HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH
Umrah is non mandatory religious obligation that Muslim can perform any time in the year in contrast to the Hajj. Umrah holds great importance and significance in Islam as Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم performed four Umrah’s in his life. Umrah is pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The meaning of Umrah in Arabic is “to visit the populated place” and in Sharia its mean performing Tawaf around the Kabaah. Umrah is known as an act of cleaning one’s soul from the past sins that is why it is highly recommended and has great reward. Islam advised us to Perform Umrah more than once if you are physically and financially capable as it washes all your sins from the last time when you performed Umrah. Allah SWT protect those from poverty who spend their wealth and time in completing the deed ordered by Allah as they exclusively dissipate their money purely for Allah sake. We can understand the importance of Umrah from many virtues as Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said performing Umrah in Holy month of Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم. Like Hajj, Umrah is considered a best deed one can perform to please Allah SWT. Performing Umrah is the utmost desire of every Muslim brother and sister. Every year Thousands of Muslim from all over the world gather at the holy city to remove their sins and collect as much blessing as they can. To perform Umrah every one has to follow the ordered steps as performing Umrah without completing its all steps is not acceptable.
Umrah is obligatory service with high rewards. Our Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم performed 4 Umrah in His life. Muslims have to perform it with Niyyah and full devotion. Keep your spirit high throughout your
holy journey of Umrah. Before starting your holy journey when you setting off from home you have to do the following things:
Make Ghusal with full body wash. After that offer full Salat of whatever Salat is due at the time and before setting off read 2 rakaats of Travelling Salat and when you leave your hotel or house say: "Bismillahi, Tawakkaltu, ‘a-lallahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwatta illah billah"
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhaa-nalathee, Sakha-ra-la-naa ha-thaa wa maa kunaa, lahu muq-ri-nee-na wa innaa ilaa rabbinaa la mun-qa-le-boon"
At a journey break recite:
“A’uthoo bi-kalimaa tillaah-hitammaa ti-min sharri maa khalaq”.
During your journey when next Salat is due you can combine and shorten them as Allah SWT gives us concession. You can pray 2 Rakaats of Dhur and 2 Rakaats of Asr together. 3 Rakaats of Maghrib and 2 Rakaats of Ishaa together. But there is no restriction on Sunnah and Nawafil so read as many as you can. Pilgrims must have to fulfill the rites of Umrah. There are four rites of Umrah you have to follow these are: Entering the state of Ihram, Tawaf of Kabaah Sharif, Sayee between the hills of Safa and Marwah and Clipping or Shaving of the hair.
To enter in the state of Ihram one should have to prepare him/her self for it. Firstly purify yourself, it is noted that there are two ways of purification. One is purification of Body that includes Shower and Wudu. Second one is purify yourself internally by demanding sincere repentance on your sins. Take a bath with the Niyyah of Ihram or do Wudu. Comb your hair, shape your beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails and remove unwanted body hair. Now wear your Ihram as mention above and wear flip-flop (Hawaii Chaapal) so middle bones of upper part of feet not get covered and do not use any fragrance, most of the fragrances include alcohol to make it last longer and attractive. It is forbidden to use any king of fragrance. After putting Ihram clothing one is ready to start his pilgrimage by making Niyyah. Uncover your head and express your intention of Umrah by saying Talbiya three times:
"Allahummah inne ureedul umrata fayassirhaalee wataqabbalhaa minnee"
Talbiya should be pronounced in a loud voice by men and subdued voice by women. If anyone doesn’t remember it you can also pronounce its translation.
After this make any dua to Allah Almighty and recite Darood Sharif as much as you can. Next you have to offer two rakats of Nafil, if it is not Makruh time offer 2 rakats of Nafil for Ihram by covering your head and read the following:
In the first rakat "Qul yaa ayyuhal kafiroon"
In the second rakat "Qul huwallaahu ahad"
You are in state of Ihram when you done Niyyah and Talbiya and there are some prohibitions in the state of Ihram which include covering head for men and covered face for women, covering middle bone of the upper part of the feet both for men and women, hair cut or shaving, nail cutting, wearing perfumes, wearing stitched clothes for men, hunting and killing. All these mention thing are prohibited when one enters in the state of Ihram.
