspicion. If he goes against this and goes for Hajj or jihad with wealth that has been seized by force, he is a sinner and although his Hajj or jihad may be outwardly valid, it will not be a proper Hajj (Hajj mabroor).
6 – It is mustahabb for a person who is travelling to Hajj or for any other reason for which provision is carried to take a great deal of provision and money with him, so that he can share them with those who are in need on his travels. His provisions should be good (i.e., halal), because Allah (swt) says : “O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it” [al-Baqarah 2:267] A person should give willingly so that it will more likely be accepted.
7 – If a person wants to travel for Hajj or jihad, he should learn about how they are to be performed, for no act of worship is valid if done by one who does not know how it is done properly. It is mustahabb for the one who wants to do Hajj to take with him a clear book about the rituals which also speaks about their aims, and he should read it constantly and often during his journey, so that it will become fixed in his mind. Hence there is the fear that for some of the common folk, their Hajj will not be valid because they may unknowingly fail to fulfil one of the conditions and so on. And some of them may imitate some of the common folk of Makkah, thinking that they know the rituals properly and thus being deceived by someone doing acts incorrectly. This is a serious mistake. Similarly in the case of one who is going out for jihad etc, it is recommended for him to take a book which speaks of what he needs to know, and the warrior should learn what he needs to know about fighting and the du’aa’s to be said at that time, and the prohibitions on treachery, killing women and children, and so on. The one who is travelling for the purpose of trade should learn what he needs to know about buying and selling, which transactions are valid and which are invalid, what is halal and when dealing with others.
8 – It is mustahabb for a person to seek a companion who desires good and hates evil, so that if he forgets, he can remind him, if he remembers, he can help him, and if he happens to be a man of knowledge, he should stick with him, because he will help him to avoid bad attitudes such as boredom with travel and he can help him to maintain a noble attitude and encourage him to do so. He should also be keen to please his companion throughout the journey. Each of them should put up with each other and view his companion with respect and be patient with whatever he may do.
9 – It is mustahabb for a person to bid farewell to his family, neighbors, friends and all his loved ones. He should bid farewell to them and he should say to each of them: “I place your religion, your faithfulness and the ends of your deeds in the trust of Allah.” The one who is staying behind should say to the traveller: “May Allah (swt) bless you with taqwa and forgive you your sins and make goodness easy for you wherever you are.”
10 – It is a Sunnah to say the following du’aa’ when leaving the house: Bismillaah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allaah, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah. Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min an adilla aw udalla aw azilla aw uzalla aw azlima aw uzlama aw ajhala aw yujhal ‘alayya (In the name of Allaah, I put my trust in Allah and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah. O Allaah, I seek refuge with You lest I should stray or be led astray, or slip or be tripped, or do wrong or be wronged, or behave foolishly or be treated foolishly).”
11 – The Sunnah when leaving one's house and wanting to get up on one's mount is to say Bismillah. Then when he has mounted it he should say: “Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrineen wa inna ila rabbina la munqaliboon (In the name of Allaah… All praise be to Allaah Who has placed this (transport) at our service and we ourselves would not have been capable of that, and to our Lord is our final destiny.” Then he should say Al-hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allaah) three times and Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most Great) three times, then, “Subhaanaka inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li innahu la yaghfir ul-dhunooba illa anta (Glory be to You, verily I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for surely no one can forgive sins except You).” And: “Allaahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina haadha al-birra wa’l-taqwa wa min al-‘aml ma tarda, Allaahumma hawwin ‘alayna safarana haadha watwi ‘anna bu’dahu. Allaahumma anta al-saahib fi’l-safar wa’l-khaleefah fi’l-ahl. Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min wa’tha’ al-safar wa ka’aabat al-manzar wa su’ al-munqalib fi’l-maali wa’l-ahl (O Allaah, we ask You for righteousness and piety in this journey of ours, and we ask You for deeds which please You. O Allaah, facilitate our journey and let us cover its distance quickly. O Allaah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Successor (the One Who guards them in a person’s absence) over the family. O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from the difficulties of travel, from having a change of heart and from being in a bad predicament, and I seek refuge with You from an ill-fated outcome with regard to wealth and family).” When returning the same words are recited with the following addition: “Aayiboona taa’iboona ‘aabidoona li rabbina haamidoon (Returning, repenting, worshipping and praising our Lord).”
