Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage in Islam, compared to Hajj. It’s voluntary, taking place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and can be performed throughout the year, unlike the annual Hajj.

Anyone who proceeds with this spiritual journey purifies their body, heart, soul and mind from their past sins.

Depending on ability and capacity in the masjid, Umrah can be performed in as little as 45 minutes upto 3 hours.

Umrah holds significant spiritual value. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him highlighted its importance, stating that it serves as an expiation for sins committed between consecutive Umrahs, enhancing one’s piety and spiritual growth.

Reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan:
1. The Prophet blessings and peace be upon him said: “Performance of Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj”, or he said: “Equal to performance of Hajj with me”
2. This virtue extends to all the days and nights of Ramadan
3. The pilgrim must perform his Umrah at the time allotted to him as shown by the reservations in the official Umrah applications

A Muslim may perform Umrah at any time. However, there are important criteria for determining the appropriate time for Umrah for each person:

• It is better for the pilgrim to choose the less crowded times so that they can perform the rituals of Umrah, go near the Haram, and pray there with ease.
• There is a special merit for Umrah in the month of Ramadan. The Prophet’s blessings and peace be upon him said: “Performance of Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj”, or he said: “Equal to the performance of Hajj with me”.
• Pilgrims must perform Umrah at the time allotted to them, according to their reservations on the official Umrah apps.
• Umrah is not allowed during the Hajj season, for those who do not intend to combine it with Hajj, to keep the Sacred sites available for pilgrims, because they are more deserving of those sites than others at that time.
• Those entering the Kingdom on any type of visa can go to Makkah to perform Umrah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, amplifies the rewards of Umrah. Undertaking it during this time is believed to grant blessings equivalent to performing Hajj alongside the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing its special significance.

Reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan:
1. The Prophet blessings and peace be upon him said: “Performance of Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj”, or he said: “Equal to performance of Hajj with me”
2. This virtue extends to all the days and nights of Ramadan
3. The pilgrim must perform his Umrah at the time allotted to him as shown by the reservations in the official Umrah applications

Women can partake in all of the rituals and expect the same level of reward as men, but need to follow a few rules while completing these. For example:

• The Talbiyah (ٱلتَّلبِيَة) is an essential part of Umrah and Hajj repeated by men and women – but while male pilgrims invoke the Talbiyah loudly, women are supposed to lower their voice.
• The Raml (رمل) is an emphasised sunnah for male pilgrims in the first three rounds of tawaf, which involves running with medium pace during Tawaf. Women do not need to engage in this ritual as it is specifically for men.
• Likewise, during Sa’ee, women will also not run between the two green posts.
• Women must have a mahram accompanying them to travel to perform Umrah.
• When the rituals of Umrah have been fulfilled, men can choose to have their heads shaved (halq), or trimmed (taqsir), whereas women will not do halq, but trim their hair the length of a fingertip to leave ihram.

Mahram is an Arabic word that refers to a male guardian who is a close relative of a woman. A mahram can be a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, or son.

The purpose of a mahram is to protect and accompany women on their journey, especially during Hajj and Umrah. Islam emphasizes the importance of a mahram for the safety and security of women.

It is mandatory for a woman to have a mahram while performing Umrah. According to Islamic law, a woman cannot travel alone without a mahram. The reason for this rule is to ensure the safety and security of women.

According to the Umrah rules for ladies, women who are over 45 years of age can perform Umrah without a mahram as long as they travel with an organized group or with their family members. Women who are under 45 years of age are required to have a mahram to accompany them. This rule applies to all Muslims around the globe, including those residing in the UAE.

Women’s Ihram is different from that of men. It supposed to a loose robe covering the entire body. Unlike men’s Ihram, in which a shoulder needs to be exposed when performing tawaf, Women’s Ihram involves complete coverage of their bodies at all times.