Next pilgrims have to move towards Holy Makkah, during your journey towards Makkah recite Talbiya frequently. When entering this angelic city keep reciting Talbiya. Now proceed to the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah. Enter Masjid al Haram with right foot preferably through “Bab as Salam” reciting Talbiya. Say:
At the first sight of Kabaah Sharif stand at one side and keep your eyes fixed at Baitullah. And say three times the following:
"Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah"
This time is very special for the acceptance of prayers. Pray to Allah humbly with tears and recite Darood Sharif on our beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم. After this move to perform Tawaf. All your bad or good deeds in Haram are multiplied by 100,000 times so avoid deeds and gestures not liked by the Almighty Allah.
Kabaah is the very first mosque on the Earth and the most sacred place for Muslims. During Hajj or Umrah Muslims do Tawaf of Kabaah Sharif seven times. The meaning of TAWAF is "circling around something". Allah Almighty said:
"And He it is who spawn the night and day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit hovering"
According to this effulgent verse everything in this universe is floating in an orbit. Revolution is cosmogonic law and no one deny its importance. Allah SWT ordered Muslims to circle around Kabaah which is basic ritual in hajj and Umrah. In Umrah it means circling around Kabaah Sharif with supreme love and devotion several times. To perform Tawaf pilgrim have to do some preparation. First of all one have to do “Iztaba” the act which left the right shoulder of pilgrims bare (only for men). Ravine the upper piece of Ihram from beneath the right arm and put it on the left shoulder. Next pilgrims have to do Wudu (ablution) as it is essential for Tawaf. Hajra e Aswad is the Black Stone from Jannah placed in Kabaah by Prophet Ibraaheem (A.S) andhis son Prophet Ismail (A.S) is the starting point of Tawaf.It is engraved in the southeast wall of Kabaah.One should have to recite Talbiya when reach the starting point of Tawaf by saying the following:
"Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am, you have no ally, and here I am. Assuredly all praise, grace and sovereignty belongs to you. You have no partner."
Niyyah is the next rite of Tawaf, stand in the front of Kabaah Sharif facing Hajra e Aswad in such position that the whole Hajra e Aswad is on your right side. Then make Niyyah or intention for Tawaf without raising your hand. To make Niyyah say:
"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You, Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
(To face the Hajra e Aswad correctly you may get help from the Black stripes on floor. Stripes should be on your right side.) The next step of Tawaf is to move towards right and come in front of Black Stone (Hajra e Aswad) and kiss it. The act of kissing Hajra e Aswad is called Istilam. The meaning of Istilam in Arabic is to touch something with hand or mouth. Istilam of Black stone means touching or kissing it with hands or mouth. Every Muslim want to touch this Holy stone of Jannah but due to extreme rush if approaching directly is not possible touch it with the stick and kiss the stick. Most of the people do not realize that they are guest of Allah SWT and it is the supreme place on entire planet earth, so one’s must not force other’s to get out of their way by pushing them away. Allah SWT knows everyone’s Niyyah and we should believe in it and act decent and care for our Muslim brothers and sisters during Tawaaf. If it is also not possible then raise your both hands to ears keeping open your palm towards the Hajra e Aswad and say:
"Bismillahai Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
Then drop your hands down and point the palms again towards Hajra e Aswad and kiss your hands, it is accepted as the same as kissing Hajra e Aswad directly. Number of pilgrims’ increases day by day and authorities expand the area of Kabaah so it has possibility for many pilgrims to not reach to the first row and touch it with hands, in that case use the method mention above.
