How do you perform Umrah step by step?
Umrah has spiritual worth for those who follow it and is regarded as a Sunnah. Umrah is optional but those who choose to perform it receive great spiritual benefits. Many Muslims combine their desire for closeness with Allah with their goal of performing Umrah at least once in their lives. Umrah packages are planned travel packages designed to make the Umrah journey easier. Umrah packages which are usually provided by Trusted Umrah Travel Agency that specialize in religious travel offer these packages to meet the demands of pilgrims. These packages include hotels, transportation and necessary services. Those who choose the Umrah package USA benefit from the ease of having all of their travel plans made which frees them to concentrate on their religious duties rather than worrying about arranging all things. A major part of Umrah packages USA is transportation which usually involves both air travel to and from Mecca and ground transportation inside the holy cities. The Umrah is easily accessible with the help of these packages. Below we will discuss the step by step process of how to perform Umrah.
Wear Ihram and Perform Two Rakahs of Salah:
An important part of the Umrah is wearing the ihram and doing the two Rakahs of Salah. The pilgrimage journey begins with the wearing of special clothes known as the ihram a state of holy commitment. The two pieces of white clothes worn by male pilgrims represent simplicity and unity among the varied Muslim Ummah. Ladies should wear modest loose-fitting clothes (Abaya) to maintain the spirit of equality and humility on this spiritual journey. It is Sunnah to perform two Salah Rakahs before entering the Ihram state. If there are facilities for prayer on board this can be done before crossing the Miqat after changing at the airport or throughout the trip. To complete two Rakahs Nawafil for Ihram observe the prayer. It depends on your convenience you can perform it on airport waiting area.
Make Your Niyyah as the Miqat Approaches:
The excitement and spiritual preparation for the holy trip get closer to the Miqat and this leads to the important act of setting Niyyah. As you proceed toward the Miqat or in close to it make the Niyyah for Umrah. The term “Miqat” describes the predetermined line that pilgrims must express their desire to cross to carry out the sacred journey. This point of entry serves as a symbol for the beginning of a holy relationship with Allah. As the Miqat approaches a mixture of delight, respect and humility resounds in the pilgrims heart. People take time to think about the meaning of the journey they are about to undertake in the calm minutes preceding this holy crossing. The pilgrims heart and soul are brought into unity with the great spiritual path that lies ahead through the Niyyah which is an honest and sincere declaration of purpose.
Recite the Talbiyah:
The Talbiyah is a holy request that pilgrims who are starting the Umrah spiritual journey repeat. An important symbol of submitting and giving to the pilgrimages holy calls is the Talbiyah. Pilgrims recite the words “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak”. The pilgrims separate themselves from worldly worries when they say these words and achieve a state of focused dedication. The pilgrims emotions are moved by the repetitive Talbiyah which turns into a beautiful voice that creates a sense of spirituality and unity. The Talbiyah is a meaningful commitment to respect and loyalty not just an oral activity. The pilgrims dedicate themselves to the holy rites that lie ahead of them acknowledging the unity of Allah. The pilgrims dedication is strengthened by hearing the Talbiyah aloud which serves as a constant reminder of the important objective of their journey.
Perform Tawaf-al-Umrah of the Kaaba:
Starting from the Black Stone which is set in the southeast corner of the Kaaba pilgrims in the Tawaf-al-Umrah complete seven rounds of walking around the Kaaba. Throughout the whole process pilgrims make sure the Kaaba stays on their left by moving in a counterclockwise direction. Muslims from all walks of life carry out this ritual. It represents unity and strengthens the idea of the Ummah the worldwide community of believers. During Tawaf-al-Umrah pilgrims recite verses from the Quran and requests to Allah as a sign of their faith. Walking around is a physical representation of the spiritual journey that represents a believer’s constant dedication and love to Allah. The seven circles stand for the seven heavens highlighting a person’s spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. Pilgrims have a very personal and meaningful experience during Tawaf-al-Umrah. It creates a deep sense of cleaning and a deep connection to Allah.
Perform Two Rakahs of Salah Preferably Near Maqam Ibrahim:
For Muslims who are undertaking the holy journey performing two Rakahs of Salah next to the Maqam Ibrahim during Umrah is an extremely important and spiritual act. Pilgrims should approach the Maqam Ibrahim with respect and loyalty before starting the Salah. The two Rakahs known as the Tahiyyat-ul-Umrah a unique prayer expressing thankfulness and dedication for the chance to conduct Umrah recited here. In addition to being a ritual doing these two Rakahs close to the Maqam Ibrahim during Umrah is a powerful spiritual experience. By uniting generations past and present by a common faith the ritual represents the unity of the Muslim community. The spiritual energy of the area is absorbed by pilgrims as they stand in prayer in the holy environment strengthening their commitment to the teachings of Islam and the history of Prophet Ibrahim.
Drink Plenty of Zamzam Water:
The well known Zamzam is extremely important to Muslims performing the Umrah. This water which is extracted from the Zamzam well in Mecca is highly valued due to its spiritual and historical value. Consuming Zamzam water during the Umrah rituals is not just a physical need but also a deeply solid spiritual practice for pilgrims. During Umrah drinking plenty of Zamzam water is regarded as a sign of commitment and a way to ask for favors. In addition to its physical cleanliness pilgrims are advised to drink a lot of Zamzam water because of the spiritual force it is said to provide. By spiritually connecting the pilgrim to the rich history of Islam the act of drinking Zamzam water strengthens their faith and dedication. Because Zamzam water is so rare outside of Mecca pilgrims carry it back to their homes as a source of blessings because it is a valuable item.
Do Sai of Safa and Marwa:
Pilgrims doing the holy Sai rite between Safa and Marwa during the Umrah journey feel a strong spiritual bond after drinking the Zamzam water. The Sai ritual starts at Safa when pilgrims make their way to the raised platform with a view of the Kaaba. The pilgrims then make seven rounds across the distance between Safa and Marwa. Proceed in the direction of Marwa from Safa. You will find two sets of green fluorescent lights between Safa and Marwa spaced about 50 meters apart. These lights represent the distance Bibi Hajara ran to reach higher ground. The two green points are referred to as Milayn al-Akhdharayn. It is Sunnah for men to run at a medium speed between these two lights while ladies should proceed as usual. You are free to recite any prayers or requests you like during Sai as there is no set Dhikr or Dua that must be read.
Perform Halq or Taqsir to Leave the State of Ihram:
There are two different ways that a pilgrim might leave the state of Ihram after performing the Umrah rituals Halq and Taqsir. Shaving the entire head is known as Halq but removing at least a fingertip’s worth of hair is known as Taqsir. These deeds represent the pilgrims rebirth and cleansing as well as the end of the holy journey. Halq or Taqsir is an extremely spiritual and symbolic deed. It functions as a real representation of the pilgrims devotion to Allah and a show of respect. Hair removal represents the removal of old sins which results in a spiritually renewed and purified pilgrim. Men must shave or cut their hair after the Sai whereas women just need to cut a little bit of their hair. After doing this pilgrims are free from the state of Ihram.
