The shortest answer to the question how to perform Umrah is: entering into ihram without being bound to a specific time, performing tawaf around the Kaaba, performing sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and exiting ihram by shaving or trimming the hair. This act of worship, which is a means of spiritual purification for Muslims, is considered a sunnah muakkadah (confirmed sunnah) to be performed once in a lifetime according to the Hanafi school of thought.
What is Umrah and What is its Ruling?
The dictionary meaning of Umrah is “to visit”; as a fiqh term, it refers to entering ihram at the miqat boundary, performing the acts of tawaf and sa’i, and then exiting ihram by shaving or trimming the hair. Unlike the worship of Hajj, there is no specific time frame for Umrah; it can be performed at any time of the year. However, Umrah performed during the month of Ramadan is described as more virtuous in the noble hadiths.
While performing Umrah is a sunnah according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools, it is fardh (obligatory) to perform it once in a lifetime according to the Shafi’i school.
What are the Fardh and Wajib Elements of Umrah?
The pillars and conditions that must be fulfilled for the worship of Umrah to be considered valid are as follows:
- Fardh of Umrah: There are two: Ihram (condition) and Tawaf (pillar).
- Wajib of Umrah: Performing sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and exiting ihram by shaving or trimming the hair after sa’i.
Step-by-Step Umrah Guide
The steps a Muslim must follow to completely fulfill the worship of Umrah are listed in the sources as follows:
1. Entering Ihram
A person setting out with the intention of Umrah performs the necessary purification before crossing the miqat boundaries, performs ghusl if possible, and wraps themselves in the ihram garments. After performing a two-rak’ah ihram prayer, the intention is made by saying, “O Allah, I want to perform Umrah for Your pleasure; make it easy for me and accept it from me,” and the talbiyah is recited.
2. Umrah Tawaf
Upon reaching Mecca, one proceeds directly to Al-Masjid Al-Haram. Starting from the alignment of the Hajar Al-Aswad (Black Stone), one circumambulates the Kaaba seven times. It is wajib to perform a two-rak’ah tawaf prayer at the end of the tawaf.
3. Umrah Sa’i
After tawaf, one ascends to the hill of Safa and makes the intention for the worship of sa’i. Seven circuits (shawts) are walked between Safa and Marwah, four going and three returning. It is a sunnah for men to walk with quick, short steps (harwala) between the green-lit pillars.
4. Shaving/Trimming and Exiting Ihram (Tahallul)
After sa’i is completed, men completely shave their heads (halq) or trim their hair (taqsir). Women cut a small amount from the ends of their hair. With this act, Umrah is completed, and the prohibitions of ihram come to an end.
The Main Differences Between Umrah and Hajj
The main features that distinguish the worship of Umrah from Hajj are as follows:
- Hajj is fardh, while Umrah is a sunnah (according to Hanafis).
- While Hajj is performed only on specific days (in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah), Umrah can be performed at any time.
- Umrah does not include rituals (manasik) such as the Arafat wuquf, Muzdalifah wuquf, and the stoning of the devil.
- Umrah is performed only in Mecca; whereas the rituals of Hajj are spread across Mecca, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does tahallul (exiting ihram) occur in Umrah?
In Umrah, tahallul occurs by shaving or trimming the hair after the worship of sa’i, thereby exiting ihram.
Can a menstruating woman perform Umrah?
A woman in her special state can fulfill all other requirements of Umrah except tawaf. After becoming pure, she completes her Umrah by performing her tawaf.
When is the talbiyah stopped in Umrah?
In the worship of Umrah, talbiyah ends when one begins to circumambulate (tawaf) the Kaaba.
Can more than one Umrah be performed in a single journey?
Yes, while a person is in Mecca, they can go to the miqat boundary (for example, Tan’im), re-enter ihram, and perform more than one Umrah.
What is the ruling on Umrah sa’i?
According to the Hanafi school, it is wajib to perform the Umrah sa’i. If it is abandoned without a valid excuse, a penalty sacrifice (dam) is required.