12 – It is mustahabb to if possible travel with a group of people, because of the hadeeth of ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If the people knew what I know about being alone, no one would ever travel alone at night.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari.
13 – It is mustahabb for the group to appoint the best and wisest of their group as their leader, and to obey him, because of the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed and Abu Hurayrah who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When three people set out on a journey, let them appoint one of their number as their leader.” A hasan hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood with a hasan isnaad.
14 – It is mustahabb to set out at the end of the night, because of the hadeeth of Anas who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “You should travel at the end of the night (or throughout the night) because it is easier to cover a greater distance at night.” This was narrated by Abu Dawood with a hasan hadeeth. It was also narrated by al-Haakim who said: it is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
15 – He should have a kind, good attitude; try to avoid arguing, avoid pushing and shoving people on the road. He should guard his tongue against insults, backbiting, cursing or any other kind of foul speech.
16 – It is mustahabb for the traveller to say takbeer when going up a rise in the land and to say tasbeeh when going down into valleys and the like.
17 – If a person sees a village or town that he wants to enter, it is mustahabb for him to say: “Allaahumma as’aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha wa ‘a’oodhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha (O Allaah, I ask You for its goodness, the goodness of its people and the goodness of what is in it, and I seek refuge with You from its evil, the evil of its people and the evil of what is in it).”
18 – It is mustahabb for a person to make du’aa’ most of the time when travelling, because his du’aa’ will be answered.
19 - He should always try to remain in a state of purity and to pray on time. Allah has made it easy by allowing tayammum and joining and shortening of prayers for a traveler.
20 – The Sunnah when stopping in a place is to say what was narrated by Khawlah bint Hakeem, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whoever makes a stop then says: ‘A’oodhu bi kalimaat Allaah il-taammati min sharri ma khalaq (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from the evil of that which He has created),’ nothing will harm him until he moves on from that place.” Narrated by Muslim.
21 – It is mustahabb for a travelling group to camp close to one another and not to be distanced or separated needlessly, because of the hadeeth of Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: When the people stopped in a place, they would scatter in the mountain passes and valleys. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Your scattering in these mountain passes and valleys is something from the Shaytaan.” After that, they never stopped in any place without being close together. Narrated by Abu Dawood with a hasan isnaad.
22 – The Sunnah for the traveller is that when he has done what he set out to do, he should hasten to return to his family, because of the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah, according to which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Travel is a kind of torment, which keeps one of you from his food and drink. When one of you has finished what he set out to do, let him hasten back to his family.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
23 – The Sunnah is to say when returning from a journey that which is narrated in the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar, according to which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when he came back from a campaign or from Hajj and ‘Umrah, he would say takbeer on every high ground three times, then he would say, ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer. Aayiboona taa’iboona ‘aabidoona, saajidoona li rabbina haamidoon. Sadaqa Allaahu wa’dah wa nasara ‘abdah wa hazama al-ahzaaba wahdah (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the Dominion, to Him be all praise, and He is Able to do all things. Returning, repenting, worshipping, prostrating to our Lord and praising Him. Allaah fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His slave and defeated the confederates Alone). Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. It was narrated that Anas said: We came back with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and when we reached the outskirts of Madinah he said: “Aayiboona taa’iboona ‘aabidoona li rabbina haamidoon (Returning, repenting, worshipping and praising our Lord).” And he kept saying that until we came to Madinah. Narrated by Muslim.
