UMRAH GUIDE
Meeqaat
Those with the intention of performing Umrah (pilgrim) arrive at Meeqaat, it is recommended (although it is not compulsory) that they take a bath if convenient. This holds true for both menstruating women and those with postnatal bleeding. Men perfume their heads and beards but not Ihram. After bathing, men and those women not menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding, pray, if it is time. Otherwise,
They make their intention by praying the two Sunnah Rakaas.
Talbeeyah
When a pilgrim finishes his prayers he must utter the following: “Here I am for Umrah, here I am, Oh Allah here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partner.” This is also called Talbeeyah. Important note: Talbeeyah is said loudly by men and in a low voice by women pilgrims. It must be said as many times as possible and especially when places (ascending or descending during travel) and time (day or night) change. Talbeeyah during Umrah is said from putting on Ihram till the start of Tawaaf (during Hajj, Talbeeyah is said from putting on Ihram to the start of stoning of Jamrah Al-Aqaba).
Holy Mosque
When a pilgrim enters the Holy Mosque, he must put forth his right foot and utter the following: “In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of your Mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan.”
Black Stone
A pilgrim may approach the Black Stone, touch it with his right hand and kiss it and say the following: “In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. Oh, Allah, with faith in you, belief on your book, loyalty to you, compliance to the way of your Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” Important note: Since it is not compulsory therefore there is no need to push and shove other pilgrims. If a pilgrim cannot reach the Black Stone, he/she must at least face it and point to it.
A pilgrim must reach Rukn Al Yamani, (keeping Ka’bah on his/her left) and touch but not kiss it and say the following: “Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hell fire. Oh Allah, I beg of You for forgiveness and health in this life and in the Hereafter.”
Each time a pilgrim passes the Black Stone, he/she should say: “Allah is the Greatest.”
During reminder of the Tawaaf, a pilgrim can say what he/she pleases of supplications, mentioning Allah (SWT) and recite Quran. Important note for men: During Tawaaf men must do two things:
- A. Al-Idhtebaa’ – Placing the middle of one’s Ridaa under his right arm and the ends of it over his left shoulder. This must be done from the beginning to the end of the Tawaaf.
- B. Al-Raml – Speeding up in small steps. This is required only during the first three circles. For his last four circles, he must walk in a normal speed.
- After the completion of the Tawaaf (seven circles), a pilgrim must approach Maqam Ibrahim and say: “And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of Prayer”.
A pilgrim must pray two short Rakaas, if possible behind Maqam Ibrahim or in close proximity. During the first Rakaa, a pilgrim must recite Surah Al-Kafirun and during the second Rakaa, Surah Al-Ikhlas.
A pilgrim must return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient.
A pilgrim must go to the Mesa’a and near As-Safaa, must recite: “Verily As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are among the shrines of Allah”.
A pilgrim must ascend As-Safaa until he sees the Ka’bah. Facing the House of Allah (SWT), he/she must raise hands and praise Allah (SWT) and make any supplications he/she chooses. Important note: The Prophet (PBUH) prayed: “There is no Deity but Allah alone.” Three times while supplicating in between.
A pilgrim must descend As-Safaa and head towards Al-Marwah at a normal pace till he/she reaches the green mark. Onwards, a pilgrim must run until the next green mark. Then he/she must continue walk towards Al-Marwah in normal speed. When he/she reaches Al-Marwah, he/she ascends it, face the Qibla, raise his/her hands and say what was said on As-Safaa. He/she must then descend and head towards As-Safaa, walk where walking is required and run where running is required.
The above mentioned procedure must be followed for seven laps. Important note: Going from As-Safaa to Al-Marwah is one lap, returning is another lap.
During Sa’yi, a pilgrim may recite what he/she wants to mention of Allah (SWT), recitation of Quran.
Upon completion of Sa’yi, a male pilgrim must shave his head. Women must cut their hair as the length of a finger tip. Important note: Shaving of hair is preferred not mandatory. Especially when Hajj is near and the hair will not grow back. In that case, clipping of hair will suffice.