Umrah is an effective spiritual experience particularly to millions of Muslims in the world due to the fact that it is the pilgrimage to the sacred city Makkah and this pilgrimage can be made at any time of the year. Umrah is a voluntary worship that is rewarded eminently as compared to Hajj which has specific dates and individuals who are fit are obligated to attend the festival. Umrah rituals constitute an essential element of the trip that no individual should be unaware of before resolving to embark on the holy pilgrimage since proper preparation is equivalent to meaningful and fulfilling experiences.
This is regardless of whether you are making your first pilgrimage or you are making a follow up visit to renew your faith, knowing every detail involved in the Umrah procedure will enable you to carry out the rites properly and in a respectful manner. This guide will take you through all the rituals, including the entry of the state of Ihram to the last Tawaf, in order to stop being afraid and spiritually prepared in this sacred journey.
Preparing for Umrah: The State of Ihram
There are certain physical rituals of Umrah that you are expected to perform before you can perform the physical ones and these rituals demand you to be in a holy state known as Ihram. Not only is this regarding dresses but also the spiritual transformation and commitment to the pilgrimage that ensues. In case you are seeking a trusted Umrah Travel Agency from California, they can help you conduct the whole process so that you will enjoy the entire process smoothly.
What is Ihram?
Ihram is a physical condition and a spiritual one. It commences in specific points known as Miqat which are boundary points around Makkah. These are the points where pilgrims cannot pass without entering Ihram. Performing Umrah requires donning certain clothes and intent to do it (niyyah).
Among men, Ihram wear is two unstitched white pieces of cloth, one around the waist and the other disposed over the shoulder. Women may wear any decent clothes, which are fitting to cover the body, but it is common to prefer white or light-colored clothes. This modest attire eliminates any form of wealth and status and reminds pilgrims that everyone is equal before Allah.
Restrictions During Ihram
After you have entered Ihram, there are activities that are forbidden. These are the application of perfume, trimming hair or nails, having intimate relations and arguing or fighting. These are the limitations that enable you to focus on worship and spirituality during your pilgrimage.
Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba
The first important ritual, which the state of Ihram takes one to do upon entering Makkah, is Tawaf – seven steps around the Kaaba counterclockwise. This is one of the most potent rituals which is a symbol of unity of believers in single God worship.
Performing Tawaf
One may start by the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), where it is located in the eastern part of Kaaba. You are also expected to touch or kiss the stone the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Unless the crowds will not permit it, as it is so frequently the case, take your hand to it, and say the words, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
Go round the Kaaba seven times, hold it on your left side. Men are recommended to walk briskly during the first three circuits and walk normally during the remaining four but this is under the conditions of the crowds. Repetitive prayers of forgiveness and blessing to people should be observed during Tawaf.
Once the seven circuits are completed one should then pray two units (Rak’ahs) of prayer at Maqam Ibrahim (where possible) or at any other spot within the mosque (where the area is not crowded). This is the prayer of the completion of Tawaf.
Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwa
The second ritual of Umrah that is absolutely necessary is Sa’i that is the act of desperation in search of water by Hajar (the mother of Hagar) to her infant son i.e. Ismail (Ishmael). The ritual consists of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa that are currently surrounded by the Grand Mosque.
The Spiritual Significance of Sa’i
Sa’i encourages pilgrims not to doubt in the provision and mercy of Allah. Hajar proved to be a woman of unbending faith when she ran between these hills and before it she expressed her belief that Allah would take care of her and her son. Her religion paid off when the spring of Zamzam appeared miraculously.
How to Perform Sa’i
Start in Safa near Kaaba. When closer recite the verse: Yes Safa Marwa the signs of Allah. The slow walking to Marwa will be one of the circuits. Turn around and go back at Safa.
There are green markers between which the men are asked to walk more briskly or jog a little, and women keep a normal pace of walking. Keep on going until you have gone seven laps (circles) finishing at Marwa. Chanting Quran, Sa’i or individual prayers.
Halq or Taqsir: Cutting the Hair
The last ceremony in Umrah is complete head shaving (Halq) or shaving of a little of the hair (Taqsir). It is a sign of renewal, accomplishment of pilgrimage and repentance.
Men can choose to shave their heads, or cut their hair, but it is more rewarded when they shave their heads and they are more virtuous. Women ought not to cut length of fingertips of their hair.
Once this last ritual is done, you are released out of the state of Ihram and the constraints that were imposed on you are removed. It is a moment of deep spiritual refreshment and achievement to many pilgrims.
Understanding the Rituals of Umrah Through Crowne Travels
It is important to be properly prepared to do the rituals of Umrah through spiritual preparation coupled with practical knowledge. We have realized that this is not just another trip at Crowne Travels but a spiritual experience that is sacred and needs to be planned and guided. Our complete Umrah packages aim at assisting pilgrims to impart each ritual with devotion and tranquility of mind, and they offer you guidance throughout your pilgrimage journey starting at Ihram to the pilgrimage ending stage.
Additional Recommended Acts
Although optional, there are other minor activities that complement the spiritualism of Umrah:
Drinking Zamzam Water
The well of Zamzama which burst in front of Hajar and Ismail is still flowing in the present days. The tradition of taking the blessed water during supplications is a great one. Prophet Muhammad said, It is the water of Zamzam which is drunk.
Visiting Historical Sites
A good number of pilgrims go to major destinations within Makkah and Madinah such as the Cave of Hira within Makkah where the Prophet was first given the revelation, and the Prophet Mosque in Madinah. Such visits enhance the knowledge on the Islamic history and promote faith.
Extra Prayers
One of the most blessed prayer places is the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Every prayer that is done there is a huge recompense- 100,000 prayers that are done elsewhere according to Islamic custom.
Common Questions About Umrah Rituals
Can Umrah be performed on behalf of someone else?
Yes, that on the one hand, when the individual is dead or unable physically to perform Umrah himself, then he can appoint someone to do it on his behalf. However, he/she must have experienced his /her own Umrah.
What if I make a mistake during the rituals?
Serious mistakes or omission do not cancel out your Umrah. You should ask the scholars or the leaders of the mosque in Makkah in case you realize that you have done something wrong. Some situations may require a compensatory sacrifice.
How long does it take to complete Umrah?
The real rituals may be done within a couple of hours, nevertheless, several days in Makkah can be spent by many pilgrims to give Tawaf and pray more. The experience is different according to the number of people and the speed of the person.
Is there a specific time that’s better for performing Umrah?
Umrah can be performed at any point in the year but certain times are thought to be of a more virtuous nature like during Ramadan. However, the crowds are most also at such times. During off-peak there may be more peaceful times.
Embarking on Your Spiritual Journey
The Umrah practices are a golden opportunity and Muslims receive an opportunity to be able to come nearer to Allah, seek their forgiveness, and renew their spiritual commitment. All, beginning with the process of Ihram to haircutting is deep symbolism and connects pilgrims to the centuries of the Islamic history and the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them).
With due preparation; spiritual and real you will definitely make your Umrah right and experience a lifetime blessing. Get familiar with the rituals, get familiar with the meaning, and do not take this spiritual venture lightly or profane. As soon as you have the right knowledge and desire to plan your Umrah, the trip may turn into the latest event which will help you to add more faith, cleanse your soul and grow closer to the Creator.