Steps to Perform UmrahPerforming Umrah is a spiritual journey that involves a set of rituals. Here are the general steps to perform Umrah:
-
Ihram:
-
Enter into the state of Ihram from a designated point (usually at the Miqat, which is a boundary outside Makkah).
-
For men, Ihram consists of wearing two white unstitched sheets of cloth. One is wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulders.
-
Women can wear any modest and loose-fitting clothing that covers their body, avoiding clothes that reveal their shape.
-
Tawaf:
-
Upon entering Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba.
-
Start from the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad) corner and proceed in a counter-clockwise direction, making seven circular rotations around the Kaaba.
-
During Tawaf, recite supplications (duas) and praises of Allah.
-
Supplications During Tawaf
-
During Tawaf, which is the act of circulating around the Kaaba, it is common and recommended to recite various supplications (duas) and prayers. Here are some supplications that are frequently recited during Tawaf:
-
Opening Supplication (Dua al-Istiftah):
-
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
-
"Bismillahi, Allahu Akbar"
-
Meaning: "In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest."
-
Supplication at the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad):
-
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
-
"Bismillahi, Allahu Akbar"
-
Meaning: "In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest."
-
Supplication while Circumambulating (any round):
-
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
-
"Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasanah, wa fi'l-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaban-nar."
-
Meaning: "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
-
Supplication at the Yemeni Corner (Rukn al-Yamani):
-
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
-
"Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasanah, wa fi'l-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaban-nar."
-
Meaning: "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
-
Supplication at the End of Tawaf:
-
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
-
"Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antas-Sami'ul-'Alim."
-
Meaning: "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing."
-
"Labaik Allahumma Labaik" (لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ) is a profound supplication commonly recited by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It holds deep spiritual significance and is a declaration of readiness and response to the call of Allah. Here's the supplication along with its meaning:
Supplication: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ "Labaik Allahumma Labaik, Labaik Laa shareeka laka Labaik, Innal hamda wan ni’mata laka wal mulk, Laa shareeka lak."
Meaning: "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
Explanation:
-
Labaik: Literally means "Here I am" or "At your service."
-
Allahumma: O Allah.
-
Laa shareeka laka: You have no partner.
-
Innal hamda wan ni’mata laka: Indeed, all praise and grace (blessings) belong to You.
-
Wal mulk: And sovereignty (kingdom).
-
Laa shareeka lak: You have no partner.
This supplication reflects the profound submission and readiness of the believer to answer the call of Allah. It acknowledges Allah's absolute sovereignty and expresses gratitude and praise towards Him alone. Pilgrims recite this supplication as they embark on the journey of Hajj or Umrah, affirming their dedication and devotion to Allah's commandments and worship.
These are just a few examples of supplications that can be recited during Tawaf. It is also recommended to make personal prayers and ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings during this sacred act.
-
Sai:
-
After Tawaf, perform Sai, which is walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
-
Begin at Safa and end at Marwah. This commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Hazrat Isma'il (AS).
-
Complete Sai by shaving or trimming the hair (for men) or cutting a small portion of hair (for women).
-
Halq or Taqsir:
-
Men usually shave their heads (Halq) completely.
-
Women cut a small portion of their hair (Taqsir), typically about the length of a fingertip.
-
Tahallul:
-
Upon completing these rituals, one exits from the state of Ihram by changing back into regular clothing.
-
Optional Acts:
-
After Umrah, it is recommended to perform two Rak'ahs of voluntary prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim.
-
Drink Zamzam water.
-
Make further supplications and prayers in the Haram.
-
Additional Practices (for those performing Hajj Tamattu or Qiran):
-
Stay in Makkah until the Hajj rituals begin.
It's crucial to familiarize yourself with these steps and preferably seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals or scholars to ensure the Umrah is performed correctly and according to SunnahRewards of Performing UmrahPerforming Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam, holds significant spiritual rewards and benefits according to Islamic teachings. Here are some of the rewards associated with performing Umrah: Following the Sunnah: Umrah is considered a highly recommended act and follows the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who also performed Umrah. Forgiveness of Sins: It is believed that performing Umrah expiates sins committed between one Umrah and another, as stated in a Hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Spiritual Cleansing: Umrah provides an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation, purification, and reflection. It allows Muslims to seek forgiveness and strengthen their relationship with Allah. Dua Acceptance: It is believed that prayers made during Umrah, especially at the Kaaba and other holy sites, have a higher chance of being accepted by Allah. Increase in Spiritual Rewards: Every action and step taken during Umrah is believed to earn spiritual rewards (hasanat), and sincere worship during Umrah is highly valued in Islam. Unity of Muslims: Umrah brings Muslims from around the world together in a common act of worship, fostering unity, brotherhood/sisterhood, and a sense of belonging to the global Muslim community. Blessings and Barakah: The experience of performing Umrah is considered to bring blessings (barakah) into one’s life, family, and community. Preparation for Hajj: For those who intend to perform Hajj (the greater pilgrimage), performing Umrah serves as a preparation and practice for the rituals and procedures involved in Hajj. Opportunity for Reflection: The peaceful environment and spiritual activities during Umrah provide a chance for personal introspection, self-improvement, and re-evaluation of one's life goals and priorities.
Overall, Umrah is seen as a deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching journey for Muslims who are able to undertake it, offering numerous benefits both in this world and in the Hereafter according to Islamic teachings.
|
Informative post....
ReplyDelete