Start your Tawaf after Istilam by turning towards right and start it in clockwise direction. There are some points pilgrims should keep in mind during Tawaf never turn your face or back towards Kabaah except when you are kissing or pointing toward Hajra e Aswad as this act is permissible. The next step of Umrah is “RAMAL” and it is Sunnah. According to Abdullah Bin Umar (R.A) Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم did Ramal in the first three rounds in Tawaf and walked for the remaining four rounds in Umrah and Hajj. In Ramal for first three circle of Tawaf of Arrival and Tawaf of Umrah. Men are required to move their shoulders and walk with quick short steps. But this should be done for the first three rounds and remaining of the four steps you can walk normally.
Supplications of Tawaf are next thing that should be known to pilgrims. There are several recommended Dua’s that could be found in the various books of Hajj and Umrah. Remembering lengthy dua has chance of forgetting so try to memorize perfectly whatever supplication you are preparing for Tawaf. There are no fixed supplications for Tawaf, following are some easy to memorize Dua for Tawaf:
"Subhan- Allah Wal- hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa- billah"
If anyone not able to memorize the complete dua then just recite repeatedly the following:
"Subhan- Allah Wal- hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah"
Pilgrims can also recite Dua used in daily Salat or may ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness and ask whatever your wish in any known language that you can speak easily. After completing your Tawaf go around “Hatim”. Hatim or Hijr Ismail (A.s) is a stone of Ismail (A.S). It is a low wall primitively part of the Kabaah Sharif, but not connected to the north-west wall of the Kabaah. This wall is 90 cm high and 1.5 cm in width sedate with white marble. It is mandatory in performing Tawaf to go around Hatim. Hatim is semi circular half built portion which was elementary a part of the Kabaah Sharif but it could not included in the preeminent structure when Kabaah was reconstructed.
After performing the Hatim the next step is “Rukh Yamani”. Yamani corner is the south-west corner of the Kabaah coextending the Hajra e Aswad. It is named Rukh e Yamani as it faced the side where country YEMEN located. It is actually a crack in the Kabaah where Ali (R.A) was born. When pass the three corners of the Kabaah and reach the fourth corner, this corner is known as Rukh Yamani. Pilgrims have to touch it with both hands if not possible touch it with right hand. The first circle will complete when reach Hajra e Aswad. Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم has repeatedly recite the following supplication while walking between Rukh Yamani and Hajra e Aswad:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."
Start the second circuit at Hajra e Aswad by kissing it or pointing it same like the first circuit, stand in front of Hajra e Aswad raise you’re both hands to ears with open palms towards it and say: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
After reciting this kiss your both palms and drop your hands. Now go around the Kabaah as you did before and complete all the seven circuit by following the same process. After completing the seven circuits do Istilam of Hajra e Aswad at the end of seven circuit by pointing towards it eight time which is Sunnat e Muakidah and say:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
With this Iztaba is finished so you can cover both your shoulders with upper piece of Ihram sheet. This is only applicable to men.
Multazam is next place to come; it is highly sacred place where prayers and wishes are accepted. It is place five or six feet in length between Hajra e Aswad and the door of Kabaah Sharif. If it is not possible to reach Multazam cohere to it by pressing your cheeks and chest, while crying and shudder with full devotion and with all bashfulness seek Allah’s mercy, His blessing and ask him forgiveness and whatever you wish. If Multazam is not approachable or you are unable to come close just face towards it and supplicate from distance. With this your Tawaf will be completed.
After completing the Tawaf next precede to "Maqaam e Ibraaheem", the station of Prophet Ibraaheem and recite this verse of Holy Quran:
Now offer two rakaats of Nafil behind or close to Maqaam Ibraaheem without covering your head. When does Niyyah of Nafil say that you are offering two rakats of Nafil Wajib al-Tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafiroon in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah in the second rakah. After offering Nafil make dua to Allah and ask him whatever you wish, demand forgiveness or conjure blessings of Allah SWT. If it is the time of zawal when sajdah is not allowed, then you have to wait till this inadmissible time has passed then offer your Nafil. These Nafil are mandatory but if it not possible to offer near Maqaam Ibraaheem, you can offer it anywhere in Mataf, Hatim or anywhere in Masjid e Haram. Even you can offer it at any place in Haram of Makkah Muazma.
