The Umrah Journey

Umrah is a special journey for every Muslim. It is an act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. It is a chance to pray, ask Allah for forgiveness, and become closer to Him.

People from many countries come to Makkah to perform Umrah. They wear simple clothes and worship together. This shows that all Muslims are equal before Allah. During Umrah, pilgrims remember the teachings of Islam and the history of the Prophets.

Umrah is not only a journey to a holy place. It is also a journey of the heart. It helps Muslims become more patient, thankful, and humble. It is a time to leave behind daily worries and focus on worship.

When you perform Umrah, do every step with a sincere heart. Pray to Allah, ask for His mercy, and remember Him often. After completing Umrah, many people return home with peace in their hearts and stronger faith.

Steps of Umrah

Step 1: Ihram

The first step of Umrah is Ihram.

Before entering Ihram, make your intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah. Then recite the Talbiyah.

Men wear two white pieces of cloth called Ihram. Women wear modest and simple Islamic clothing. After entering Ihram, pilgrims must follow the rules of Ihram until Umrah is completed.

Step 2: Tawaf

Tawaf means walking around the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. It is one of the main parts of Umrah.

How to Perform Tawaf

1. Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
2. Keep the Kaaba on your left side.
3. If possible, raise your right hand towards the Black Stone and say "Allahu Akbar."
4. Walk around the Kaaba while making dua, remembering Allah, or reciting the Quran.
5. When you reach the Black Stone again, one round is complete.
6. Repeat this until you complete seven rounds.

Step 3: Sa'i Between Safa and Marwa

After Tawaf, perform Sa'i by walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

This reminds us of Hajar (AS), who searched for water for her son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Allah blessed her with the well of Zamzam.

How to Perform Sa'i

1. Start at Safa.
2. Walk to Marwa.
3. Men should walk faster between the two green lights. Women continue walking at a normal pace.
4. When you reach Marwa, one trip is complete.
5. Walk back to Safa.
6. Continue until you complete seven trips, ending at Marwa.

Step 4: Shaving or Trimming the Hair

The last step of Umrah is cutting the hair. This shows that your Umrah is complete.

For Men

• It is best to shave the whole head.
• You may also trim the hair evenly.

For Women

• Cut about 1 to 2 centimetres from the ends of the hair.

Some pilgrims cut their hair after returning to their hotel or place of stay. However, the rules of Ihram continue until the hair has been cut.

May Allah Accept Your Umrah

Umrah is a beautiful journey of faith and worship. It brings peace to the heart and helps us become closer to Allah.

May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, answer your prayers, and bless you with a safe journey. Ameen.