Umrah is a great spiritual experience and an opportunity to get closer to Allah (SWT) and cleanse oneself from sins. To perform Umrah correctly and acceptably, it is important to understand the steps of Umrah one by one to ensure the best spiritual experience and avoid mistakes during the rituals. Muslims need comprehensive preparation on the spiritual, physical, and logistical fronts. In this article, we provide a detailed guide on how to prepare for Umrah with steps and tips that help you perform the rituals easily and with devotion.
Learning the rituals of Umrah is essential as it allows you to clearly understand the steps of Umrah, which will give you peace of mind while performing Tawaf and Sa’i. Proper preparation helps you avoid urgent problems like forgetting essential items or poor organization. Through good planning, you can focus on worship and performing the rituals without worry or distraction.
Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness
Before embarking on Umrah, a Muslim should begin by purifying their heart with sincere repentance and asking Allah for forgiveness for their sins. Umrah is an opportunity to renew the covenant with Allah and seek His mercy.
Learning the Rituals of Umrah
Knowing the steps and rulings of Umrah is essential. You can consult guides, watch instructional videos, or attend religious lectures to explain the rituals in a simple and precise manner.
Reciting Supplications and Remembrances
Memorizing the supplications associated with Umrah rituals adds more devotion during the performance of the rituals. Be sure to recite the remembrances that can be recited during Tawaf and Sa’i.
Sincere Intention
Renewing your intention and ensuring it is pure for the sake of Allah is one of the most crucial steps. The intention is the first step towards an accepted Umrah.
Medical Check-up
It is advisable to undergo a thorough medical check-up before traveling to ensure you are in good health. If you suffer from chronic illnesses, make sure to inform your doctor and inquire about the precautions needed during the trip.
Getting Vaccinations
Make sure to get the necessary vaccinations such as meningitis and flu vaccines. These precautions are important to protect you from diseases while traveling.
Improving Physical Fitness
Since Umrah requires walking long distances, it is advised to practice walking daily before your journey. This helps improve your physical fitness and reduces fatigue during the rituals.
Carrying Personal Medications
If you depend on daily medication, be sure to take enough with you and place it in a bag that is easy to access.
Essential Items to Bring
Packing your travel bag according to the steps of Umrah ensures that you carry everything you need at each stage, from Ihram to Tahallul.
Ihram Clothing
Ihram for men consists of two pieces of unstitched white cloth, while women can wear clothes that adhere to the religious guidelines. Make sure the clothes are clean and comfortable.
Comfortable Shoes
Choose comfortable and lightweight shoes suitable for long-distance walking.
Small Bag
Use a small bag to carry essential items such as a water bottle, mobile phone, personal medications, and some money.
Personal Hygiene Items
These include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and wet tissues. These items are necessary to maintain personal hygiene during the journey.
Small Qur'an
Carry a small Qur’an with you or use a Qur’an app on your phone to recite the Qur'an while waiting.
Setting a Clear Budget
Carefully determine the costs of the trip, including airfare, accommodation, transport within Mecca and Medina, and food. It is also a good idea to keep some extra money aside for emergencies.
Currency and Money
Carry enough cash in Saudi Riyals to cover your daily expenses. Also, make sure your credit cards work in Saudi Arabia.
Shopping for Gifts
If you plan to buy gifts, allocate a part of your budget for that, and avoid overspending.
While performing the rituals, adhering to the steps of Umrah as outlined in the Sunnah ensures the validity of the worship and helps you focus on the spirituality of the experience.
Patience and Calmness
Umrah is an act of worship that requires patience, especially with the large number of pilgrims. Always remember that the main purpose is to get closer to Allah.
Following Instructions
Make sure to follow the instructions from the authorities inside the Haram to avoid any confusion or disruption.
Taking Time to Rest
While performing the rituals is important, be sure to take sufficient breaks to avoid exhaustion.
Utilizing Technology
Use mobile apps that offer guidance on the rituals, locations of the Haram, and supplications.
Umrah on Behalf of Others
Umrah can be performed on behalf of someone who is unable to perform it due to illness, old age, or any health condition that prevents them from performing the rituals themselves. Umrah on behalf of others is permissible in Islamic law, where a capable person performs the Umrah for someone who is permanently unable to do so. This type of Umrah is often undertaken on behalf of elderly parents or a sick relative. It is important to perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased or ill person with the intention of drawing closer to Allah. This is considered a righteous act that rewards the one performing it with great reward.
If you plan to perform Umrah during the month of Ramadan, here are some tips:
Avoiding Crowds: Try to choose less crowded times such as late-night hours.
Proper Nutrition: Eat light and nutritious meals during Iftar and Suhoor to maintain your energy.
Psychological Preparation: Since Umrah during Ramadan can be crowded, mentally prepare yourself to deal with the large number of worshippers.
Umrah for Children and Elderly
For Children:
Prepare a small bag with snacks and water.
Use a stroller if necessary to ease their movement.
For the Elderly:
Provide a wheelchair if they have difficulty walking.
Make sure to carry necessary medications and medical supplies for them.
Umrah is not only an act of worship but also a spiritual experience that enhances inner peace and provides a sense of lightness and tranquility. Along with the spiritual benefits, the Tawaf and Sa’i rituals are also beneficial physical activities that improve blood circulation and physical fitness.
By adhering to the steps of Umrah and proper preparation, you can make your journey to the Holy Kaaba a rich spiritual experience free from complications.
What should be said during Umrah in detail?
During Umrah, it is recommended to recite supplications and remembrances. Here’s what is said during various stages of Umrah:
At Ihram:
Intention: "Labbayk Umrah" or "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah."
Tahlil: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk La Sharika Laka Labbayk, Inna al-Hamda wal-Ni’ma Laka wal-Mulk, La Sharika Laka." Repeat the Tahlil until reaching Mecca.
During Tawaf:
You can say: "Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, La Ilaha Illa Allah, Allahu Akbar."
Recite short Surahs from the Qur'an.
Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone: "Rabbana Atina Fi Dunya Hasana wa Fi Al-Akhira Hasana wa Qina Adhab Al-Nar."
During Sa’i between Safa and Marwah:
When climbing Safa and Marwah: "Inna Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’a’ir Allah, Abda’u bima Bada’a Allah."
Say any personal supplications during Sa’i.
You can say: "La Ilaha Illa Allah Wahdahu La Sharika Lahu, Lahu al-Mulk wa Lahu al-Hamd wa huwa ‘ala Kulli Shay’in Qadeer."
What are the pillars of Umrah in order?
The pillars of Umrah are the essential acts that must be performed for the Umrah to be valid:
Ihram:
The intention to enter the ritual with the Tahlil.
Tawaf:
Performing seven rounds around the Kaaba.
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah:
Seven rounds between Safa and Marwah.
Shaving or Shortening Hair:
Shaving the head or trimming the hair for men, and shortening the hair for women.
What should I say when starting the Tawaf?
When starting Tawaf from the Black Stone, say:
"Bismillah, Allahu Akbar."
"Allahumma Imanan Bika wa Tasdiqan Bikitabika wa Wafa’an Bi ‘Ahdika wa