24 – The Sunnah when returning home is to firstly go to the mosque that is nearest his home and praying two rak’ahs with the intention of offering salaat al-qudoom (the prayer of arrival), because of the hadeeth of Ka’b ibn Maalik, according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when he came back from a journey, would start by going to the mosque where he would pray two rak’ahs and then sit down. Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
25 – It is mustahabb to make food for the returning traveller, whether it is made by the traveller himself or by someone else for him, as indicated by the hadeeth of Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when he came back to Madinah from a journey, would slaughter a camel or a cow. Narrated by al-Bukhaari.
26 – It is haram for a woman to travel without a mahram unnecessarily, whether that is a long or a short distance, because of the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for the distance of one day and one night except with a mahram.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The etiquette of travelling for Hajj is divided into two categories: obligatory and mustahabb. The obligatory etiquette means that the traveller should fulfil all the obligations and pillars (essential parts) of Hajj, and avoid the things that are forbidden in ihraam in particular, and the things that are forbidden in general, whether they are forbidden in ihraam or when not in ihraam, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj” [al-Baqarah 2:197]
The mustahabb etiquette when travelling for Hajj is for a person to do all the things that he should do, such as being generous to people, serving his brothers, putting up with their annoyance, not retaliating to mistreatment, and being kind to them, whether that is after he puts on the ihraam or before, because this etiquette is sublime and good, and is required of every believer at all times and in all places. There are also other points of etiquette that has to do with the act of worship, such as doing Hajj in the most perfect manner and striving to do it with the proper etiquette in both world and deen.
Meeqat is an Arabic word; it literally means "a confirmed place". It is a place beyond which no Muslim who is intending to perform Hajj or 'Umrah can go towards Makkah without being in a state of Ihram
Meeqat sets the boundaries of the Haram from all directions approaching Makkah. Upon crossing the Meeqat a person should consider it binding upon himself to respect any rules that may apply to him, as he should consider himself having entered the haram upon crossing the Meeqat.
Proceeding in Ihram at the time of crossing the Meeqat is one of the rules binding upon those who enter the haram with the intention of Hajj or Umrah
The Meeqats (places for assuming Ihram) are five: DhulHulaifah, Al-Juhfah, Qarn-ulmanaazil, Yalamlam and DhaatuIrq. They are for those who live there and those who pass by them intending Hajj or 'Umrah. And he whose house is nearer than them to Makkah then he makes Ihram from his house, the people of Makkah making Ihram from Makkah.
1:Dhul Hulaifah is the place for the people of Madinah and is a village six or seven miles away - and it is the furthest Meeqat from Makkah -. This miqat is about 9 kilometers from Madinah and about 450 kilometers from Makkah. This miqat is now known as ABIYAR ALI
2:Al-juhfah is a village between Madinah and Makkah - about three travel stages away. It is the meeqat for the people of Madinah if they come by this route. IbnTaimiyyah said: "It is the Meeqat for those who make Hajj from the direction of the west, like the people of Shaam (Greater Syria) and Egypt and the rest of the West. And it is today ruined and deserted; therefore the people now go into Ihram before it in the place called "Raabigh". This miqat is about 190 kilometers to the northwest of Makkah.
3:Qarn Ul Manaazil which is also called "Qarn-uth-Tha'aalib" is near Makkah - being a day and night's journey away - and is the Meeqat for the people of Najd. This miqat is a hilly place about 90 kilometers to the east of Makkah.
4:Yalamlam is a place two nights distant from Makkah, thirty miles away and is the Meeqat for the people of Yemen. This miqat is a hilly area about 50 kilometers to the southeast ofMakkah. This is the miqat for the people of Yemen and others coming from that direction. It is the miqat for many of the pilgrims from China, Japan, India, Pakistan who come by ship.
Dhaatu irq is a place out in the desert, marking the border between Najd and Tihaamah, being forty-two miles from Makkah. It is the Meeqat for the people of Iraq. This miqat is about 85 kilometers towards the northeast side of Makkah. This is the miqat for the people of Iran, Iraq and for those coming from that direction.
