What is Umrah and How Do You Perform It?

It is the duty of every Muslim to strive for self-improvement and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT). One way to achieve this is by performing Umrah, a sacred journey that demonstrates devotion and submission to the Creator. But what exactly is Umrah, and how is it performed?

What is Umrah in Islam?

Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” is a voluntary act of worship in Islam. It involves traveling to the holy city of Makkah to visit the Ka’aba, the sacred House of Allah and the focal point of Muslim prayer.

Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory, Umrah is a Sunnah (recommended) pilgrimage that holds immense spiritual rewards. It offers Muslims a chance to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT).

How to Perform Umrah

Performing Umrah involves several key steps:

1. Entering the State of Ihram

Before beginning Umrah, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram—a sacred state requiring purity and intention. This involves:

• Ghusl (ritual bath) for purification.

• Wearing Ihram clothing (two white, unstitched sheets for men; modest, loose-fitting attire for women).

• Making the Niyyah (intention) for Umrah by reciting the Talbiyah:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
“Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayk lā shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda, wa n-‘imata, Laka wal mulk. Lā shareeka lak.”
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.”

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’aba)

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Ka’aba seven times counterclockwise, starting at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

After completing Tawaf, it is Sunnah to:

• Pray two Rak’ah near Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim).

• Drink from the Zamzam Well.

3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)

Pilgrims then perform Sa’i, walking or jogging seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar’s (AS) search for water for her son, Ismail (AS).

4. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

To exit the state of Ihram:

• Men shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair.

• Women cut a fingertip’s length of their hair (Taqsir).

This marks the completion of Umrah.

How Long Does Umrah Take?

The entire Umrah ritual can be completed in 3 to 6 hours, depending on crowd conditions.

Important Duas for Umrah

Throughout the journey, Muslims should recite specific supplications:

• Dua for Traveling:

  بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
  “Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.”
  “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power nor strength except with Allah.”

• Dua When Boarding a Vehicle:

  سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ
  “Subhanal-ladzi sakh-khara lana hadza wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamun-qalibun.”
  “Glory to Him who has brought this under our control, though we were unable to control it. Indeed, to our Lord we will return.”

• Dua Upon Arrival:

  أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
  “A’udzu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaq.”
  “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.”

• Dua After Returning:

  آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ سَاجِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ
  “Ayibun, ta’ibun, ‘abidun, sajidun, lirabbina hamidun.”
  “We return, repentant, worshipping, prostrating, and praising our Lord.”

Difference Between Hajj and Umrah