Umrah is a pilgrimage in Islam that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. It involves a series of rituals that must be performed in a specific sequence. Here are the basic steps and rules for performing Umrah:
### 1. **Ihram (State of Purity)**:
– **Before entering the Holy Mosque in Mecca**, the pilgrim must enter the state of Ihram, a spiritual and physical state of purity.
– **Men** wear two pieces of white, unstitched cloth, and **women** wear a modest dress that covers their entire body, with their face and hands remaining uncovered.
– The intention (niyyah) for Umrah should be made during this stage.
– Certain prohibitions apply during Ihram, such as not cutting hair, clipping nails, or engaging in any sinful behavior.
### 2. **Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)**:
– Upon arrival in Mecca, the pilgrim performs **Tawaf**, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
– The first three rounds should be done briskly, while the remaining four are walked at a normal pace.
– **Tawaf** begins from the **Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)**, and the pilgrim should try to kiss or touch it, if possible. If not, they can simply point toward it on each round.
### 3. **Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)**:
– After Tawaf, the pilgrim performs **Sa’i**, which is the walking between the hills of **Safa** and **Marwah** seven times.
– The walk is done from **Safa** to **Marwah**, with one trip (to and from) counting as one, and the pilgrim completes a total of seven trips, ending at **Marwah**.
### 4. **Shaving/Cutting Hair**:
– After completing **Sa’i**, men must either **shave their heads** (which is highly recommended) or cut a portion of their hair (at least a fingertip’s length).
– Women cut a small portion of their hair, typically a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair.
### 5. **Tawaf al-Ifadah (Optional, but Recommended)**:
– This is performed after Sa’i and is an optional ritual, especially for those performing Umrah as part of Hajj.
### General Prohibitions During Ihram:
– **Avoiding** acts like lying, arguing, or engaging in any sinful behavior.
– **No marital relations** are allowed.
– **No hunting** or harming animals.
– **No wearing of perfume** or engaging in activities that break the state of Ihram.
### Conclusion of Umrah:
– After performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and either cutting or shaving hair, the pilgrim may exit the state of Ihram, and they can resume their normal activities, including wearing regular clothes.
It’s essential to approach Umrah with reverence and maintain the required spiritual and physical purity throughout the rituals.