There are things which are forbidden in the state of ihram.
These are:
To clean one’s body, clip the nail, and get rid of the hair in the armpits and the pubic area.
To do the major ritual ablution (ghusl) for ihram with the sincere intention of pleasing the Almighty
To put on perfume
To put on the two pieces of ihram garment which consists of an extra large size sheet tied from the waist going downwards and another placed over the shoulders. for men to put it on before the niyyat and the talbiyyah.
As far as the women are concerned, they may put by the ihram by using on their own normal clothing's
There are three acts that are Fardh in Umrah
1. Intention/Niyyah: Assume the Ihram clothing, make intention and recite Talbiyah.
2. Perform Tawaf of Holy Ka’ba.
3. Perform Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah Hills.
AllahummaInneeUreedul ‘Umratafayassirha Lee WaTaqabbalhaminnee
Translation: O Allah! I make the intention of Umrah, You make this easy for me and accept it.
It is Wajib to recite the Talbiya once along when making the intention of Umrah and it is Mustahab to recite it thrice. Men should recite it loudly and women softly.
LabbaikAllahummaLabbaik, Labbaik La ShareekaLakaLabbaik. InnalHamda wan Ni’mataLakaWalMulk.LaShareekaLaka.
After reciting the Talbiya, other Dhikr, Tasbeeh of Allah (SubhanahuWaTa’ala) and Durud and Salaam on the Holy Prophet (Sallallahualaihiwasallam) should be recited. One should supplicate with utmost humility and with tears in the eyes, in whatever language we can.
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: Now moving towards right, come in front of Hajar-e-Aswad and kiss it if possible, or touch it with a stick and kiss the stick; if that also is not possible, raise your hands to your ears keeping your open
palms towards Hajre-e-Aswad and say:
Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla Hil Hamd"
and drop your hands down. Now point the palms of your hands again towards Hajar-e- Aswad and kiss them. This act of kissing Hajar-e-Aswad or pointing towards it is called 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:
Subhan Allah, Al-Hamdu lilla, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah, etc.
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.
If it is not possible to offer this obligatory prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, it can be offered anywhere in Mataf, or in Hatim or anywhere in Masjid al-Haram or even at any place in Haram of Makkah.
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.)
The literal meaning of Sa’ee is to run or to make effort, but as a Hajj and Umrah term, Sa’ee is performed by walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are located to the south and north of the Kaaba respectively. There are now only signs of these hills and the whole route between them is enclosed in a long gallery. Sa’ee has a historical background. Prophet Abraham (AS) left his wife Hazrat Hajra and infant son Hazrat Ismael in the wilderness of Makkah by the command of Allah. Both mother and son lived for five days on the food and water they had until the water was completely finished. The mother ran frantically seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water for her son. Suddenly the fountain of Zamzam gushed miraculously near the feet of Hazrat Ismael. Sa’ee is included in the rites of Hajj and Umrah to commemorate this event of search and struggle.
"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.
" 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."
(Al-Qur’an 2 : 158)
(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"
"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.
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 Saee.
Al Masjid ul Haraam
Masjid al-Haram was built around the Kaaba and is the largest mosque in the world. It was first built under the leadership of the Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644) and has been developed continuously under several Muslim rulers. Omar, the first Caliph, ordered the demolition of some houses surrounding the Kaaba in order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and built a 1.5 meter high wall to delineate a large prayer area. -During the reign of his successor Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan (644-656), the prayer space was made bigger and was covered with a roof carried on wooden columns and arches. In 692, after Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan conquered Mecca from Ibn Zubayr, the guardian of the holy site, the outer walls of the mosque were raised, the ceiling was covered with teak and the column capitals were painted in gold. His son, al-Walid (705-715), contributed to the Mosque of al-Haram by replacing the wooden columns with marble ones and by decorating its arches with mosaics. Later, Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur (754-775) added mosaics to the columns. He also doubled the size of the northern and western wings of the prayer hall and erected the minaret of Bab al-Umra on the northwest corner. In 777, due to the growing number of pilgrims, Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi (775-785) ordered the rebuilding of the mosque, demolishing more houses around the Ka’ba. The new mosque enclosure centered on the Kaaba, measured 196 meters by 142 meters. It was built on a grid plan, with marble columns imported from Egypt and Syria, decorated with gilt teak wooden inlay. Al-Mahdi also built three minarets crowned with crenellations and they are placed above Bab al-Salam, Bab Ali and Bab al-Wadi of the mosque.