The loose-fitted robe may have buttons or seams, but it must be free of colours of adornments. It must either be white or black. Women’s hands should remain exposed and they aren’t permitted to wear niqabs to cover the face. If a woman chooses to keep their face veiled, they can wear a hat that keeps the veil away from their face while also keeping it covered. Also, women pilgrims need to use footwear that covers their entire feet.

Women performing Umrah are subject to similar rules to men but there are also additional ones to be aware of. Similar to men, physical relations with ones spouse and killing or harming animals are prohibited during Umrah as well as swearing, fighting or backbiting.

Other rules, more particular to women includes the fact that women undergoing mesntruation must not partake in Umrah and it is best to try to plan your Umrah around this and perhaps avoid visiting the Haram while pregnant in case of postnatal bleeding.

Women cannot marry a person during pilgrimage and during Tawaf and Sa’ee, they should try to stay an appropriate distance away from crowds of men that are not their mahrams. During Tawaf, the Talbiyah should not be professed loudly. The last ritual of Hajj or Umrah is Taqsir and women are only required to cut an inch off while men shave their heads completely.

In the sacred state of Ihram, makeup and perfume is prohibited and apart from the hands and face, ones entire remainder of the body must be loosely and modestly covered.

Reciting the Talbiyah:

Women should recite the talbiyah audibly but in a lower voice in comparison to men. The volume in which the talbiyah is said is not necessarily a sign of spiritual connection. Rather, this comes from responding to the call of Allah with sincerity.

Running between the Green Light:

Practically, running between the green lights during Sa’ee may not always be possible and it is perfectly acceptabl for for a women to walk at her pace during sa’ee which reduces the chance of collisions and disruptions with other people.

Leaving Muzdalifah:

During difficulties that make it difficult to stay for Muzdalifah overnight makes it permissable to leave Muzdalifah early. In fact, Sawdah (RA) left Muzdalifah early in a hadith as she was slow in working. It will be best to follow the guidance of the tour operator.

The Hady:

The Hady is an animal sacrifice conducted on the 10th of Dhull Hijjah which women can perform if logistically possible. Oftentimes, the tour operator will do so on behalf.

Kissing the Black Stone:

Nowadays there are many crowds around the Black Stone which makes it difficult for both men and women to kiss the Black Stone and this difficulty could make it more advisable against women doing so. It is perfectly acceptable to raise ones hand, indicating that you are kissing the Black Stone. If the opportunity arised where the guards allowed for a window to kiss the Black Stone, this could also be used.

Giving Salam to the Prophet (SAW):

One way to give Salam to the Prophet (SAW) is to face the Prophet’s tomb (which would be facing the mosque) and give the salam from the outside and this can be done as many times as the mosque is passed. Another way to do is within the mosque. The Saudi Arabia minsitry may have different rules on visitiation so it is best to discuss this with the group leader. The Prophet’s (SAW) tomb must be approached in a humble state and the likelihood of crowds should be anticipated. In reaching rawdah, one can pray 2 rakats of tahiyatul masjid and give a simple salam and make dua.

When you arrive at a Saudi airport:

• You need to declare in a specific form:
• Any amounts exceeding SAR 60,000, or its equivalent.
• Gifts in commercial quantities exceeding SAR 3,000.
• Do not carry banned items. For details, see the list of banned and restricted items on the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority website.

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Umrah Visa

• Umrah visas may be issued all year round
• The Umrah visa is valid for 30 days. Once your visa has been issued, you have 30 days to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Once you have entered, you can stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days. Please confirm this with your travel agency before booking as the Saudi Hajj Ministry sometimes reduces the stay validity to 15 days, particularly during the months of Ramadan and Shaban.
• As of 2020, you will need to pay about £250 / $330 for an Umrah visa. You may also perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa, provided you are from one of 49 eligible countries, at a cost of about £110 / $140.

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Passport

The Saudi Arabian government stipulates that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure. If it’s due to expire within this period, ensure you extend it or apply for a new passport well in advance. Please contact the relevant passport issuing authority in your country for more information. It normally takes a few weeks for a new passport to be issued or extended, unless you can take advantage of a fast-track service that expedites the process. If you’re not a citizen of the country that you’re a resident in, the same rule also applies and your travel agent should be able to inform you of any additional requirements.