Next go to ZamZam well, the best available water in the whole world. It is situated in the basement of the Haram Sharif about 200 feet from the Kabaah door. Drink this water to fill while in standing position saying Bismillah. There are separate portions for men and women. After saying Bismillah make dua to Allah:
"Allahummah inni as’aluka ilm-an naafi’an wa rizqan waasi’an wa shifa’am min kulli daa’in."
"O Allah! I implore Thee for beneficial knowledge for vast provision, and for cure from every disease"
After visiting ZamZam well next pilgrims have to do Sa’ey between Safa and Marwah hills. The procedure of Sa’ey consist of six steps Istilam of Hajra e Aswad, Sa’ey at Safa, climbing, proceeding towards Marwah, going top of Marwah, End of Sa’ey, two rakat Nafil.
The very first step before starting Sa’ey is to do Istilam of Hajra e Aswad again for the ninth time. Or you can point towards it by saying:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar WA Lilla hil Hamd"
After that proceed towards Safa hill. Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم used to be in state of ablution during Sa’ey. So it is Sunnah of Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم during Sa’ey try to follow it. When reach at Safa climb the hill and make Niyyah for Sa’ey and recite the following:
"Inn-as-Safa wal Marwah min Sha’a’irillah"
At Safa hill you have to climb to that point where you can see Kabaah Sharif. When reach to that point then turn your face towards Kabaah and raise your hands in supplication and say Allah Akbar three times and recite the following Dua or make any wish that you want from Allah SWT:
"La ilaha ila Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu-al-mulk WA lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadir"
If anyone doesn’t remember this dua you can simply use the supplication you recite earlier during your Tawaf:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar WA Lilla hil Hamd"
After doing this act come down from Safa hill and start moving towards Marwah and keep reciting this supplication or third Kalma:
"Subhan-Allah Wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah"
"Glory is for Allah SWT. And all praises for Allah. And there is none noble of worship except Allah SWT. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power no strength except from Allah, the most High, the most Great."
If you don’t remember this dua, you can also recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah or Allahu Akbar repeatedly and keep moving. Pilgrims can also praise Allah, ask Him forgiveness or beg for His mercy while moving. You can use supplication from daily Salat and use any language that you can speak. While moving when you reach to the point between two green pillars you have to make seven runs between Safa and Marwah. Men have to run but women walk with their normal pace. The seven rounds are approx. 3.5 kilometers as Sa’ey area is .5 approx. each round.
First round will end at Marwah, when you reach on top of Marwah face the Kabaah and praise Allah Almighty and repeat same supplications that were recited at Safa. With that first round is over, repeat the same and your second round will end in Safa and third on Marwah and complete the seven rounds similarly. Last, seven round will end in Marwah and in all rounds women walk at their normal pace but men have to run between two green pillars. After completing the Sa’ey offer two rakats of Nafil in Masjid al Haram, if it is not Makrooh time or wait to pass this time. When coming out from Masjid al Haram after offering Nafil you should first keep your left foot out and then recite the following supplication:
"Bismillahi wal-hamdu lallahi wa-sal-watu wa-salamu ala Rasool lillah Allahummah inni As-aa-luka min fazlika"
After completing Sa’ey men should get their heads shaved or clipped as both are permissible but shaving is preferable. They have to completely shaved or get their hair clipped to the length of the upper third of their finger or a little more. While the women allowed locking of their hair clipped. Women are strictly forbidden to shave their heads. After that one can remove its Ihram as your Umrah is performed with full rights and obligations. May Allah accept every prayer and wish of every Muslim during Umrah.