The first Kaaba was constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Ismail as a house of worship to the one true God. Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says in the Quran that this was the first house that was built for humanity to worship Allah (the Glorified and Exalted). Soon after Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) died, people started filling the Kaaba with idols. It was not until Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) defeated the idol-worshippers that the idols inside the Kaaba were destroyed.
Muslims around the world face the direction of the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. This is called facing the Qiblah.
As mentioned in this verse in the Quran, “Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Masjid al-Haram. And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.” [2:144]
Located near the Holy Kaaba, Maqam Ibrahim is a highly sacred place for the Muslims of all over the world. This Holy place has a unique historical significance because of its relation with the construction of Holy kaaba, the house of Almighty Allah. Muslims from all over the world visit this place while performing the Holy Pilgrimage of kaaba, offer prayers and seek forgiveness of Almighty Allah.
History of Maqam e Ibrahim
The Prophet Ibrahim (May Peace Be Up on Him) stood on this large block stone while he was constructing the Holy Kaaba. Islamic tradition says it was sent from the heavens, the stone used to move around, up and down as per the instructions of Prophet Ibrahim (May peace Be Upon Him), helping the Prophet of Allah to build the walls of Kaaba with the assistance of his son Prophet Ismail (May Peace Be Up on Him). After the completion of Kaaba, the stone was left besides the house of Allah on its Eastern side and remained there till the times of Umar, the second caliphate of the Muslims. It was then moved a bit away, towards the front of Kaaba (present location), as it was obstructing the performance of ‘Tawaf’ during Hajj. An amazing feature about this stone is that even after hundreds of years, the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (May Peace Be Up on Him) are fresh, visible and identifiable, one of the miracles of Prophet Ibrahim (May Peace Be Up on Him) and a sign of the oneness of Allah(SWT).
The Multazam is the area between the Hajar al-Aswad and the Door of the Ka’bah. It is measures at two metres wide and is a place where duas (supplications) are accepted.
The Multazam is an area where du’as are accepted. It is a sunnah to hold on to the wall of the Ka’bah in such a manner that a cheek, chest and hands are against the wall. It is reported that Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once completed the Tawaf, performed the salah and then kissed the Hajar al-Aswad. Thereafter, he stood between the Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Ka’bah in such a manner that the cheek, chest and hands were against the wall. He then said, “This is what I saw Rasulullah (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) do.”
Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says, “The signs of acceptance for any du’a made between the Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Ka’bah will certainly be seen.”
Mujaahid (may Allah be pleased with him) says, “The area between the Hajar al-Aswad and the door is called the Multazam. Allah will grant a person whatever he asks for there and save him from whatever he seeks refuge from there.”
Located within the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah (Saudi Arabia) is the blessed Well of Zamzam. It is situated 20 m (66ft) east of the Kaaba and is the holiest place in Islam. Islamic belief tells us that it is a miraculously generated source of water from God, which began thousands of years ago. Prophet Abraham's (Ibrāhīm) infant son Ishmael (ʼIsmāʻīl) was thirsty and kept crying for water. Millions of pilgrims visit the well each year to drink blessed Zamzam water from this well while performing Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.
