A layman's compilation, of the essential rites of Umrah

1. Umrah
Guide
The
Dr. N. Saifudeen
Professor and Head
Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Kerala Agricultural University
College of Agriculture, Vellayani,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695522,
Kerala, India.
nsaifudeen@gmail.com

2. THE UMRAH GUIDE
Once you have decided to perform Umrah, prepare for it; physically, mentally, &
spiritually. You are going for a life-changing pilgrimage to the house of Allah as a sinful
person for repentance, which would result in a spiritual uplifting Insha‟ Allah.
And the best way to get reward is by following the best pilgrim and the best
worshipper of Allah – our beloved Prophet - Muhammad (S). Whichever Umrah group you
choose to go with, they will indeed have a leader who will explain the rituals of Umrah as
directed by Rasulullah (S). This compilation comprises various rituals in Umrah, and
desirable acts to do in each. I hope that you find this information beneficial and easy to
comprehend, Insha‟ Allah.
Some Virtues of Umrah
 The act of Umrah is known to cleanse one‟s soul from past committed sins. It is
advised to do Umrah more than once in your lifetime so that it can act as a washing of
the sins from the last time one performed Umrah.
 Performing Umrah also protects one from poverty since we do it solely for the sake of
Allah spending our wealth and time in completing the deed.
 Allah loves those who strive in his path in hopes of pleasing Him alone and Umrah is
an act in which Allah considers the pilgrim to be answering His call.
 In the blessed month of Ramadan, the reward of performing Umrah is equal to that of
performing Hajj with the Prophet (S).
 Another absolutely breathtaking virtue of Umrah is that if one passes away in their
journey of Umrah, the reward for them is Jannah.
These are just some of the virtues mentioned about Umrah. Indeed the virtues of
Umrah are priceless to any Muslim and it is therefore referred to as a minor Hajj.
THE RITUALS OF UMRAH:
The four rites of Umrah are:
A. Entering the state of Ihram
B. Tawaf around Ka‟bah1
C. Sa‟ey between the hills of Safa2
and Marwah2
D. Shaving or clipping of the hair (Tahal-Lul)
A. IHRAM
Ihram is a state of purity and holiness; a state of mind and body, one is in, while
performing Umrah. The two sheets that a pilgrim wears are also figuratively known as Ihram

3. but the real Ihram is its Niyyah & Talbiyah. Entering into the state of Ihram is the beginning
of complete transformation. We must enter into absolute dedication to Allah, deciding that
there is no reason we do Umrah; except for the pure worship of our Creator. A man
in Ihram is called Muhrim; a woman is called Muhrima.
Procedure for Ihram:
1. Cleaning yourself: Trim and comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut
your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.
2. Purification of body and mind: Take a bath with profuse use of scented soap, shampoo,
perfumes etc (There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam) with the intention of Ihram
otherwise do wudu. For internal purification, do sincere repentance on your sins. Say
something like this: "O Allah, I sincerely repent on my sins and seek your forgiveness."
3. Wear Ihram dress: Men garb themselves in a white, seamless, two-piece garment, one
around the waist (Izaar) and cover the upper body with the other sheet (Ridaa'). Women's
ordinary clothes (long robes which cover them from head to toe) are their Ihram. Both should
wear flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not
covered.
4. Nafl Salah: Offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram by covering your head (take care that it is
not makruh - undesirable - time for salah). In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering
two rakahs of nafls for Ihram. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafroon- "Al-Kafiroon" [109] - in the
first rakah and Qulhu wallah - “Al-lkhlaas” [112] - in the second rakah.
Note: you are still not in the status of ihram because you haven't done the main thing yet, i.e.,
intention and Talbiyah which is done at or before the Miqat3
. Do items 1to4 above, at home,
in a Masjid, or at the airport; at your convenience. These should be done in sequence but not
necessarily together, continuously.
5. Intention and Talbiyah: If you are flying with a group, follow the instructions of the
group leader. You may do Intention and Talbiyah during your flight or even at an airport,
before you reach the Miqat. Uncover your head (men only) and declare your intention:
"O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah and so, I am entering into Ihram.
Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen."
Immediately after that, utter the words of Talbiyah or its translation in any language,
three times, in a loud voice by men and in a subdued voice by women.
TALBIYAH