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Passport-Sized Photos

You’re required to provide a recent passport sized photograph with a white background. The photo must be a full-face view rather than a side or angled view. Your travel agent may ask you to provide more than one for any additional documentation, for example for the group ID card.

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Proof of Vaccination

All pilgrims from all countries must produce a valid certificate of vaccination against quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal meningitis. This certificate must be signed by an authorised medical professional. Proof of vaccination must be submitted no less than 10 days prior to your arrival in Saudi Arabia. A visa won’t be issued without this certificate.

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Round-Trip Ticket

A round-trip ticket to Saudi Arabia with confirmed reservations is required prior to a visa being issued.

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Proof of Religion (for Converts)

If you have recently converted to Islam, you may be required to submit signed certification issued by an acceptable Muslim authority, such as the Imam of your local mosque, to verify that you’re Muslim. Since non-Muslims can’t enter Makkah and Madinah, this document is of vital importance, particularly if you don’t have a Muslim name on your passport. Your travel agent should be able to provide you with further details regarding this.

Ihram (Arabic: إحرام) refers to the sacred state a pilgrim must enter before carrying out the rites of Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrim must enter into this state after cleansing the body, wearing the prescribed attire and making the intention, before crossing the designated Miqat.

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Meaning of Ihram

The word Ihram is derived from the Arabic verb harama (Arabic: حرم), which means “to be forbidden”. It refers to a state of purity the pilgrim is required to be in to perform Hajj, Umrah or both before entering the perimeter of Makkah. After having made the intention for Ihram, the pilgrim must abide by its prohibitions. An individual in the state of Ihram is known as a Muhrim, literally meaning “one who has made things forbidden upon himself.” The two-piece garment worn by men is also referred to as the Ihram.

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Significance of Ihram

Ihram is a state of purity, both in mind and body. It is foremost a state of mind, whereby a spiritual relationship with God is established and the vanities of the world are renounced. Hajj is an egalitarian rite in the sense that all of humanity, irrespective of gender, sect, ethnic origin, rank or wealth, is equal before God. The Ihram attire, two pieces of white, unstitched cloth, removes all semblance of social, cultural and political differences for the sake of equality before God.

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When to Enter into Ihram

Ihram must be assumed before crossing the Miqat boundary. If the Miqat is crossed without having entered into the state of Ihram, a penalty will be due in atonement, although the Hajj or Umrah will remain valid. According to the Hanafi school of thought, it is more meritorious to enter into Ihram while starting the Hajj journey from one’s hometown, while the Maliki and Hanbali schools affirm that assuming Ihram before the point of Miqat is more virtuous.

Assuming you choose to enter into Ihram before the point of Miqat and you’re travelling by air, you will have different options on where you can change into your Ihram attire, depending on the airline you’re flying with.

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Flight with a non-Islamic Airline

If you’re flying with an airline such as British Airways, there will be no facilities onboard where you’ll be able to pray or get changed, so you should put on your Ihram at the airport prior to departure. It would be wise to check in first before getting changed in the prayer room or in the bathroom. You should pronounce your intention and recite Talbiyah on the plane as the Miqat approaches to enter into the state of Ihram.

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Flight that has one or more stops

If you’re not flying directly to Saudi Arabia and you’re going to stop over in another country for a period of time, you’re advised to change into the Ihram during the stopover at the airport, before your departure to Saudi Arabia.

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Visiting Madinah First

Depending on your package, you may go to Madinah for several days before departing for Makkah to perform Hajj or Umrah. If this is the case, you mustn’t assume Ihram prior to or during your journey. You may wear normal clothing until you’re ready to leave Madinah with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah in Makkah, at which point you must enter into the state of Ihram. You may assume Ihram at your hotel in Madinah or at the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. The taxi/coach will stop at the mosque on the way so you won’t need to worry about informing the driver of the detour.