Islamic tradition tells us that the Zamzam Well was revealed to (Hājar), the second wife of Abraham and mother of Ishmael. Allah (SWT) instructed Prophet Ibrahim to leave his wife and son at a place in the desert. After their provisions ran out Hajar was desperately seeking water for her infant son, but she was unable to find any, as Makkah is located in a hot dry valley with few sources of water. Hagar ran seven times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwah, looking for water. Getting thirstier by the second, the infant Ishmael scraped the land with his feet, where suddenly water sprang out. There are other versions of the story involving God sending his angel, (Jibra'il), who kicked the ground with his heel (or wing), and the water rose. The name of the well comes from the phrase ZomëZomë, meaning "stop flowing", a command repeated by Hagar during her attempt to contain the spring water.
Abraham rebuilt the House of Allah near the site of the well, a building which had been originally constructed by Adam and is known as the Kaaba, a building toward which Muslims around the globe face in prayer, five times each day.
Safa and Marwah are the two mountains between which Hajra (upon her be peace) rushed seven times to see if she could spot any water or anyone from whom she could get some in order to give to her infant Ismail (upon him be peace). This action is copied by all pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah and is known as Sa’ee. The strip of ground between Safa and Marwah is referred to as the Mas’aa.
Safa and Marwah are the well known for being the two mountains which Hajra (upon her be peace) rushed between seven times to see if she could find any water or anyone from whom she could get some provisions from in order to give to her infant son Ismail (upon him be peace). This action is replicated by millions of pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah and is act known as Sa’ee. The strip of ground between Safa and Marwah is referred to as the Mas’aa.
It is well known that the visit of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and give salutations is one of the greatest blessings and best acts of submission. The visitor must also intend to visit the prophet's mosque as we have been told that a prayer at Masjid Al-Nabawi is better than a thousand prayers in other mosques except for Al-Masjid al-Haram. The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said:
"Journeys are only set out for three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque and Al-Masjid al-Aqsa".
And Ibn Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
"Whoever visits my grave surely will receive my intercession".
While heading towards Madinah, the visitor should send blessings and salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) as much as possible and to ask Allah (swt) to make him get as much reward and blessings from his visit and to accept his deed, and he invokes: (O Allah! Open the gates of Your Mercy for me and grant me with the visit of Your prophet (peace be upon him) what you have granted Your allies and obedient worshippers, and pardon me and have mercy upon me. You are the best Grantor).
It is recommended to have a bath (Ghusl) before he enters Madinah, to wear his cleanest clothes and to summon the honour of Madinah.
When arriving at the door of the Prophet's Mosque (peace be upon him), he should step forward with his right leg first while entering and his left leg when leaving.
He enters and should go to Al-Rawda (the garden) (The area between the pulpit and the tomb has a green carpet, whereas the rest of the mosque has a red carpet). He prays two rak'as, then goes to the prophet's tomb and he stands in front of his honoured face (peace be upon him) at about four cubits (a cubit is 18 inches) from the wall of the honoured tomb, in absolute reverence. Then he salutes without raising his voice, but in a tone between a concealed and an audible voice, out of respect to the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The visitor invokes with all his heart lowering his gaze and voice in calmness and stillness:
"Peace be upon you Messenger of Allah, peace be upon you Prophet of Allah, peace be upon you the dearly loved by Allah, peace be upon you the best blessed among Allah's creatures, peace be upon you the favoured by Allah, peace be upon you chief of Messengers and the seal of the prophets, peace be upon you leader of "al-ghorr al-muhajaleen" (those who have white spots on their foreheads and are white-footed from prayers and ablution), peace be upon you and upon your sincere virtuous family, peace be upon you and upon your chaste wives, mothers of the believers, peace be upon you and upon all your companions, peace be upon you and upon all good servants of Allah. May Allah reward you Messenger of Allah on our behalf as best He rewarded a prophet and a Messenger for his nation, and may Allah send his blessings upon you whenever praisers mention you and unmindful people forget mentioning you. I testify there is no deity but Allah and I testify that you are His slave and Messenger, His faithful trustee and the best among his creatures. I testify that you have delivered the Message, and fulfilled the Trust, and advised the nation and struggled for the sake of Allah in the best way."
