What is Umrah? 

    The revered Umrah journey is often misunderstood as a mere ritualistic process. However, the essence of Umrah exceeds the physical travel to the holy lands. Borrowing from the Arabic verb meaning ‘to visit a populated place,’ Umrah is a pilgrimage that brings comfort to the soul, renews one’s imaan and reaffirms one’s place within the united Ummah that immerses themselves in the praise of Almighty Allah. 

    Considered a minor pilgrimage in comparison with Hajj, Umrah holds its own charm. In every step taken around the Holy Kaaba, in every heartfelt prayer and in every tear of supplication, the essence of Umrah leaves a lasting impact on the heart of a believer. 

    Why Umrah? 

    The best way to subvert the journey of Umrah from a mere ritual is to add a layer of understanding to it. Umrah is primarily performed for its proven relevance as a sunnah of the Prophet

    Muhammad (PBUH). Additionally, however, Umrah is the best way to boost your iman, find a connection to your maker, expiate past sins and connect with others who foster similar religious values. Umrah enforces a refreshed purpose and renewed dedication to the way of Islam. 

    When is Umrah performed? 

    Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed by pilgrims at any time throughout the year. There are no restrictions as to when Umrah can be performed but there are suggested times when Umrah holds greater reward as demonstrated by the hadith below:  

    The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Doing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.” (Bukhari and Muslim) 

    How does one perform Umrah? 

    Traditionally, the Umrah sequence is divided into 4 major rituals. Here we will detail these steps as well as gather their root significance.  

    STEP 1: IHRAM

    Ihram alludes to two states- one physical and the other mental. While the former is often emphasised by wearing the traditional garments of Ihram, the mental state of Ihram proves to be rather primary in this equation. This refers to the mental space into which one enters and the Niyyah (intention) one forms before beginning their Umrah.  

    The physical Ihram for men is two pieces of white cloth- one covering the bottom half and the other covering the top half. Women wear modest clothing covering all parts of the body other than the face and the palms. Several restrictions are mandated when in the state of Ihram. 

    Often, the Ihram is done in 3 steps- The Ghusl (sacred bath), the Niyyah (intention) and the adorning of the physical garments of the Ihram. The Ihram is worn by some from home and by others just before crossing the designated meeqat point.  

    Why the Ihram? 

    The Ihram inspires humility, servitude and a sense of obedience before the Creator. It also ensures a feeling of equity between all performing individuals. This furthers a sense of unity and magnifies the central cause of being gathered together- to turn to Allah. 

    STEP 2: TAWAF

    Pilgrims must immerse themselves into their first act of worship- the 7 rounds of circumambulation around the Holy Kabah, simply known to us as the Tawaf. The Tawaf begins and ends at the point parallel to Al-Hajr Al-Aswad (The Black Stone). 

    While there are some recommended supplications while performing Tawaf, one may additionally look into his heart and ask for anything that he desires while remembering to praise and glorify Allah.  

    On finishing the Tawaf, pilgrims must perform 2 rakah sunnah prayer behind the Maqam-e- Ibrahim.  

    This is followed by a drink of Zam Zam before moving to the next act of worship. 

    Why do we do Tawaf?

    In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) “Whoever circles the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf)

    and prays two rak’ahs will have a reward as if he has freed a slave.” 

    Along with it holding great reward, the Tawaf is also said by some to feel like “stepping into a stream of spiritual consciousness.” It further elevates the unity of the Ummah in circling the central power of all the worlds.  

    The Maqam-e-Ibrahim conjoins the roots of Umrah from its beginning with Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

    to the present-day pilgrim further legitimising the faith of the believer. 

    As for Zam Zam, it is said in the hadith that “The water of Zamzam is a cure for whatever (ailment) it is taken for.” Like the Maqam-e-Ibrahim, the miracle of Zam Zam also holds historic significance in the story of Bibi Hajira, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).  

    STEP 3: SA’EE

    Sa’ee refers to the back-and-forth walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah. A pilgrim walks through the hills located adjoining the Holy Kabah 7 times. One lap of the Sa’ee is considered from Safa to Marwah and the second one is counted from Marwah to Safa. The remainder of the rounds follow this order. The pilgrim ends the Sa’ee at the hill of Marwah.  

    There are several supplications and terms of etiquette associated with the Sa’ee. 

    What is the significance of Sa’ee?

    The Sa’ee primarily pays tribute to the struggles of Bibi Hajira, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Additionally, It mirrors the pilgrim’s willingness to struggle in the way of Allah. Furthermore, Sa’ee becomes a reminder of Allah’s mercy on the believer to ease their struggles as he did with Hajira.  

    STEP 4: HALQ OR TAQSEER

    The final act to mark the completion of the Umrah journey is the act of shaving or shortening the hair.  

    For men, it is suggested that they shave their heads completely however, this is not obligatory. They may simply trim their hair but they must trim hair from all over their head.  

    For women, it is prescribed that they cut the hair a length of the fingertip when bundled together. She must not shave her hair altogether. 

    What do we do the Halq or Taqseer?

    This sacrifice is the last determinant of one’s commitment to Allah and following the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) within the cycle of Umrah. With the shedding of their hair, pilgrims make their sacrifice tangible as a reminder to remain firm on their part of dedication. They also shed several of their past sins through this process.  

    There are those that perform Umrah out of a sense of duty and there are those that perform Umrah with a sense of understanding. May Allah make us from those who understand the magnitude of this beautiful journey and fall into the subservience of its due duties.