What is the Umrah?

Umrah is an act of worshipping Allah by entering the state of Ihram, circumambulating the House, running between Safa and Marwa, and having the head shaved or trimmed.

How do I enter into the state of Ihram?

• A Muslim enters into the state of Ihram at the place specified by Sharia, and shall abstain from the Ihram prohibitions

• He shall recite Talbiyah, saying: "Labbayka Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-ni'mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak" (Here I am at your service, o Allah, at Your service! At Your service! You have no partner! I am at Your service! Indeed, all praise and grace belong to You, and so does the supreme authority. You have no partner)

Circumambulation (Tawaf):

• He/she goes to the Haram

• When the Kaaba is to the left, they circumambulate (counterclockwise)

• He begins and ends at the Black Stone

• After completion of the seven rounds, you pray two Rakaah in an appropriate place

Sa’i (between Safa and Marwa):

He/she heads to Safa where he starts Sa’i towards Marwa. Once reaching Marwa, you have completed one round. Crossing the distance back to Safa fulfills the second round, and so on until the seventh round ends at Marwa.

Having hair of the head shaven or trimmed:

• After completing Sa’i, men go to the barber shops to have their hair shaven or trimmed

• Women gather their hair and cut from its ends about (1-2 cm)

• With this act, the Umrah would be completed, marking the end of Ihram

Umrah pilgrimsshould avoid any conduct that harms others in the Haram, such as jostling, entering crowded places, and reversing the direction of circumambulation. They shall carefully follow the instructions of observers and security personnel. Umrah in Ramadan

Performing Umrah in Ramadan

Umrah has great virtues at all times. It is one of the deeds that expiate sins, for the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said. Additionally, it has a special virtue during Ramadan.