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Entering Ihram

Preparation

Prior to wearing the Ihram attire, you should be in a state of physical purity and take care of your personal hygiene at home, as instructed by the Prophet ﷺ. Abu Hurayrah I narrates:

You should then perform Ghusl, a highly recommended act for those intending to assume Ihram. It is Sunnah for every man, woman and child, including those women experiencing menses or post-natal bleeding, to bathe prior to donning the Ihram garments. A woman experiencing menstruation may fulfil all the rituals of Hajj except Tawaf of the Kaaba and the two Rakahs of Nafl accompanying it. Abdullah ibn Abbas I narrates:

A woman experiencing menstruation or post-natal bleeding should take a bath, enter Ihram and perform all the rites of Hajj except circumambulation of the House, until she becomes pure.²

It is Makruh to neglect the Ghusl without a valid reason. If for whatever reason, Ghusl can’t be performed, Wudhu should be carried out.

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Ihram for Men

Men should remove any clothing that is stitched or tailored to fit the shape of the body such as shirts, trousers, vests and underwear before entering the state of Ihram. You may delay removing any clothing that violates the conditions of Ihram such as underwear until the point of Miqat, at which stage the intention for Ihram should be made.

The Ihram attire consists of two white, simple pieces of cloth known as the Izar, which wraps around the waist covering the lower body, and the Rida, which is draped over the shoulders covering the upper body like a shawl. Shoes/sandals may be stitched or unstitched, but mustn’t cover the heel and ankle bones. The Hanafi school of thought also stipulates that the top part of the foot (specifically the instep area where the shoelace is normally tied) should also remain uncovered.

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Ihram for Women

Women are not required to conform to a specific dress code and are free to wear what they please. Needless to say, clothing should be normal, modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any colour. Socks may be worn but the hands and faces must be uncovered.

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Salah al-Ihram

After changing into your Ihram, it is Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah al-Ihram before making the intention to enter into the state of Ihram, by consensus of all four schools of law. This should be performed before the Miqat has been crossed. Provided it isn’t one of the prohibited times for prayer, observe the Salah with the intention of performing two Rakahs Nafl for Ihram.

If any other prayer is performed after changing into the Ihram attire and before pronouncing the intention, whether it is obligatory or Sunnah (such as the two Rakahs Salah for the greeting of the mosque), it will account for this prayer, even if there is no intention to do so.

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Niyyah

The Niyyah should be made at the Miqat or close to the Miqat as you move towards it. The intention must be made from the heart although it is also Mustahabb to utter the Niyyah verbally in Arabic or in your native language.

It is also recommended to stipulate the purpose of Ihram while making the intention, specifying whether it is for Hajj or Umrah. If you’re performing Hajj, you should also indicate the type of Hajj you intend to carry out.

The following are some examples of intentions that can be made in Arabic:

Niyyah for Umrah

This Niyyah is to be made if you’re performing Umrah during any time of the year, or Umrah as part of Hajj al-Tamattu. If you’re performing Hajj al-Tamattu, an intention for the Hajj will be made at a later stage.

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
Labbayka llāhumma ‘umratan.

O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

After making your intention, recite the Talbiyah.

Words of the Talbiyah

The Sunnah method of reciting the Talbiyah is to briefly pause at four places, indicated by the dashes. The words are as follows:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ –

Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.

At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty is Yours. You have no partner.

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Manner of Reciting the Talbiyah

Men should recite the Talbiyah audibly, whereas women should recite it softly to the extent that it is loud enough to be heard by herself or someone next to her. It is Mustahabb to send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ and to supplicate after reciting the Talbiyah.

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When to Recite Talbiyah

The Talbiyah should be recited as much as possible throughout Hajj and Umrah, whether you’re standing or sitting, in a vehicle or walking, whether you’re with or without Wudhu and in the case of women, whether you’re in a state of menstruation or not.

