How To Perform Rituals of Umrah in Islam
The rituals of Umrah are an act of worship in Islam and an opportunity for Muslims to seek spiritual renewal and divine blessings.
The rituals of Umrah in the Shariah mean performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between hills Al-Safa and Al-Marwa, after assuming Ihram (a sacred state), from a Miqat.
Hajj, Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, yet it carries immense spiritual significance.
This journey to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia involves specific rituals rooted in Islamic tradition, symbolizing submission to Allah and purification of the soul.
For those planning their first rituals of Umrah or seeking to deepen their understanding, this guide article provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of the religious rituals.
What Are the Rituals of Umrah?
Umrah is a spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims to the city of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia.
A Muslim can perform rituals of Umrah at any time of the year.
It holds great spiritual significance and is often referred to as a minor hajj.
The rituals of Umrah, often referred to as the lesser pilgrimage, are deeply symbolic acts of devotion that Muslims perform in the city of Mecca (Makkah).
The journey begins with Ihram, a state of spirituality marked by donning simple white garments and making the intention (niyyah) for the ritual Umrah.
Pilgrims then proceed to the Kaaba, where they perform Tawaf, circling the sacred structure seven times in a counterclockwise direction while praying and supplicating.
After Tawaf, they perform Sa’i, walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water for her son, Ishmael.
Finally, the pilgrimage concludes with Tahallul, a symbolic act of humility where men shave (halq ) their heads or trim their hair, and women trim a small portion of their hair.
These rituals, though concise, embody the themes of devotion, equality, and submission to Allah.
Offering pilgrims a profound spiritual renewal.
Types of Umrah
The rituals of Umrah in Islam are the lesser pilgrimage, divided into two main types: Umrah Mufradah and Umrah Tamattu.
- Umrah al-Mufradah is performed independently of the Hajj and can be undertaken at any time of the year.
It includes a series of rituals such as Ihram (state of spiritual purity), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and Sa’i.
- Umrah al-Tamattu is performed as part of Hajj during the designated months, preceding the greater pilgrimage.
This type serves as a preparation for Hajj and is an integral component of the pilgrimage sequence.
Understanding these types is essential for Muslims planning their journey to the holy sites, as each has distinct rulings and spiritual significance.
Both forms offer believers a chance to seek Allah’s mercy and strengthen their connection with their faith.
A step-by-step guide to the rituals of Umrah in Islam.
Performing rituals Umrah includes a series of sacred rituals that reflect sincerity and obedience to Allah.
The rituals of Umrah include 4 steps:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Shaving or shortening the hair to end Ihram
1- Ihram to perform rituals of Umrah
The most important stage in entering the rituals of Umrah individuals is ihram garments the Ihram for the ritual Umrah, ghusl bodied, perfumes himself, and wears the Ihram attire.
It consists of a white Izar and a cloak, and the right shoulder is not exposed except during the Tawaf of Arrival only.
As for women wearing whatever clothes they want without any adornment, then pray (salah) two rak’ahs, and intend to enter Ihram for the ritual Umrah.
Then they say “Labbayk Umrah”, meaning the Niyyah (intention) of Umrah.
Make a sincere Intention (niyyah) to perform the ritual Umrah for the sake of Allah.
Then recite, “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, inna al-Hamd wa al-ni’mah laka wa al-mulk, la sharika laka.”
The man raises his voice, while the woman says it a little, then they increase the recite the Talbiyah and mention Allah.
2- Tawaf is a ritual of Umrah
When the pilgrim reaches the city of Makkah (mecca), he enters the Mousq haram with his right foot.
He begins 7 laps tawaf (circumambulate) around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone and saying, “In the name of Allah and Allah is the Greatest”.
And whenever he passes by the Black Stone in each circuit, he ends at it.
He touches the stone with his right hand and kisses it if possible and does not push him to it.
Or referred to it from a distance and mentions Allah and supplicates to Allah as he wishes.
When he reaches the Yemeni corner, he touches it without kissing it.
If it is not possible for him, he does not push him to it or point to it.
And he says between it and the Black Stone.
“Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire”.
During Tawaaf (circumambulating), the man exposes his right shoulder and walks quickly.
During the first three circuits, and in the rest, he walks as usual.
After a complete Tawaf.
He advances towards the station of our master Ibrahim and recites “And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
Then he prays behind him and recites Surat Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas after Al-Fatihah.
3- Perform sa’i in rituals of Umrah
The pilgrim exits to perform rituals of Umrah for Sa’i from the door of Al-Safa and ascends it facing the Ka’bah.
He recites the noble verse “Indeed, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.
So, whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them.
And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.”
Raise his hands in supplication and praises and glorify Allah.
He says “There is no god but Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.”
And he repeats it three times.
Then he descends from hills Al-Safa to Al-Marwa walking.
When he reaches the two green markers, he quickens his gait “trotting”, and this is for men only.
Walk as usual upon reaching the second marker and repeat the same in each round during Tawaf.
He ascends to Al-Marwa and says what he said on Al-Safa, and the circuit is considered another circuit, and vice versa.
He says during the Sa’i whatever he can of remembrance of Allah, supplication, or reading the Quran.
4- Release from Ihram by shaving or cutting the hair.
The man shaves or cuts the hair, and the woman should cut the ends of her hair on all sides.
Thus, the rituals of Umrah are completed.
He is released from Ihram completely and anything is permissible for him.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah in Islam?
Hajj and Umrah are both sacred pilgrimages to Mecca (Makkah), but they differ in their significance, timing, and rituals.
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory act of worship for every financially and physically able Muslim.
Millions of Muslims from worldwide gather in Saudi to perform it on specific days at the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
In contrast, Umrah is a non-mandatory but highly recommended act of worship that can be undertaken during the year.
The ritual Umrah must travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia Enter Al Masjid Al Haraam (Holy Mosque) and perform Tawaf – circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
The rituals of Hajj are more extensive, including standing at Arafat, stoning the Jamarat, and offering an animal sacrifice.
While rituals of Umrah consist of fewer rites, such as performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i.
Perform Both journeys hajj and umrah are deeply ritual and signify submission to Allah.
Performing Hajj holds a greater collective significance.
It gathers Muslims from around the world in a grand demonstration of unity and faith.
To enter the state of Ihram, pilgrims must make sure that beforehand he has cleaned their body.
What are the things that a pilgrim in ihram should avoid?
Things that a pilgrim in ihram should avoid:
1- Avoid shaving the head and cutting the nails.
2- Wearing perfume.
3- Sexual intercourse.
4- Touching the wife with lust.
5- Killing game.
6- Wearing sewn clothing for men only.
7- Wearing the niqab for women.
These things are forbidden for a pilgrim in the ihram until he is released from the ihram.