Umrah and Hajj are the most important pilgrimages in Islam. If you are thinking of performing Umrah and are seeking some help, then refer to, the following guide for first time Umrah performers. The following information has been taken from official sources such as, the Umrah and Hajj handbook. You can find all kinds of helpful information regarding the Umrah procedure in the following post. This is the most comprehensive guide for first time Umrah performers. Continue reading, complete these rituals perfectly and get rewarded with the blessings and benefits of Umrah. 

Virtues for Umrah Performers:

  • As per the Holy Scriptures, Umrah is the reparation of the sins committed. It can be done many times in a lifetime. Umrah cleanses the souls of the sinners that were tainted by the sins committed by them in the past.

  • It is advised to perform Umrah more than once in life. This will ensure that all your sins are atoned. Umrah is also believed to protect it's performers from poverty.

  • Umrah is one of the best deeds a Muslim can do for pleasing Allah. If Umrah is performed during the month of Ramadan, then it's rewards are equal to that of Hajj.

  • If a Muslim passes away during the journey of Umrah, he or she will be rewarded with "Jannat", meaning Paradise.

    •  Essential things to pack in your luggage for Umrah:

  • As the journey will span over a few days, your luggage must include some essential things. The most important documents that you must bring with you during Umrah include, your passport and it's photocopy, important contact numbers, cash, vaccination card, pocket Quran, dua book. You should also carry your prayer mat and a pair of sunglasses, as the weather might get really hot and the sun might be really bright.

  • Once you have entered the Ihram, you cannot use scented toiletries. Therefore, you should carry unscented hand sanitizers, creams, lotions, wet wipes, tissues and shaving material. You should also bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. However, if you are planning to stay at someplace that is well equipped with all these things, then you needn't bring them.

  • If you are on any medication that is needed regularly, don't forget to carry these with you. Some other small knick-knacks such as torches, snacks, shawls and sweaters, alarm clock should also be packed.

    • Steps to Perform: Umrah Procedures

    Before leaving your home, you should:

  • Take a full-body bath or Ghusl.

  • Before you set off, ensure that you have prayed in full for all the Salat that is due.

  • Make sure to read 2 Rakats from traveling Salah before you set out for traveling.

  • Say the Dua before leaving the house or the place of your stay. It’s believed that to say dua before starting your car or conveyance is ideal.

    • Once you have left your home, you should: 

  • Say Dua during traveling when the next Salat is due.

  • Keep reciting the name of Allah during traveling.

  • Fill your heart with love for Allah.

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    Rituals for Umrah:

    Given below are the four main rituals of Umrah that every devotee should perform:

  • Entering the Ihram

  • Tawaf in Kaaba
  • Sai between the hills of Marwah and Safa
  • Shortening or removal of hair

    • Importance of Ihram in Umrah Procedure:

    Ihram is a type of cloth that the male Muslim wears, as well as the state that the pilgrim enters once they have taken the plan to make Hajj or Umrah.

  • Once you pronounce your intention of performing Umrah and say the Talbiyah, you enter the state of Ihram.

  • Men will wear two sheets of white and un-stitched cloth. One is wrapped around the torso and the other is loosely draped around the bottom with a belt. The right shoulder is exposed. There are no special instructions for women.

    • Once you have entered the state of Ihram, you cannot do the following:

  • Cover the head (men) or face (women)

  • Cover the middle bone in the upper part of the feet.

  • Shave, cut hair, clip nails, use perfume, wear stitched clothes (men only), etc.

    • Once you have reached the city of Mecca, you have to be happy and recite the Talbiyah. You have to keep reciting it while entering the Masjid Al Haram. You have to keep your eyes fixed at Baitullah with the very first encounter of the Kaaba. Say the Dua and pray to Allah for your wishes with tears in eyes.

    Tawaf- Umrah Ritual

  • You have to complete the circumambulation this step. Expose your right shoulder while circumambulating the Kaaba. Carry out the ablutions or wudu. You have to stop reciting the Talbiyah upon reaching Hajr-e-Aswad. This is the starting point of Tawaf.

  • Stand in front of the Black Stone such that the whole Hajr-e-Aswad is on the right side. Then say the Niyyah without raising your hands.

  • Move towards the right and stand in front of the Black Stone. You can kiss it, touch it, touch it with a stick and then kiss the stick, or point towards it. ‘Islam’ is the act of kissing Hajar-al-Aswad or gesturing towards it at the start and the end of the circuit during the Tawaf.

  • Turn right and start counterclockwise circumambulation. Do not touch the Black Stone if there is perfume over it.

  • Don't turn your back towards the Kaaba during Tawaf. Men have to move their shoulders and walk-in quick short steps for the first three circuits. This is called Ramal.

  • The remaining four circuits can be done at a normal speed.

  • When the seven circumambulations are over, you have to do Islam and finish the Iztaba. Now you can cover both shoulders with the Ihram sheet.

  • Now come to Multazam and cling to it while crying and trembling in devotion to Allah. Ask for his blessings and fulfillment of your wishes. You can pray from a distance as well.

  • Proceed towards Maqam-e-Ibrahim and recite 2 Rakats of Nafl. Don't cover your head and do Sajda. You can also say the prayers anywhere in the mosque if there is a huge crowd.

  • Drink water from the Zamzam which is the best water in the world. Then pray to Allah.

    • Guide for first time Umrah performers – Sai:

  • Do the Istilam of the Black Stone again and point towards it. Move towards Safa and climb the hill. Say the Niyyah and come down from the Safa. Move towards Marwah and recite the prayer. You can read from the Umrah handbook or remember it.

  • When you have reached the two green pillars, men have to run between them. The women can walk at a normal pace. The total of seven rounds will be 3.5 Km.

  • When you are on the top of Marwah, face the Kaaba and repeat the prayer. Now, say the Rakat and keep your left foot out first while leaving the mosque.

  • Now, the men have to either clip their hair or completely shave them. Women have to just clip a lock of their hair.

    • This completes the guide for the first time Umrah performers. You can refer to the official handbook for more details regarding the Umrah procedure.

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