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Timings of Talbiyah

Umrah pilgrims should start reciting the Talbiyah after Ihram is assumed and continue up until the Hajar al-Aswad is kissed, touched or saluted at the beginning of Tawaf al-Umrah.

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Virtues of the Talbiyah

Jabir ibn Abdullah I narrates:

There is no Muhrim who exposes himself to the sun all day for the sake of Allah, reciting the Talbiyah until the sun goes down, but his sins will disappear and he will be as he was on the day his mother bore him.

Sahl bin Sa’d I narrates:

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘There is no Muslim who says the Talbiyah except that – on his right and left, until the end of the land, from here to there – the rocks, or trees, or mud say the Talbiyah.

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After the Talbiyah

Once the intention has been made and the Talbiyah has been uttered, you will have entered the sacred state of Ihram. A pilgrim in the state of Ihram is known as a Muhrim. As a Muhrim, you must be aware of the prohibitions of Ihram. You must also be conscious and mindful of God on all occasions, exercise patience and exhibit good character.

‘Tawaf’ is an Arabic word that linguistically means ‘to encircle something’ or ‘to walk around.’ It is one of the most essential rites of both, the major pilgrimage (Hajj) and minor pilgrimage (Umrah).

In Islam, Tawaf means encircling the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise motion, ensuring that each round starts and ends at Hajar-Aswad (Black Stone). Keep reading to learn the types of Tawaf in detail.

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What is Tawaf al-Umrah?

• Tawaf al-Umrah is performed by pilgrims who have come to Makkah with the intention to perform Hajj al-Tamattu or Umrah outside of the Hajj season.
•  Tawaf al-Umrah should be performed in the state of Ihram along with Rami and Idtiba. Pilgrims usually carry out the rituals of Tawaf al-Umrah while performing Umrah, after which they perform Sai. Note that your Umrah will be invalid without Tawaf al-Umrah.

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How to Perform Tawaf?

The method to perform different types of Tawaf stays the same. We’ll take you through the steps to perform Tawaf, as prescribed by the Holy Prophet s:

• Before heading to Masjid Al-Haram, be sure to observe ablutions, including wudhu and cleaning oneself from all major and minor impurities.
• Both men and women must ensure that their private body parts are covered. For men, this means the part of the body between their navel and knees, while women should have their entire body covered except for the face and hands.
• Enter the state of Ihram at one of the Meeqats. This includes both wearing the Ihram clothing and making the niyat for Umrah or Hajj.
• Whether you intend to perform Umrah or Hajj, you’ll be performing Tawaf right after entering Masjid-Al Haram.
• All pilgrims begin and end their Tawaf at Hajr Al-Aswad (the black stone). Stand facing the Ka’abah with the black stone on your right and make the intention to perform Tawaf solely to please Allah.
• If possible, kiss the sacred stone. If you can’t get close to it due to the crowd or COVID-19 restrictions, stand facing the black stone, anywhere on the Tawaf line and gesture toward the stone with your right hand once. When doing this, recite ‘Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar’ and begin your first circle in the anti-clockwise direction.
• Men should observe Idtiba and Raml. Idtiba is the practice of keeping the right shoulder uncovered during the Tawaf. You’ll be wearing Ihram clothing, so pass the upper Ihram garment from under your right armpit, allowing it to hand from your left shoulder. Raml, on the other hand, is the act of walking quickly (for men) during the first three rounds of Tawaf like a warrior would during a war. This means you’ll lift your legs forcefully and stick out your chest while walking fast. For the rest of the four rounds, you’ll walk in your normal way. Both Idtiba and Raml are the Sunnah of the Prophet s.
• When performing Tawaf, be careful not to enter the Hateem area. This portion forms part of the Holy Ka’abah, which is why you need to be encircling it rather than entering it. Any circle made through the Hateem won’t count as Tawaf.
• While you should complete the Tawaf in a continuous manner, you must join the congregation prayer when it begins, and resume your Tawaf after the prayers. You can continue from where you left; no need to start the rounds all over again.
• One round completes when you return to Hajr Al-Aswad. Every time you reach the black stone, perform Istilam or gesture toward it. Upon returning to the stone after completing seven rounds, you’ll perform the gesture the eighth time.
• Upon completing the Tawaf, leave the state of Idtiba by covering your right shoulder with your Ihram clothing.
• After completing your Tawaf, head to Maqam-e-Ibrahim to offer two rakats Salah al-Tawaf. Since the place is located within Mataf (the area where tawaf is carried out), it may be too crowded to perform salah there. In that case, you may perform Salah al-Tawaf anywhere in Masjid Al-Haram.