4. "Labbayk,
Allahumma Labbayk.
Labbayk.
La shareeka laka.
Labbayk.
Innal-hamda wan-n'imata
laka wal-mulk.
La shareeka lak."
(Here we come,
O Allah, here we come !
Here we come.
No partner have You.
Here we come!
Praise indeed, and blessings, are Yours-
the Kingdom too!
No partner have You!)
6. Du'a: After this recite Salawat and supplicate to Allah Almighty any du'a in Arabic or in
your own language.
Prohibitions on conduct during Ihram:
The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a pilgrim
pronounces the Niyyah (intention) of Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible)
things become haraam for him/her in order that piety is maintained. Here are some of the
things a muhrim / murima must not do:
 Covering head (men), covering face (women)
 Covering the middle bone of the upper part of the feet (men)
 Shaving / cutting hair
 Cutting nails or skin
 Using or even touching perfume
 Wearing stitched clothing (men) / (Women can wear their ordinary clothes). Both,
men and women are permitted to wear watch, umbrella and spectacles.
 Hunting / killing or hurting animals / birds, except those can harm people
 Sex
 Getting married or asking for someone's hand in marriage
 Fighting or quarreling, arguing, slandering, acting without humility and decency, and
harming others with the hands or tongue.
 Washing hair with shampoo
 Wearing gloves or socks (Men)
 Cutting/uprooting plants/trees
Those who do these knowingly or unknowingly have to pay a penalty that varies
according to the kind of violation.
Journey towards Makkah:
After Ihram, during your sacred journey towards Makkah4
al-Mukarrama, recite
Talbiyah frequently (till the beginning of Tawaf). Enter the city very humbly, ensuring Ihram

5. and with great fondness, reciting Talbiyah. After arranging your residence and getting fresh,
proceed to the Masjid al-Haram5
(The pilgrim is allowed to bathe and use the washroom as
they require; so the Ihram may be removed and put back on for such circumstances).
Entering Masjid al-Haram:
While reciting Talbiyah, enter Masjid al-Haram with right foot first - expressing
humility and gratitude to the blessings Allah Almighty conferred upon you – enabling you to
be there for Umrah. Supplicate to Allah and proceed towards Ka‟bah.
First Sight of Ka’bah:
At the first sight of Ka‟bah, keep your eyes fixed at Holy Ka‟bah and standing at one
side, it is suggested that you do the following:
 Say Allahu Akbar three times
 Say La Ilaha Illallah three times
 You may recite some holy verses if you so desire
 Proclaim Salawat on our beloved Prophet (S) and very humbly, in all humility, make
your prayers to Allah, with tears in your eyes, for whatever you wish. This is a special
time for the acceptance of prayers.
After this, while uttering Talbiyah; move forward to perform Tawaf of Ka‟bah.
B. TAWAF OF UMRAH
Tawaf in this context means circling (moving around) Ka‟bah seven times with
extreme love and devotion. Tawaf is similar to Salah. You must observe all the cleanliness
and discipline, as in the case of a congregational prayer. In order to have the Tawaf properly
completed one must adhere to the following:
 Make intention for Tawaf as an act of obedience dedicated to Allah alone.
 Cleanliness with Wudu as for prayer.
 Covering „Awrah‟ - private parts - for both men and women.
 Tawaaf should be inside al-Masjid al-Haraam.
 The number of rounds should be exactly seven, beginning from the Black Stone (al-
Hajar al-Aswad) and ending at it. These rounds should be continued without
interruption except in the case of an extreme necessity.
 If Tawaf is interrupted by obligatory, congregational prayer, resume it afterwards
from where you had stopped.
1. Preparation: Pass the upper sheet of Ihram (the rida') underneath the right arm and put it
on the left shoulder. This act bares the right shoulder and is known as Iztaba. When you reach
the line of Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad); you have arrived at the starting point for the
circumambulation (Tawaf), and you may cease reciting the Talbiyah.