Dua of Travelling
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhaa-nalathee, Sakha-ra-la-naa ha-thaa wa maa kunaa, lahu muq-ri-nee-na wa innaa ilaa rabbinaa la mun-qa-le-boon"
At a journey break recite:
“A’uthoo bi-kalimaa tillaah-hitammaa ti-min sharri maa khalaq”.
During your journey when next Salat is due you can combine and shorten them as Allah SWT gives us concession. You can pray 2 Rakaats of Dhur and 2 Rakaats of Asr together. 3 Rakaats of Maghrib and 2 Rakaats of Ishaa together. But there is no restriction on Sunnah and Nawafil so read as many as you can. Pilgrims must have to fulfill the rites of Umrah. There are four rites of Umrah you have to follow these are: Entering the state of Ihram, Tawaf of Kabaah Sharif, Sayee between the hills of Safa and Marwah and Clipping or Shaving of the hair.
How to enter in the state of Ihram?
Ihram is garment worn by Muslim men and women during Hajj and Umrah consisting of two-piece of white sheets. The gospel meaning of Ihram is to make Haram which means forbidden. It is used for three meanings first, two piece of white cloth used by Muslim men pilgrims, starting Hajj or Umrah when wear it by making intention that now I start Hajj or Umrah and saying Talbiya and the state of canonization in which pilgrims are during Umrah or Hajj. When pilgrim pronounces the intention of Umrah and consummate Talbiya, certain Halal thing becomes Haram. The real Ihram is Niyyah and Talbiya but it is commonly known as the two sheets that a Hajji wears. If a pilgrim wears these two sheets but does not declare his Niyyah and utter Talbiya he does not emerge as Muhrim. That is why if anyone cover his head during two rakats of Nafil before Niyyah and Talbiya its ok as he is not consider in the real state of Ihram. Ihram for men and women is slightly different.How Women Wear Ihram:
Women need more cloth to cover them. While for the women it is not necessary to wear special clothing to be in a state of Ihram. They can wear any cloth which can conceal and cover their body completely but leaving their face and hands exposed. But according to some authors gloves can be worn by women.
How Men Wear Ihram:
Ihram for men consists of two white, unsown sheets. He has to wrapped one piece called (izar) round his midriff to covered his body from just above his navel to his ankles and the other one is draped around his shoulder to cover the upper body which is known as (Rida).
To enter in the state of Ihram one should have to prepare him/her self for it. Firstly purify yourself, it is noted that there are two ways of purification. One is purification of Body that includes Shower and Wudu. Second one is purify yourself internally by demanding sincere repentance on your sins. Take a bath with the Niyyah of Ihram or do Wudu. Comb your hair, shape your beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails and remove unwanted body hair. Now wear your Ihram as mention above and wear flip-flop (Hawaii Chaapal) so middle bones of upper part of feet not get covered and do not use any fragrance, most of the fragrances include alcohol to make it last longer and attractive. It is forbidden to use any king of fragrance. After putting Ihram clothing one is ready to start his pilgrimage by making Niyyah. Uncover your head and express your intention of Umrah by saying Talbiya three times:"Allahummah inne ureedul umrata fayassirhaalee wataqabbalhaa minnee"
Talbiya should be pronounced in a loud voice by men and subdued voice by women. If anyone doesn’t remember it you can also pronounce its translation.
Now recite:
After this make any dua to Allah Almighty and recite Darood Sharif as much as you can. Next you have to offer two rakats of Nafil, if it is not Makruh time offer 2 rakats of Nafil for Ihram by covering your head and read the following:
In the first rakat "Qul yaa ayyuhal kafiroon"
In the second rakat "Qul huwallaahu ahad"
You are in state of Ihram when you done Niyyah and Talbiya and there are some prohibitions in the state of Ihram which include covering head for men and covered face for women, covering middle bone of the upper part of the feet both for men and women, hair cut or shaving, nail cutting, wearing perfumes, wearing stitched clothes for men, hunting and killing. All these mention thing are prohibited when one enters in the state of Ihram.