(He who doesn't have enough time for that or is unable to memorise the invocation, he may say some parts of the mentioned form)
If anyone entrusted him to salute Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) he should say: " Greetings to you, Messenger of Allah from so and so, son of so and so".
Then he moves about a cubit to the right and greets Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) and says : "Peace be upon you the Prophet's Caliph, peace be upon you companion of Allah's Messenger in the cave, peace be upon you his companion in travels, peace be upon you the keeper of his secrets. May Allah reward you for Islam and Muslims. O Allah! I ask You to be pleased with him and be pleased with us for him".
Then he moves about a cubit to the right and greets 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) saying: "Peace be upon you the leader of believers, peace be upon you by whom Allah supported this religion. May Allah reward you the best reward for Islam and Muslims. O Allah, I ask You to be pleased with him and be pleased with us for him".
Then he returns to the blessed Rawda (Garden) and prays and invokes as much as possible.
It is highly recommended to go to Al-Baqi' everyday especially on Friday morning after giving salutations to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him). When a person gets to Al Baqi they should say:
"Peace be upon you the home of the righteous believers, and we are - by Allah's will - your followers. O Allah! Forgive the dwellers of Al-Baqi', O Allah! Forgive us and them".
The visitor should pay a visit to Masjid Quba' to pray there as the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to go to Quba' riding and walking, where he used to pray there two rak'as. Preferably, this visit should be on a Saturday (if possible) as the Messenger (peace be upon him) used to go there every Saturday.
It is also advised to visit the martyrs of Uhud on a Thursday, especially the leader of martyrs Hamza(RA), the uncle of the prophet (peace be upon him).
It is recommended to pray all the prayers in Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet's mosque). Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the prophet (peace be upon him) said:
(A prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers in other mosques except for al Masjid Al-Haram).
It is recommended for the visitor when he wants to depart and travel to take leave of the Prophet's mosque by performing two rak'as and praying for what he likes then he comes to the Noble Prophets Presence (Al Hadra al-Sharifah), pays salutations as he has been doing with each visit and invokes with insistence, whole heartedly and earnestly as he says farewell to the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: "O Allah! Do not make this visit the last one to the Haram of Your Messenger (peace be upon him) and make my return to the two holy mosques an easy way by Your favor and grace, grant me pardon, good health and protection in this world and in the Hereafter and return us safely, sound and prosperous to our countries". And he says: "Not saying farewell Messenger of Allah".
Step 1 - Ihraam
1. Remove unwanted hair, trim moustache, clip nails etc.
2. Make full Ghusl (both) or at least make Wudu (ablution)
3. Before reaching the Meewat (boundary) put on the Ihraam clothes (white un sewn sheets for men; and regular clothes for women). Women must not let any cloth touch their face whilst in the state of ihraam.
4. Pray 2 Rakaats of Salaah- Avoid MAKROOH times. It is Sunnat to recite, Surah Kaafirun in the 1st Rakaat and Surah Ikhlas in the 2nd Rakaat after Surah Faatihah.
5. Make Niyyat (intention) for Umrah in any language: “Alla humma inni ureedul fa yas-sir haa lee wa taqabbal haa minni” (Oh Allah, I intend to perform Umrah; make it easy for me and accept from me)
6. Recite Talbiyyah: “labbayka Allaahuma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeyka laka labbayk, Innal-hamda wan-ni mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeyka lak. (Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partners, here I am Verily All praise and blessings, and all sovereignty, are yours, You have no partner)
7. Proceed to Masjid al- Haram, reciting the Talbiyyah, (men to recite loudly; women to recite quietly.
8. When reaching and entering the Masjid al- Haram, enter with your right foot and recite Du’aa for entering the Masjid.
9. On seeing the Ka’bah, say “Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallah”
Step 2 - Tawaaf
1. Before proceeding to the starting point of Tawaaf, corner with the Hajare Aswad (Black Stone), uncover the right sholder (men only) while making Tawaaf (this is known as idhtiba).