6. 2. Niyyah (Intention): Stand in front of Ka‟bah facing Hajar-al-Aswad in such a way that
Hajar-al-Aswad is on your right side (Just before the green light). Then without raising your
hands make Niyyah (intention) for Umrah:
"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You.
Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
3. Istilam: Now moving towards right, come in front of Hajar-al-Aswad and raise your hands
to your ears (as you do in „Salah‟) keeping your open palms towards Hajar-al-Aswad
(Kissing, touching with right hand or touching with a stick are preferred but may not be
possible due to the crowd; don‟t apply force; you are in Ihram!!) and say
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla Hil Hamd"
and drop your hands down. Kiss your palms, since you could not kiss Hajar-al-Aswad. The
above said act is called Istilam.
WARNING: The authorities often apply perfume to Hajar-al-Aswad, Rukn Yamani and
Multazam. If so, do not touch them while in the state of Ihram, otherwise a dum will be
required as a penalty.
4. Tawaf Starts: After Istilam, turn right and start tawaf counter clockwise so that you keep
the Kaaba to your left. During tawaf, it is not permissible to face or turn your back towards
Ka‟bah except when you are kissing or pointing towards Hajar-al-Aswad. Being in a state of
serenity, concentration, and humbleness, the pilgrim should avoid harming others and should
also refrain from talking to others unless it is necessary. Also note that Tawaf is an act of
worship, just like salah, and all the requisites of salah are applicable; except that you move
and may talk!!
5. Ramal: For the first three circuits of Tawaf of Umrah, men are required to move their
shoulders and walk with quick short steps. This act is called Ramal and is Sunnah. Do not try
this if there are too many people around. Walk normally during the remaining four circuits.
6. Prayers During Tawaf: Make prayers from your heart, because that will benefit you
better. Recite whatever you wish. Supplicate to Allah by asking for good. You may also use
supplications used in the daily Salah or you may seek forgiveness of Allah and ask Him
whatever you wish in your own language. This is the occasion, when Allah answers all
supplications. The best thing to recite is the word of Allah; the pilgrim can recite, without
disturbing others, some chapters of the Qur'an he or she memorizes. There are no prescribed
prayers during Tawaf but there are a number of supplications which are recommended out of
which the following supplication is easy to memorize:
"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar
wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah."

7. 7. Hatim: Hatim is a semi-circular half-built portion which was originally a part of the
Ka‟bah but which could not be included in the main structure when the Ka‟bah was rebuilt. It
is obligatory to go around Hatim also while performing Tawaf.
8. Rukn Yamani and its Supplications: After passing the three corners of the Ka‟bah you
reach the fourth corner known as Rukn Yamani. Touch it with both hands or with right hand
(do NOT kiss it or even face Ka‟bah). If this is difficult for you, then go on performing Tawaf
without touching it, pointing at it, saying "Allaahu Akbar". There is a beautiful supplication
to be used while walking between Rukn Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."
Our beloved Prophet (S) has repeatedly recited this supplication.
The first circuit is complete when you reach the line of Hajar-al-Aswad again.
9. Seven Circuits: At Hajar al-Aswad, start the second circuit by performing Istilam again.
Continue in the same way, until you have completed the seven circumambulations, including
Istilam at the end of each circuit. If you are in doubt about the number of rounds finished,
assume the lesser number and complete the rest of seven rounds.
10. Completion of Tawaf: At the end of seven circuits, do Istilam of Hajar-al- Aswad
(eighth time). Now, men should cover both shoulders, thus ending „iztibaa'.
Multazam: Now, among a large crowd of people, if it is possible to reach Multazam, cling to
it pressing your chest and cheeks, and while trembling and crying with devotion and with all
humility seek Allah‟s mercy, His blessings and ask Him whatever you wish. If you are unable
to come close to Multazam, just face towards it and supplicate from a distance.
Maqam Ibrahim: Next, offer two rakahs of nafl behind and close to Maqam Ibrahim without
covering your head. If it is undesirable time, you have to wait till this undesirable time is
passed and then offer prayers.
In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering two rakahs of nafls wajib al- tawaf.
Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafiroon- "Al-Kafiroon" [109] - in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah -
“Al-lkhlaas” [112] - in the second rakah. After this, supplicate to Allah in Arabic or in your
own language. Ask Him whatever you wish and invoke His blessings.
If it is not possible to offer this obligatory prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, it can be
offered anywhere in Mataf (the area where Tawaf is done), or in Hatim or anywhere in
Masjid al-Haram or even at any place in Haram area of Makkah.
Zamzam: Drink this water, saying Bismillah, to fill your stomach while in standing position,
facing Qiblah, in three sequences while having the intention to be cured, with the blessing of
Allah, from any disease.