Next pilgrims have to move towards Holy Makkah, during your journey towards Makkah recite Talbiya frequently. When entering this angelic city keep reciting Talbiya. Now proceed to the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah. Enter Masjid al Haram with right foot preferably through “Bab as Salam” reciting Talbiya. Say:
At the first sight of Kabaah Sharif stand at one side and keep your eyes fixed at Baitullah. And say three times the following:
"Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah"
This time is very special for the acceptance of prayers. Pray to Allah humbly with tears and recite Darood Sharif on our beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم. After this move to perform Tawaf. All your bad or good deeds in Haram are multiplied by 100,000 times so avoid deeds and gestures not liked by the Almighty Allah.
Tawaf of Kabaah Sharif:
Kabaah is the very first mosque on the Earth and the most sacred place for Muslims. During Hajj or Umrah Muslims do Tawaf of Kabaah Sharif seven times. The meaning of TAWAF is "circling around something". Allah Almighty said:
"And He it is who spawn the night and day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit hovering"
According to this effulgent verse everything in this universe is floating in an orbit. Revolution is cosmogonic law and no one deny its importance. Allah SWT ordered Muslims to circle around Kabaah which is basic ritual in hajj and Umrah. In Umrah it means circling around Kabaah Sharif with supreme love and devotion several times. To perform Tawaf pilgrim have to do some preparation. First of all one have to do “Iztaba” the act which left the right shoulder of pilgrims bare (only for men). Ravine the upper piece of Ihram from beneath the right arm and put it on the left shoulder. Next pilgrims have to do Wudu (ablution) as it is essential for Tawaf. Hajra e Aswad is the Black Stone from Jannah placed in Kabaah by Prophet Ibraaheem (A.S) andhis son Prophet Ismail (A.S) is the starting point of Tawaf.It is engraved in the southeast wall of Kabaah.One should have to recite Talbiya when reach the starting point of Tawaf by saying the following:
"Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am, you have no ally, and here I am. Assuredly all praise, grace and sovereignty belongs to you. You have no partner."Niyyah is the next rite of Tawaf, stand in the front of Kabaah Sharif facing Hajra e Aswad in such position that the whole Hajra e Aswad is on your right side. Then make Niyyah or intention for Tawaf without raising your hand. To make Niyyah say:
"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You, Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
(To face the Hajra e Aswad correctly you may get help from the Black stripes on floor. Stripes should be on your right side.) The next step of Tawaf is to move towards right and come in front of Black Stone (Hajra e Aswad) and kiss it. The act of kissing Hajra e Aswad is called Istilam. The meaning of Istilam in Arabic is to touch something with hand or mouth. Istilam of Black stone means touching or kissing it with hands or mouth. Every Muslim want to touch this Holy stone of Jannah but due to extreme rush if approaching directly is not possible touch it with the stick and kiss the stick. Most of the people do not realize that they are guest of Allah SWT and it is the supreme place on entire planet earth, so one’s must not force other’s to get out of their way by pushing them away. Allah SWT knows everyone’s Niyyah and we should believe in it and act decent and care for our Muslim brothers and sisters during Tawaaf. If it is also not possible then raise your both hands to ears keeping open your palm towards the Hajra e Aswad and say:
"Bismillahai Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
Then drop your hands down and point the palms again towards Hajra e Aswad and kiss your hands, it is accepted as the same as kissing Hajra e Aswad directly. Number of pilgrims’ increases day by day and authorities expand the area of Kabaah so it has possibility for many pilgrims to not reach to the first row and touch it with hands, in that case use the method mention above.
