Umrah- What is Umrah and how is it done?
Umrah consists of four essential practices. Firstly, you get changed into the Ihram garments before the Miqat, perform two Rakahs of Salah and make your Niyyah as the Miqat approaches, thereafter reciting the Talbiyah frequently. Secondly, you perform Tawaf al-Umrah of the Kaaba followed by two Rakahs of Salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim. Thirdly, you do Sa’i of Safa and Marwah. Lastly, you shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) your hair allowing you to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah.
Physical Purity:
Before getting changed into the Ihram garments, take care of your personal hygiene by clipping your nails and removing the hair under your armpits and beneath the navel. You should then do Ghusl, a highly emphasised Sunnah for those intending to enter into a state of Ihram. If you can’t perform Ghusl, doing Wudhu will suffice. Men may apply Attar/perfume to their heads/beards, ensuring not to get any on the Ihram garments. This should all be carried out at your place of residence before your flight (assuming you’re flying).
Ihram Garments:
You will then get changed into your Ihram garments which for men consists of two, normally white, clean seamless pieces of cloth. The sheet which wraps around the waist covering the lower body is known as the Izar and the sheet that is draped over the upper body like a shawl is known as the Rida. Sandals shouldn’t cover the heel and ankle. The Hanafi school of thought also stipulates that the top part of the foot should also remain exposed.
Salah al-Ihram:
It’s Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be performed after getting changed at the airport or in-flight before crossing the Miqat providing there are prayer facilities on-board. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two Rakahs Nafl for Ihram.
Since you’re not yet in the spiritual state of Ihram, the prayer may be observed with the head covered. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, although other Surahs may be read. Don’t forget to make Dua after this Salah.
Niyyah:
The Niyyah for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or close to it as you move in its direction. Ideally, you should delay making the intention until the last moment so you aren’t restricted by its prohibitions for longer than need be. It is recommended (Mustahabb) that you make the intention verbally, as well as reiterating it internally.
What Duas Should I Be Reading During Umrah?
While there are specific duas and supplications that the Prophet ﷺ recited at various points during Umrah, no particular dua for individual rounds in tawaf has been narrated from the Prophet ﷺ that he said, enjoined or taught others. As a pilgrim, we are supposed to remember Allah and turn to Him in ways prescribed in the Sharia. You may read any dua prescribed in the Sharia or even recite the Holy Quran.
Dua 1:
Subhana lazi sakhauraulanaa haazaa wamaa kunnaa lahoo muqrineen wa innaa ilaa raubinaa lamunqauliboon. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)
Dua 2:
Allauhumma hauwwin alainaa safaraunaa haazaa watwi annaa bo’dah; Allauhumma antassauhibu wa khalifatu fil ahl. Allauhumma innee a’uzubika miuwa’saa issafari wakaabatil manzari wa so oil munqaulabi fil maali wal ahli wal walad. (Muslim).
Duas for Ihram and Talbiyah:
Bismillahi wal hamdulillahi wassaulatu a’laa rausulillah, Allauhummaghfirlee zunoobee waf tahlee abwaaba rauhmatik..
Duas to Read During Tawaf
If you’re aware of how to perform Umrah, you will know that Tawaf begins from Hajr-e-Aswad, the black stone. When you stand facing the black stone to make the intention of the tawaf, recite the following dua:
Dua 1:
Bismillahi Allauhu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
Translation: I begin with the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all Praise be to Allah.
Dua 2:
During tawaf, when the Prophet ﷺ came between the Yemeni corner of the Ka’abah and the black stone during tawaf, he used to recite the following dua:
Raubanaa aatinaa fiddunya hasanah wa fil akhirauti hasanah wa qinaa a’zab annaar.
Duas for Sai
Innassaufaa wal marwata min sha-airillah, faman hajj al baeeta awi-tamarau falaa junaaha a-laihi aiyattawafa bihi maa, wa man tatawwa-a khauiran fa innAllauha shaakirun a-leem.
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. Hence, whosoever performs Umrah at the holy Ka’abah can safely walk between them without fearing any sin. And Allah Knows and appreciates him who does any good with a willing heart.
Dua to Read When Leaving the Masjid:
When you need to leave the masjid either to perform Sa’ee or to depart, recite the following dua:
Bismillahi, wassaulatu wassalamu a’la rausulillah, Allauhumma Innee As aluka min fadhlik.