How To Perform Umrah & What To Be Careful
The candidate of Umrah from United States who directly goes to Medinah al
Munawwarah, he does not enter into ihram state immediately. After
completing the visits in Medinah al-Munawwarah, he enters ihram in the hotel or Zülhuleyfah (Aybar-e Ali). The candidate of Umrah who goes directly to Makkah al-Mukarramah, could enter ihram in his home, in the plane, at the airport or on the plane before entering the miqat places. For those who go by road will enter from any miqat location and for those who go by plane the place for entering ihram is Juhfah. The intender to perform Umrah cuts fingernails, cleans his underarms and pubic hair, trims the hair, beard and moustache if needed, and if possible, he takes abduction (ghsul), if not ablution (wudu). Wears nice fragrance, removes all clothing, and wears two pieces of cloth called izar and ridaa. If the time is not makrooh (not advised), performs two raqat prayer and makes dua . Then intends for umrah by saying:
Oh, my Allah, I want to do Umrah for you, make it easier and accept my umrah.
“Labbayk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, Innal Hamda wan nimata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.”
“Here I am, O Lord, here I am, you indeed have no partner, here I am. No Doubt, all praise and bounties are yours, and so is the absolute Domain. You indeed have no partners, here I am”
Thus, the person will be in state of ihram. Once ihram is established one must abstain from prohibitions of Ihram, such as bad words, quarrel, fights, hunting, stitched dress, wearing khuffayn (leather socks) and taqiyah (cap), covering head and face, applying perfume or cutting the nails, hair and moustache. But unscented soap can be used. Gives greetings with a smiling face, does not maltreat anyone. Until arriving at Ka’bah al-Muazzamah reciting taqbeer, tahleel, salawat as-shareefah, and talbiyah will be continued.
When reaching Makkah al-Mukarramah, if it is possible, take a ghsul, if not do wudu only (ablution), while reciting talbiyah head towards Ka’bah. As he enters Masjid al-Haram with the right foot says the following:
When seeing Holy Ka’bah one is to stop and stand still and say three times “Allahu Akbar” with teary eyes. Then raising both hands and says fallowing du’a: “O Allah, for the sake of Bait al-Atiq, forgive me, give me noor and blessing and accept my prayers.
After the prayer, the person turns towards Hajar al-Aswad for umrah tawaf, and for carrying out izdhiba he puts the middle of the upper section of ihram under right armpit and throws his right shoulder while expose right shoulder. The izdibâ continues until the tawaf is finished.
Umrah niyyah (intention) is as follows:
“O my Allah, I want to make Umrah for your sake. Make it easy for me, and accept it.”
After niyyah, he goes to Hajar al-Aswad, if possible he kisses Hajar al-Aswad, without self-indulgence and without harming others. When it is not possible, istilam can be performed by turning towards Hajar al-Aswad and raising his hand and say "Bismillah Allahu Akbar" and kissing his right hand
palm. Afterwards, takbeer, tahmeed and salawat will be recited.
During tawaf at first three shawt, from Hajar al-Aswad to Rukn al-Yamani walk with short swift steps, lifting the legs forcefully and sticking out the chest while moving the shoulders during raml. Keeping the Ka’bah to the left, perform the tawaf outside of Hateem. Those who do not know the duaas of Tawaf can recite the duaas they wish.
After reaching Rukn al-Yamani, make salam (greeting) without kissing the palm. Returning to the Hajar al-Aswad completes one shawt and start second shawt with greeting the Hajar al-Aswad once more. Completing seven circuits (shawt) constitutes one tawaf for Umrah and finally he cover shoulders.
After conclusion of the Tawaf, if possible two rak'at prayers will be held in Maqam al-Ibrahim. If not possible they may perform the Tawaf prayer which is wajib in a different place of Masjid al-Harām. On the first rak’at recite Kafirun surah and Ihlâs surahs on the second rek’at. After the tawaf drink a lot of zamzam and pray a lot. For performing Sa’ee for umrah first kiss or make salaam (istilam) to Hajar al-Aswad, then at Safa turn towards Ka’bah and raise hands like you would after the prayer and pray. Recite takbeer three times then recite tahleel and salawat as-Sharifah. Make dua for themselves and for their Muslim brothers and sisters. Afterwards make intention for sa’ee for umrah.
Allahumma innee ureedu en as’a baynas-Safa wal Marwata sab’ata ashwatin sa’al-umrata lillahi taala azza wa jalla.
He turns towards Marwah to perform first shawt for Umrah Sa’ee and prays any duaa he wishes. When they have arrived at the green pole, they run briskly, between two green poles and pray the following dua:
After reaching the second green pole, walk normally. Upon arriving at Marwah face the Kabah and repeat the dhikir, duas and supplications offered at Safa.
Arrival at Marwah completes one shawt of the Sa’ee. To perform second shawt turn around and retrace your walk back to Safa. Repeat these steps at Safa and Marwah until you finish the seventh round. Finally, shave or shorten the hair and exit from ihram. It is mustahab to perform two rak’at salah at-tashakkur (for gratitude). With this umrah will be complete bi-iznillah.
The acts that compulsory, wajeeb or suunah for hajj is same as for umrah such as ihram, tawaf, saee, and shaving and shave conditions. The acts that forbidden for Hajj also is forbidden for Umrah. Performing umrah is Sunnah al-Muakkadah and could be repeated in one day. Performing umrah many times is mustahab.
It is said that seven tawaf is similar to Umrah. It is also said that three umrah is similar to one Hajj. (Lubab Sharh. P.308)