8. You are now ready to perform the Sa'ey, shuttling between the two hills of Safa and
Marwah. Now, proceed towards Safa. Before starting Sa‟ey, it is desirable to do Istilam of
Hajar-al-Aswad again the ninth time or point towards it, saying: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar
Wa Lillah Hil Hamd.
C. SA’EY BETWEEN THE HILLS OF SAFA AND MARWAH
In order to have the Sa‟ey properly completed one must adhere to the following:
 Being after Tawaf, not before, and make intention (niyyah) for beginning the Sa‟ey.
 Continue doing the Sa‟ey without interruption except when it is extremely necessary.
 Make du'a facing Qiblah at as-Safaa and al-Marwa
 Going back and forth seven times- 4 stops at each hill.
The following are some desirable sunnah acts while performing Sa‟ey:
 Fast walking that is closer to running, on the green light area as Hajira (R) did and as
it is recorded about the Prophet (S).
 Making dhikr and du'a or reading Qur'an.
 To be clean and have Wudu is recommended but not compulsory as in Tawaf.
 To walk unless the pilgrim is weak.
 To lower the gaze and abstain from talking to others, harming others, and try to be
humble and serene and to remember the Day of Judgment.
Start of Sa’ey at Safa: As you approach Safa, make intention (niyyah) for Sa‟ey:
"O Allah! I perform Sa‟ey between Safa and Marwah to please You.
Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
Now recite: "Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha‟a‟irillah." (Al-Qur‟an 2 : 158)
(Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the Signs of Allah.)
You should now ascend Safa and, facing the Ka‟bah, raise your hands, make whatever
supplication you choose. The Prophet Muhammad (S), when he stood on Safa, proclaimed
three times "La Ilaha Illallah". Say “Allahu Akbar” also, three times and recite the following
supplication or ask Allah whatever you wish:
"La ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la Sharika lahu,
lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa „ala kulli shai‟in Qadeer."
If you don‟t remember this, you may use the supplication recited earlier during Tawaf:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd"
Proceed towards Marwah: Descend from Safa and move towards Marwah while reciting
this supplication:
"Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar
wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa."

9. If you don‟t remember this supplication also, recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah,
Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah repeatedly and keep moving. You may also praise Allah and
ask for His mercy in your language or use supplications taken from the daily Salah. Proceed
towards Marwah, walking at a normal pace until you reach the green light area. Men, if they
are able, should run until the end of green area, whereupon they should revert to a normal
walking pace until you reach Marwah. Women should proceed throughout at normal walking
pace.
At Marwah: When you stand on Marwah, praise Allah facing the Ka‟bah and repeat the
same supplications that were recited at Safa.
One trip is over and you are now ready to make the return journey to Safa. Second trip
will end on Safa and third trip will end on Marwah. Fourth trip will end on Safa, fifth on
Marwah and sixth on Safa.
End of Sa’ey: In the same way, the seventh trip will end at Marwah. In all trips the men will
run (walk fast) on green light area but the women will walk in a normal way.
D. TAHAL-LUL:
Shaving or clipping of hair: Men are encouraged to have their hair shaven completely
(Prophet Muhammad‟s tradition) although trimming ⅓ or ¼ is also permitted but there is less
reward in this. Before shaving the head, one should not trim his beard or mustache. Women,
however, only trim their hair slightly (two or three centimeters). This should not be done by
any stranger or anybody still in Ihram. Women are forbidden to shave their heads. (If
the Umrah is a precursor to performing Hajj, men may not want to shave their heads but
merely clip their hair so that there will be enough hair to shave when performing Hajj.)
Umrah is complete: The Umrah rituals are now concluded and the pilgrim may change into
normal clothes. The prohibitions on conduct during Ihram are now ended. Be thankful to
Allah that He provided the opportunity for performing Umrah.
While you are in Makkah, increase ibadats, since the rewards for any good deed at
Haram is 1,00,000 times!! Additional Umrah, Tawaf, Salah at Haram Sherif, reciting Qur‟an,
dhikir, looking at Ka‟bah etc are recommended. You may also visit sacred places in and
around Makkah.
Additional Umrah: You may perform Umrah as often as you want according to the above
procedure. However, you may travel out of Haram area to Aysha Masjid (which is nearby) or
Jaharana for entering into Ihram.
Nafl Tawaf: If you want to perform just a nafl Tawaf, follow the same procedure, however,
in a nafl Tawaf there is no Ihram, no Ramal, no „iddtibaa' and even no Sa‟ey.

10. May Allah bless all of us to lead the rest of our life according to His commands and to
follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (S) in every aspect of our life. We all must strive
to propagate Deenul Islam – as that is the most important Sunnah!
May Allah Almighty make this work, useful for all those who read this, and accept
my effort on this compilation as a good deed. Aameen.