Umrah, also known as the lesser pilgrimage, is a significant act of worship for Muslims. Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. This journey of faith involves a series of rituals and prayers that hold immense spiritual value. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step explanation on how to perform Umrah, and include important supplications (Duas) to recite during the pilgrimage. Let’s embark on this spiritual journey together, understanding each step and its significance.

Introduction to Umrah

Umrah is an act of worship that includes a set of sacred rituals performed in the holy city of Mecca. It consists of Ihram (state of purity), Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair). These rituals are a means to seek closeness to Allah, attain spiritual purification, and follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Steps to Perform Umrah

1. Preparing for Umrah

Before embarking on the journey, it is essential to prepare both spiritually and physically. Here are some important steps to consider:

Intention (Niyyah): Sincerely make the intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah.
Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the rituals and prayers associated with Umrah.
Physical Preparation: Ensure you are in good health and physically capable of performing the rituals.
Financial Preparation: Budget for your trip and ensure you have the necessary funds.

2. Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is a state of spiritual purity and is mandatory for performing Umrah. Here’s how to enter Ihram:

Ghusl (Ritual Purification): Perform a complete ablution by taking a bath.
Clothing: Men should wear two white, unstitched cloths (Rida and Izar), while women should wear modest clothing that covers their entire body except for their face and hands.
Niyyah (Intention): After wearing Ihram, make the intention to perform Umrah by saying, “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah).
Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah continuously until you reach the Kaaba: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik, Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and dominion are Yours, and You have no partner).

3. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Upon reaching the Masjid al-Haram, the first ritual to perform is Tawaf. This involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.

Start Point: Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and kiss or touch it if possible, or simply raise your hand towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
Seven Circuits: Walk around the Kaaba seven times, reciting prayers and supplications. It is recommended to say “Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar” (Glory be to Allah, All praise be to Allah, Allah is the Greatest) during the Tawaf.
Maqam Ibrahim: After completing Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) if possible, or at any place within the Masjid.

4. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

After Tawaf, the next ritual is Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Starting Point: Begin at Safa, facing the Kaaba, and recite: “Inna as-Safa wal-Marwah min sha’a’ir-illah” (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
Walk and Supplicate: Walk from Safa to Marwah, reciting prayers and supplications. Upon reaching Marwah, turn back towards Safa. This completes one circuit. Repeat this until you have completed seven circuits, ending at Marwah.

5. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

The final ritual of Umrah is Halq or Taqsir, which symbolizes the end of the pilgrimage.

Halq (Shaving): Men should shave their heads completely.
Taqsir (Trimming): Women should cut a small portion of their hair, typically the length of a fingertip.
Completion: After performing Halq or Taqsir, the state of Ihram ends, and all restrictions are lifted.

Duas and Supplications for Umrah

The following are some important Duas and supplications to recite during Umrah:

Dua for Intention of Umrah

“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”
(Here I am, O Allah, making Umrah).

Talbiyah
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik, Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, Laa Shareeka Lak”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and dominion are Yours, and You have no partner).

Dua at the Black Stone

“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

Dua between Rukn Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad
“Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fiddunyaa Hasanatan Wa Fil Aakhirati Hasanatan Wa Qinaa ‘Adhaaban Naar”
(Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire).

Dua for Tawaf

“Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar”
(Glory be to Allah, All praise be to Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

Dua for Sa’i
“Inna as-Safa wal-Marwah min sha’a’ir-illah”
(Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).

General Duas
“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, provide for me, and grant me health and well-being.”

Conclusion

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that brings Muslims closer to Allah and allows them to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By understanding and performing each step with sincerity and devotion, pilgrims can achieve immense spiritual rewards. Remember to maintain a state of purity, recite the necessary Duas, and seek forgiveness and guidance throughout the pilgrimage. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you peace and blessings.

Arabic Supplications for Umrah

نية العمرة
لبيك اللهم عمرة

التلبية
لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك، لا شريك لك

دعاء عند الحجر الأسود
بسم الله، الله أكبر

دعاء بين الركن اليماني والحجر الأسود
ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار

دعاء الطواف
سبحان الله، الحمد لله، الله أكبر

دعاء السعي
إن الصفا والمروة من شعائر الله

أدعية عامة
اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وارزقني، وعافني