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Duas to Recite During Tawaf

During your Tawaf, you may recite various duas, supplications, and prayers. Once your Umrah package is finalised, you should spend the bulk of your time learning the various duas to recite on Umrah. Tawaf is one of the acts of worship when duas are accepted. It’s not necessary to pray in Arabic; you may pray in your own language. However, it’s highly recommended not to miss the duas that the Prophet used to pray. Here are some duas to recite during the Tawaf, as prescribed by the Sunnah of the Prophet:

– – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –

Dua 1: When commencing your Tawaf while facing Hajr Al-Aswad, recite the following dua after you’ve made your intention:

Bismillahi Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd.

Translation: I begin in the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all Praise be to Allah.

– – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –  – – – – –

Dua 2: Each time you walk between the Yemeni corner of the Holy Ka’abah and Hajr Al-Aswad, recite the following dua:

Rabbanaa aatina Fiddunya hasanah, wa fil akhirati hasanah, wa qinaa azab annaar.

Translation: O our Lord! Grant us the best in this life and best in the hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of hellfire.

Sa’i, known in Arabic as السعي, is a crucial ritual in both Hajj and Umrah. It involves the act of walking seven times to and fro between the two hills, Safa and Marwa, which are situated near the Kaaba within Masjid al-Haram.

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Importance of Sa’i

The Sa’i ritual is about remembering Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim. She walked back and forth between the Safa and Marwa hills seven times looking for water for her son, Ismail.

Stories, like those written by Nasir al-Din al-Rabghuzi in “Qisas al-Anbiya” (Stories of the Prophets), tell us about Hajar. She was thought to be a princess from Maghreb and related to Prophet Salih. She became a slave when her father was killed by the Egyptian Pharaoh and was given to Sarah, Ibrahim’s wife.

After a while, Sarah, who didn’t have any children, suggested to Ibrahim that he should have a child with Hajar, her slave.

From this, Ismail was born. He would later be known as the father of the Arab people and a forefather of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

After Ismail was born, following God’s instructions, Ibrahim took Hajar and Ismail to Makkah (also called Bakkah), leaving them with just a little food and water.

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Significance of Sa’i

Allah says in the Quran:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing – [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

Unlike Tawaf, which is about thinking of Allah, Sa’i represents the constant challenges we face in life, just like Hajar did. But because of her strong faith and trust in Allah (Tawakkul), her prayers were heard, and she got what she needed. For those on pilgrimage, Sa’i is a moment to think deeply and reflect on their place in the world.

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When do you do Sa’i?

Sa’i is to be done after Tawaf

Halq, in Arabic الحلق, is the process of shaving all the hair off the head. Taqsir, or التقصير in Arabic, means cutting at least an inch of hair from the head. Doing either Halq or Taqsir is a Wajib (required) step to end the state of Ihram.

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Halq (shaving) or Taqsir (trimming the hair) is Wajib (obligatory) if you have hair on your head. You won’t be able to leave the state of Ihram until you have performed one of the two.

If you have no hair on your head, simply passing a razor over your head will suffice.

When doing Taqsir, the minimum amount to trim is the length of a fingertip from all ends of the hair (about an inch). To trim a fingertip’s amount is insufficient. The hair should be trimmed until it is certain that the minimum amount has been trimmed.

