Umrah, also known as the lesser pilgrimage, is a significant act of worship in Islam. It is an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness, renew their faith, and earn spiritual rewards. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory and performed at a specific time of the year, Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at any time. This guide will walk you through the steps of performing Umrah, highlight the essential details, and provide the supplications (dua) to be recited at each stage.
Introduction to Umrah
Umrah consists of four main rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Tahallul. Each step has its own significance and specific supplications to be recited. Performing Umrah requires physical, mental, and spiritual preparation. Understanding the steps involved and the importance of each dua is essential to benefit from this spiritual journey fully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Umrah
1. Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It involves wearing specific clothing and making an intention to perform Umrah. For men, Ihram consists of two white, unstitched cloths, while women can wear any modest dress that covers their body, along with a headscarf.
Steps to Enter Ihram:
- Perform Ghusl (full body wash) and ablution (wudu).
- Wear the Ihram garments.
- Pray two Rak’ahs of Salah.
- Make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah by saying: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah).
- Recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk La Sharika Lak” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty are Yours, You have no partner).
2. Tawaf
Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It symbolizes the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God.
Steps for Tawaf:
- Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and make the intention for Tawaf.
- Kiss or touch the Black Stone if possible, or point towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Begin the Tawaf, moving counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
- Recite prayers and supplications during Tawaf. One common dua is: “Subhanallah walhamdulillah wala ilaha illallah wallahu akbar” (Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).
- Complete seven circuits, ending each at the Black Stone.
3. Sa’i
Sa’i is the ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This act commemorates Hagar’s search for water for her son Ishmael and is a demonstration of patience and trust in Allah.
Steps for Sa’i:
- Start at Safa. Make the intention for Sa’i and say: “Innasa’fa walmarwata min sha’a’irillah” (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
- Climb Safa, face the Kaaba, and make supplications.
- Walk towards Marwah, reciting prayers and supplications.
- At Marwah, face the Kaaba and make supplications.
- Repeat this seven times, ending at Marwah.
4. Tahallul
Tahallul marks the end of Umrah rituals and involves shaving the head for men or cutting a small portion of hair for women.
Steps for Tahallul:
- After completing Sa’i, men should shave their heads or trim their hair, while women should cut a small portion of their hair.
- This act signifies coming out of the state of Ihram.
Dua for Umrah
Dua plays a crucial role throughout the Umrah journey. Here are the specific supplications for each stage:
Dua for Ihram
- “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah).
- Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk La Sharika Lak” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty are Yours, You have no partner).
Dua for Tawaf
- Starting Tawaf: “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- During Tawaf: “Subhanallah walhamdulillah wala ilaha illallah wallahu akbar” (Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).
- Between Yemeni Corner and Black Stone: “Rabbana atina fiddunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhabannar” (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire).
Dua for Sa’i
- Starting Sa’i: “Innasa’fa walmarwata min sha’a’irillah” (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
- During Sa’i: “Rabbighfir warham wa’fu watakaram watajawaz ‘amma ta’lam innaka ta’lamu ma la na’lam innaka antal a’azzul akram” (My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the Most Generous and Noble. Forgive that which You know. Verily, You know what we do not know. You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous).
Dua for Tahallul
- “Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika” (O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty).
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience that requires devotion and understanding. By following the steps and reciting the appropriate dua at each stage, pilgrims can ensure they fulfill the rituals correctly and gain the maximum spiritual benefit. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you the blessings and rewards of this sacred journey.
