As a scared act of worship, Umrah must be performed according to guidelines and rituals elaborate in the Qur'an and Sunnah. These rules are not only religious and spiritual requirements but also practically to ensure the respect and proper conduct of the pilgrimage. Understanding the rules and rituals of Umrah is very important —such as entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and completing with Halq or Taqsir —helps a pilgrim fulfill the rituals correctly. Each step of this religious journey carries spiritual importance.
General Rules of Umrah
Muslims must make sure that they fulfill the important requirements before travelling to holy journey:
• Muslim Faith: Only Muslim people are allowed to perform Umrah.
• Sanity and Maturity: A person who is mentally disable cannot perform the rituals correctly. Pilgrims must be of good mind and have reached puberty.
• Financial and Physical Ability: Pilgrims are required to have financial means to manage their expenses and be physically capable of undertaking the journey.
• Mahram for Women: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah removed the Mahram requirement for women over the age of 18, allowing them to travel for Umrah alone.
• Visa rules: Some certain conditions must be necessary to get a valid visa for Umrah, such as a valid passport for at least six months.
Essential Rituals of Umrah
There are four primary Umrah rituals, each with some specific instructions and details:
1. Ihram
The most important ritual in Umrah is Ihram. Without it, Umrah is not acceptable. It is based on specific clothes for Men and Women. More than just clothing restrictions, Ihram create a comprehensive spiritual agreement with Allah - including specific limitations on grooming, personal relations, and even arguments - all planned to grow Taqwa (God-consciousness).
Miqat: When a pilgrim crosses the place of Miqat, he/she must put on his/her Ihram. There are five Miqats in Saudi Arabia, depending on the pilgrim from coming which country.
Niyyah (Intention): Niyyah is not just a verbal declaration, but a hard-to-change resolve within the heart. This intention is crucial for the agreeing of the Umrah by Allah.
Clothing Rules:
• Men: Men wear only two white unstitched cloths – one wrapped around the waist and one over the shoulders.
• Women: Women wear modest clothing covering the entire body, not a fitted dress. Face and hands should remain uncovered during Ihram.
Forbidden actions during Ihram
• Cutting hair and nails
• Using perfumed products
• Wearing stitched clothing (for men)
• Engaging in marital relations
• Hunting or harming animals
• Arguing or using abuse language
2. Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba
Muslims encircle around the Kaaba seven times. This act of worship is a central part of pilgrimage devotion to Allah. It is physically showing love with Allah. When pilgrims perform Tawaf, they join millions of other believers in a beautiful, unified act of worship that has been happening for over 1,400 years.
Rules
• Pilgrims perform seven rounds around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction, starting from the Hajar al-Aswad and completing at the same place.
• Men should uncover their right shoulder during Tawaf.
• After completing Tawaf, pilgrims pray two Nawafil near Maqam Ibrahim or anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram.
3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
Sa'i is an important ritual of Umrah. In this ritual, pilgrims walk and run between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar's (AS) search for water.
Rules
• Start at Safa and end at Marwah.
• The total distance walked is approximately 3.5 kilometers.
• Men should walk quickly between the green markers, while women walk at a normal pace.
4. Halq or Taqsir
Halq or Taqsir is the last ritual of Umrah. After completing Sa’i, pilgrims must remove some portion of hair to express the completion of the Umrah.
Rules
• Men: They must shave their entire heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir). Shaving is more preferable.
• Women: They cut only a small portion of their hair (about an inch).
Prohibitions During Umrah
While performing Umrah, pilgrims must avoid:
• Disobeying Islamic laws
• Committing sins or immoral acts
• Neglecting prayers and supplications
• Causing harm to humans
Umrah Manners and Sunnah Practices
To collect maximum rewards, pilgrims should:
• Maintain patience and humility during the pilgrimage
• Recite the Quran and make Dua in your language
• Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in every ritual.
Umrah Rules for Women
• The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially removed the Mahram requirement for women over the age of 18, allowing them to travel for Umrah without a guardian.
• A woman is not allowed to perform Tawaf while menstruating or in a state of major ritual impurity. She must wait until she becomes pure, then perform Ghusl before continuing her Umrah.
• Women must wear a simple loose dress, non-transparent clothing covering the entire body except the face and hands.
• Women should recite the Talbiyah softly during Tawaf.
• Avoid pushing, loud behavior, or being in overly crowded spaces.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual and religious experience that requires following specific Islamic rules. By entering the Ihram, completing Tawaf and Sa’i, and shaving or trimming the hair, a pilgrim fulfills all rituals of Umrah. Following these guidelines ensures that the pilgrimage is accepted by Allah (SWT) and brings immense blessings. Pilgrims must know about these rules when they are going for Umrah in November or any other month with booking November Umrah Packages.
Write a comment ...