It is permissible and a common practice to have someone else cut your hair for you. That person doesn’t need to have had their own hair cut before cutting yours.

Men and women may also cut their own hair to come out of Ihram.

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Trimming the Hair for Women

Women are not to perform Halq, i.e. have their heads shaved. The evidence for this is from the following Hadith narrated by Ali I:

A woman is simply to trim a fingertip’s length, i.e. about an inch from the end of her hair. In the case of a woman’s hair being very short in length, it must still be trimmed in order to leave the state of Ihram.

If you’re performing Umrah or Hajj al-Tamattu, don’t forget to cut your hair prior to coming back to the hotel. Many women forget to do so and incur penalties due to still being in the state of Ihram.

Women in a state of menstruation must also cut their hair.

Travel and preparations

When you arrive at a Saudi airport:

You need to declare in a specific form:
Any amounts exceeding SAR 60,000, or its equivalent.
Gifts in commercial quantities exceeding SAR 3,000.
Do not carry banned items. For details, see the list of banned and restricted items on the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority website.

Umrah is a spiritual trip that Muslims take. In Umrah, they follow certain steps. They enter a stage called Ihram, go around a structure known as the Kabah in Makkah, travel between two spots named Safa and Marwah, and then have their hair cut or shortened.

Umrah is highly valued and carries many benefits:

1. The Quran, the sacred book for Muslims, emphasises that both Umrah and another pilgrimage called Hajj are vital responsibilities for Muslims. Performing these duties with dedication and sincerity pleases Allah.
2. Prophet Muhammad taught that if Muslims perform Hajj and Umrah back-to-back, it can help erase their sins and alleviate their financial difficulties.
3. Umrah also serves as a way for Muslims to seek forgiveness for their sins. According to Prophet Muhammad, the period from one Umrah to the next serves as a time of pardon for sins committed in between.
4. When Muslims engage in Tawaf, which involves circling the Kabah, every step they take is a step towards goodness and sin removal. This comes from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings about Tawaf.
5. When Muslims practice Sai, or moving between Safa and Marwah, Allah values this act. The Quran asserts that when someone willingly performs good actions, Allah is appreciative and fully aware of it.

In summary, Umrah is a spiritual journey that can result in numerous blessings for Muslims. It offers opportunities for doing good, seeking forgiveness, and improving one’s life.

What is the meaning of ‘Haram’ (Sanctuary)?

‘Haram’ or Sanctuary refers to a unique area where certain activities, usually permitted elsewhere, are disallowed out of profound respect and reverence for God, who set these rules. God said that those who respect these sanctified sites would be rewarded. God selected this land as sacred, with specific rules differing from other locations. It possesses exclusive merits not found anywhere else, and its sanctity dates back to the dawn of the universe.

God declared this land a Sanctuary on the day the universe was created, a status that will endure till the end of time. As the Prophet said: “From the day He created the heavens and the earth, God declared this town a sanctuary. It remains a sanctuary by God’s decree till the end of time.”

What does the Sanctuary mean to you?

You are now in a place that was distinguished and sanctified by God before the creation of humans. It’s the location where God instructed Ibrahim to lay the foundations of the House (Kabah), even before a single soul lived in Makkah. It was chosen to be the Qiblah and guidance for all. In this place, rewards for good deeds are amplified, and sins hold more significance than elsewhere.

God entrusted His noblest humans, Ibrahim and Ismail, and then Muhammad, with the responsibility of purifying, building, and taking care of the Kabah.

Carrying out the Umrah, a holy pilgrimage, is considered one of the noblest deeds in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad expressed: “One Umrah serves as atonement for the sins committed between it and the previous one. It’s also permissible to do it more than once in a year.”

Is it recommended to do multiple Umrahs in a single journey?

Some visitors to Makkah aim to do Umrah multiple times, either for themselves or on behalf of relatives. They may do this because they’re uncertain about returning to Makkah. This is allowed as long as it doesn’t disrupt other pilgrims or breach the rules and regulations of the official Umrah process.