2. Make Niyyat for Tawaaf (can be made in any language) “ Oh Allah, I intend to perform Tawaaf; make it easy for me and accept it from me”
3. Face the Ka’bah with your whole body and recite: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar, wa lil laahil hamd” (“In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest and all praise is for Allah”). Touch and kiss the Hajare Aswad. If you cannot kiss or touch it, then hold the palms out towards the black stone and then softly kiss the palms without making a sound. This is called Istilam. Start your 1st circuit. Repeat “Bismillahi Allaahu Akbar” every time when starting a new circuit until all 7 circuits are complete.
4. Men should walk briskly (Raml) during the First 3 circuits. The remaining four circuits are done at a normal pace.
5. Perform Istilam for the 8th time to finish.
6. During Nafl Tawaaf, ONLY if possible face your head towards the Ka’bah and touch the Yamani corner with the right hand (the corner before Hajare Aswad) and say: “Bismillaahi, Allahu Akbar” During Umrah when in ihraam this is NOT done due to ltr applied there. Note: At no point should one turn his/her body towards the Ka’bah, this can only be done at the start and end of Tawaaf when making Istilam. Try to avoid touching the Ka’bah whilst in Ihraam due to ltr being applied on the Ka’bah.
7. Recite Qur’aam, make Du’aa or Dhikr etc, during Tawaaf. It is Sunnah to recite the following Du’aa between the Yamani corner and the corner with the Hajare Aswad during each circuit. “Rab-banaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanah was fil aakhirati hasanah waqina ‘azaaban naar” (o Allah, grant us goodness in the world, and goodness in the hearafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire).
8. After Nafil Tawaaf, if possible, stand between the door of the Ka’bah and Hajare Aswad and make Du’aa- This area is called Multazam- This is NOT done during Umrah due to ltr applied there.
9. Once Tawaaf is complete, (i) Cover your right sholder (ii) Offer 2 Rakaats anywhere in the Haram. It is Sunnah to recite, Surah Kaafirun in the 1st Rakaat and Surat Ikhlaas in the 2nd after Surah Faatihah.
10. Drink Zam Zam water- Make Du’aa when drinking Zam Zam.
11. It is desirable (Mustahab) to perform istilam for the 9th time before going to Sa’ee.
Step 3 - Sa'ee
1. Proceed to Mount Safa and make Niyyat (intention) of Sa’ee (this can be done in any language)
2. Ascend Mount Safa, face the direction of the Ka’bah and say: “Laa ilaaha il-lal laahu wal-laahu akbar” 3 times.
3. Raise the hands and facing the direction of Ka’bah, make as much Du’aa as possible.
4. From Mount Safa proceed to Mount Marwah.
5. Make Du’aa, Dhikr etc, along the way.
6. Men (only) should Jog/ Quicken their pace between the set of green lights- you may recite the Du’aa above.
7. When reaching the other Mount, again make Du’aa facing the direction of Ka’bah.
8. Going from one Mount to the other is counted as one circuit.
9. Return back to Safa- Go 7 time times total between Safa and Marwah repeating steps 5,6 & 7 (above).
10. Finish the 7th circuit at Marwah and make Du’aa.
Step 4 - Shaving head / Trimming hair
1 After completing Sa’ee, Men should shave off their hair (Halaq) or trim a minimum of 1 inch of the hair evenly all over (Qasr). Qasr is only permissible if your hair is more than 1 inch long- Women should gather the hair together and trim about 1 inch off the end of their plait, themselves. Men’s barber shops van be found in many places outside Haram.
REMOVE IHRAAM CLOTHES - UMRAH NOW COMPLETE
01 – Introduction to Hajj & Umrah
02 – Performing Umrah