Start your Tawaf after Istilam by turning towards right and start it in clockwise direction. There are some points pilgrims should keep in mind during Tawaf never turn your face or back towards Kabaah except when you are kissing or pointing toward Hajra e Aswad as this act is permissible. The next step of Umrah is “RAMAL” and it is Sunnah. According to Abdullah Bin Umar (R.A) Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم did Ramal in the first three rounds in Tawaf and walked for the remaining four rounds in Umrah and Hajj. In Ramal for first three circle of Tawaf of Arrival and Tawaf of Umrah. Men are required to move their shoulders and walk with quick short steps. But this should be done for the first three rounds and remaining of the four steps you can walk normally.
Supplications of Tawaf are next thing that should be known to pilgrims. There are several recommended Dua’s that could be found in the various books of Hajj and Umrah. Remembering lengthy dua has chance of forgetting so try to memorize perfectly whatever supplication you are preparing for Tawaf. There are no fixed supplications for Tawaf, following are some easy to memorize Dua for Tawaf:
"Subhan- Allah Wal- hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa- billah"
If anyone not able to memorize the complete dua then just recite repeatedly the following:
"Subhan- Allah Wal- hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah"
Pilgrims can also recite Dua used in daily Salat or may ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness and ask whatever your wish in any known language that you can speak easily. After completing your Tawaf go around “Hatim”. Hatim or Hijr Ismail (A.s) is a stone of Ismail (A.S). It is a low wall primitively part of the Kabaah Sharif, but not connected to the north-west wall of the Kabaah. This wall is 90 cm high and 1.5 cm in width sedate with white marble. It is mandatory in performing Tawaf to go around Hatim. Hatim is semi circular half built portion which was elementary a part of the Kabaah Sharif but it could not included in the preeminent structure when Kabaah was reconstructed.
After performing the Hatim the next step is “Rukh Yamani”. Yamani corner is the south-west corner of the Kabaah coextending the Hajra e Aswad. It is named Rukh e Yamani as it faced the side where country YEMEN located. It is actually a crack in the Kabaah where Ali (R.A) was born. When pass the three corners of the Kabaah and reach the fourth corner, this corner is known as Rukh Yamani. Pilgrims have to touch it with both hands if not possible touch it with right hand. The first circle will complete when reach Hajra e Aswad. Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم has repeatedly recite the following supplication while walking between Rukh Yamani and Hajra e Aswad:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."
Start the second circuit at Hajra e Aswad by kissing it or pointing it same like the first circuit, stand in front of Hajra e Aswad raise you’re both hands to ears with open palms towards it and say: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
After reciting this kiss your both palms and drop your hands. Now go around the Kabaah as you did before and complete all the seven circuit by following the same process. After completing the seven circuits do Istilam of Hajra e Aswad at the end of seven circuit by pointing towards it eight time which is Sunnat e Muakidah and say:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla hil Hamd"
With this Iztaba is finished so you can cover both your shoulders with upper piece of Ihram sheet. This is only applicable to men.
Multazam is next place to come; it is highly sacred place where prayers and wishes are accepted. It is place five or six feet in length between Hajra e Aswad and the door of Kabaah Sharif. If it is not possible to reach Multazam cohere to it by pressing your cheeks and chest, while crying and shudder with full devotion and with all bashfulness seek Allah’s mercy, His blessing and ask him forgiveness and whatever you wish. If Multazam is not approachable or you are unable to come close just face towards it and supplicate from distance. With this your Tawaf will be completed.
After completing the Tawaf next precede to "Maqaam e Ibraaheem", the station of Prophet Ibraaheem and recite this verse of Holy Quran:
Now offer two rakaats of Nafil behind or close to Maqaam Ibraaheem without covering your head. When does Niyyah of Nafil say that you are offering two rakats of Nafil Wajib al-Tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafiroon in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah in the second rakah. After offering Nafil make dua to Allah and ask him whatever you wish, demand forgiveness or conjure blessings of Allah SWT. If it is the time of zawal when sajdah is not allowed, then you have to wait till this inadmissible time has passed then offer your Nafil. These Nafil are mandatory but if it not possible to offer near Maqaam Ibraaheem, you can offer it anywhere in Mataf, Hatim or anywhere in Masjid e Haram. Even you can offer it at any place in Haram of Makkah Muazma.