How do I complete a second or repeat Umrah?

To do repeat Umrah, Pilgrims need to travel to the closest place outside the Haram, such as Aishah’s mosque in Al Taneem, Makkah. From there, they can enter the state of Ihram as normal and begin the next Umrah.

A Muslim may perform Umrah at any time. However, there are important criteria for determining the appropriate time for Umrah for each person:

 

Those entering the Kingdom on any type of visa can go to Makkah to perform Umrah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app.

Umrah is always a meaningful deed. It’s known to cleanse sins, as highlighted by the Prophet Muhammad. Its significance is even more pronounced during the holy month of Ramadan.

Rewards for carrying out Umrah in Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad stated: “Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj,” or he said, “It’s as if you’ve done Hajj with me.” This merit applies to all the days and nights of Ramadan.

Pilgrims should adhere to their allotted schedule for Umrah, as indicated in their official Umrah reservations.

The Nusuk App is responsible for managing Umrah bookings and visitation to the Rawdah for Umrah.

After downloading the app, you must first create an account. To create an account, follow these steps:

1. Open your Nusuk App
2. Select your language
3. Select the ‘Visitor’ account if you are an international visitor
4. Enter all the required details
5. Create a password
6. Tick the box to agree with the terms and conditions
7. Click the ‘Register’ button
8. Enter the OTP that has been sent to your SMS

Once you have created an account, the next thing you should do is book your Umrah permit:

1. Go to homepage
2. Choose the Umrah category
3. Choose the date and time of your Umrah from the provided calendar on the app
4. Click the ‘continue’ button

You will be able to view your Umrah details afterwards. The details include the reservation and permit number, a QR Code of the permit and the date and time slot. It is advised that visitors choose timings with fewer crowds, which are indicated by green colours on the calendar.

• You can get a trolley to carry your luggage
• There are trolley attendants to load and unload your luggage for a specified fee
• The Hajj missions arrange pilgrims’ exit from the airport in coordination with the concerned airport authorities, determine the bus stop where they are helped to board and their luggage get transferredTo go through the airport customs smoothly, using the relevant declaration form disclose the following:
  
• Gifts in commercial quantities i.e. sums exceeding SAR 3,000
• Any amounts exceeding SAR 60,000
• To guarantee convenient arrival and departure of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah provides the best services at its various facilities during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

If you come to Makkah to perform Umrah on your own or rented car:

• Remember that you cannot drive in Makkah neighborhoods during the Hajj season and in the last ten days of Ramadan as this restriction is imposed to prevent traffic jams
• You will be asked to park your car in a parking lot in the Holy Capital (Makkah)Car parking in Makkah

• Al-Haramain High Express Railway station parking lot
• Az-Zaher Parking
• Keddi Parking
• Al-Jamarat Parking
• Ar-Rusaifah Parking
• Duqm Al-Waber Car Parking
• Prince Mit’ib Rd. Parking (Refinery tunnels)
• Buses are available to transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from these parking lots directly to the Grand Mosque.
|Before you travel by car, make sure to:

• Check and change fluids, if necessary
• Check brakes, lights, and tires
• Take a spare tire
• Take enough rest before and during the trip

Umrah pilgrims residing in adjacent countries are allowed to enter the Kingdom through land ports on their own or rented cars. They may also enter through land ports using means of transportation licensed to external agents only.

Residents and local citizens intending to do Hajj or Umrah can travel by public transport buses. They can also drive to Makkah after obtaining a permit to perform Umrah. However, small cars are banned from entering Makkah before the start of the Hajj season and on the last ten days of Ramadan unless they have an official entry permit.

At entrances to Makkah, there are 7 parking lots able to accommodate 50,000 cars of Umrah pilgrims.
You will be asked to park your car in a parking lot in the Holy Capital (Makkah). At these parking lots, buses transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims directly to the Grand Mosque.