COMPLETE UMRAH GUIDE 2023

Ihram

Tawaf

Sa’i

Halq or Taqsir

Beginning the sacred journey of Umrah provides an exceptional chance to beg forgiveness for past mistakes and obtain immediate benefits from the Almighty. This act of love necessitates complete dedication and careful planning. Before embarking on this spiritual journey to the holy towns of Makkah, it is critical to appropriately prepare oneself and understand the necessary steps required.

This thorough article is designed to provide pilgrims with an in-depth understanding of the necessary Umrah steps, drawing on expert insights and assistance.

Umrah stands as a profoundly revered journey for Muslims, carrying immense religious significance. This spiritual pilgrimage encompasses a series of sacred rites to be conducted in the vicinity of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

The fundamental steps integral to the performance of Umrah are as follows:

Ihram Preparation

Prior to entering the state of Ihram (a sacred state of purity and intention for the pilgrimage), individuals take a ritual bath (ghusl), apply unscented perfume, and don the two seamless white garments for men – typically two pieces of unstitched cloth – while women can wear their ordinary, modest clothing.

Niyyah-Intention

Pilgrims define their objective and begin their trip toward the Kaaba in Mecca with true intention and a proclamation of desire to conduct Umrah.

The purity of intention is the most important part of your Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage. It is critical that these sacred excursions be conducted only for the purpose of pleasing Allah with no ulterior reasons such as seeking acclaim from others, escaping work stress, or using it as a holiday.

Tawaf

When pilgrims arrive at Masjid al-Haram, they begin the Tawaf rite by circumambulating the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.

This ritual represents Muslims’ oneness and devotion to the Almighty. It reaffirming your commitment to seek Allah’s pleasure on a regular basis serves as a source of strength, cultivating a profound and unwavering connection with the Divine throughout your spiritual journey.

During the first three circles of Tawaf, men do “Al-Idhtibaa” by draping the upper Ihram garment over their left shoulder and leaving the right shoulder naked, while keeping faster pace (Raml).

Pilgrims do two units of voluntary prayer near the Maqam Ibrahim after completing Tawaf. It is where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) stood when building the Kaaba.

Sa’i

Pilgrims walk and jog seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah to represent Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma’il.

Halq or Taqsir

After Sa’i, you must have your hair shaved or trimmed by at least an inch in order to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. It is more virtuous for a man to have his head shaved completely.

There are a number of licensed barbershops in Makkah, which are open 24 hours a day and generally only close during Salah times. There are many barbershops in the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex and al-Safwa Towers. You will also see many barbers located outside the Marwah door after you finish Sa’i.

Alternatively, you may shave or trim your own hair in order to come out of the state of Ihram.

What you need to learn more

Umrah is a very personal and spiritual journey that emphasizes dedication, humility, and seeking closeness to the Divine for each individual. Thus, it is important to understand the process and steps in brief and seek guidance from experienced individuals, for guidance you can also check apps like IMO, Nushak, Umrah2023 etc.

The physical rites are significant, but so the appropriate guidance. Thus, below is the comprehensive list of apps you have before embarking your Umrah journey:

• Nushak – Official app run by Saudi government for guidance.
• IMO – Best app for Communication, it also suggests the best package and their experienced team also helps you for providing the most descriptive guidance.
• Google & Apple Maps – Best and easy to use for Navigation.
• Uber & Careem – Best Saudi Transportation apps, having the biggest cab network.