Next go to ZamZam well, the best available water in the whole world. It is situated in the basement of the Haram Sharif about 200 feet from the Kabaah door. Drink this water to fill while in standing position saying Bismillah. There are separate portions for men and women. After saying Bismillah make dua to Allah:
"Allahummah inni as’aluka ilm-an naafi’an wa rizqan waasi’an wa shifa’am min kulli daa’in."
"O Allah! I implore Thee for beneficial knowledge for vast provision, and for cure from every disease"
After visiting ZamZam well next pilgrims have to do Sa’ey between Safa and Marwah hills. The procedure of Sa’ey consist of six steps Istilam of Hajra e Aswad, Sa’ey at Safa, climbing, proceeding towards Marwah, going top of Marwah, End of Sa’ey, two rakat Nafil.
The very first step before starting Sa’ey is to do Istilam of Hajra e Aswad again for the ninth time. Or you can point towards it by saying:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar WA Lilla hil Hamd"
After that proceed towards Safa hill. Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم used to be in state of ablution during Sa’ey. So it is Sunnah of Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم during Sa’ey try to follow it. When reach at Safa climb the hill and make Niyyah for Sa’ey and recite the following:
"Inn-as-Safa wal Marwah min Sha’a’irillah"
At Safa hill you have to climb to that point where you can see Kabaah Sharif. When reach to that point then turn your face towards Kabaah and raise your hands in supplication and say Allah Akbar three times and recite the following Dua or make any wish that you want from Allah SWT:
"La ilaha ila Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu-al-mulk WA lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadir"
If anyone doesn’t remember this dua you can simply use the supplication you recite earlier during your Tawaf:
"Bismillahi Allahu Akbar WA Lilla hil Hamd"
After doing this act come down from Safa hill and start moving towards Marwah and keep reciting this supplication or third Kalma:
"Subhan-Allah Wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah"
"Glory is for Allah SWT. And all praises for Allah. And there is none noble of worship except Allah SWT. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power no strength except from Allah, the most High, the most Great."
If you don’t remember this dua, you can also recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah or Allahu Akbar repeatedly and keep moving. Pilgrims can also praise Allah, ask Him forgiveness or beg for His mercy while moving. You can use supplication from daily Salat and use any language that you can speak. While moving when you reach to the point between two green pillars you have to make seven runs between Safa and Marwah. Men have to run but women walk with their normal pace. The seven rounds are approx. 3.5 kilometers as Sa’ey area is .5 approx. each round.
First round will end at Marwah, when you reach on top of Marwah face the Kabaah and praise Allah Almighty and repeat same supplications that were recited at Safa. With that first round is over, repeat the same and your second round will end in Safa and third on Marwah and complete the seven rounds similarly. Last, seven round will end in Marwah and in all rounds women walk at their normal pace but men have to run between two green pillars. After completing the Sa’ey offer two rakats of Nafil in Masjid al Haram, if it is not Makrooh time or wait to pass this time. When coming out from Masjid al Haram after offering Nafil you should first keep your left foot out and then recite the following supplication:
"Bismillahi wal-hamdu lallahi wa-sal-watu wa-salamu ala Rasool lillah Allahummah inni As-aa-luka min fazlika"
After completing Sa’ey men should get their heads shaved or clipped as both are permissible but shaving is preferable. They have to completely shaved or get their hair clipped to the length of the upper third of their finger or a little more. While the women allowed locking of their hair clipped. Women are strictly forbidden to shave their heads. After that one can remove its Ihram as your Umrah is performed with full rights and obligations. May Allah accept every prayer and wish of every Muslim during Umrah.