Sunnah Way to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understanding Miqat: The Boundary for Ihram

Miqat are designated locations where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specified five main Miqat points:

Key Miqat Locations:

1. Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): For those coming from Madinah.

2. Al-Juhfah: For pilgrims arriving from Syria, Egypt, or North Africa.

3. Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabeer): For travelers from Najd or eastern regions.

4. Yalamlam: For those coming from Yemen or southern areas.

5. Dhat Irq: For pilgrims from Iraq or northern regions.

Note: If you cross Miqat without Ihram, you must return or offer a sacrifice (Fidyah).

2. Ihram: Rules and Preparation

(A) Pre-Ihram Sunnah Acts:

1. Take a Ghusl (ritual bath).

2. Trim nails and remove unwanted hair.

3. Apply perfume (before wearing Ihram).

(B) Ihram Clothing:

• Men: Two white unstitched sheets (one for lower body, one for upper body).

• Women: Regular modest clothing (face and hands uncovered).

(C) Niyyah (Intention) and Talbiyah:

• Make intention in your heart and say:

  “Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah!”
  (O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah!)

• Recite Talbiyah frequently:

  “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk, Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

Note: Men should recite loudly; women should recite softly.

3. Restrictions During Ihram

While in Ihram, avoid:

1. Cutting hair/nails.

2. Using perfume.

3. Hunting or harming animals.

4. Sexual relations or arguments.

5. Wearing stitched clothing (for men) or gloves (for women).

Penalty (Fidyah): Violations may require compensation (fasting, charity, or sacrifice).

4. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba

• Perform 7 rounds around the Kaaba, starting at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

• Men: Walk briskly (Raml) in the first 3 rounds.

• Recite: “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” at the Black Stone.

Istilam: Kiss or gesture toward the Black Stone if crowded.

5. Pray 2 Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim

After Tawaf, pray 2 Rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (Surah Al-Kafirun & Al-Ikhlas recommended).

6. Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwah

• Begin at Safa, face the Kaaba, and recite:

  “Allahu Akbar!” (3 times) + make dua.

• Complete 7 rounds between Safa and Marwah.

• Men: Run between the green markers.

7. Shaving or Trimming Hair (Halq/Taqsir)

• Men: Shave completely (preferred) or trim at least a fingertip’s length.

• Women: Trim a fingertip’s length.

8. Completion of Umrah

After haircut, your Umrah is complete. Recite:

“Allahumma aj’alhu ‘Umratan mabrooratan, wa dhanban maghfooran, wa sa’yan mashkooran.”

Key Tips for a Blessed Umrah

• Avoid distractions; focus on dhikr and Quran.

• Stay hydrated and patient in crowds.

• Follow Sunnah acts for maximum reward.

May Allah accept your Umrah! Ameen.