Umrah

Ive been away. I have not updated my blog for quite sometime now due to various reasons including travelling abroad and engaged in courses around the country. I went for umrah with my family for a whole of two weeks last March.

In Arabic, the word Umrah is derived from I'timaar which means a visit. However, Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Kaabah, performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safar and Marwah seven times. A performer of Umrah puts off his Ihram by having his hair shaved or cut. Umrah can be performed along with Haj and in other days as well.

Umrah can be performed during anytime in the year, there is no fixed time for Umrah.

The Pillars of Umrah are four:

a) Ihram: which is assumed at the Miqat

b) Tawaf: around the House.

c) Saie : walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.

d) Tahalul: which means coming out of the state of Ihram; becoming lawful wha

t was previously prohibited during Ihram.

During Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rituals are only performed during Haj

When the one who wants to perform Umrah arrives at the Miqat, it is recommended for both man and woman to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding.

Men are to change into their clothing of Ihram while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the veil that covers the face and gloves.

As for men, they must assume their Ihram at the Miqat by wearing two pieces of fabric that covers the top half and lower half of the body . No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these no underwear, no pants, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. are to be worn.

Then the pilgrim makes the niat or intention at the Miqat to begin the rites of Umrah by entering the state of Ihram. The niat must be made in the heart, while the statement made afterwards is: "Labayka Umrah" or "Allahumma labbayka Umrah". This statement begins the rites of Umrah. So the first pillar of Umrah is the Ihram. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyah. Repeat the Talbiyyah: "labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak" (“In response to your call O Allaah I perform Umrah, here I am O Allaah. In response to Your call. You have no partner. In response to Your call. All Praise and Blessings, and the Ownership of all that You created is Yours (alone). You have no partner”)

Upon arriving at the Masjidil Haram in Makkah, you should enter with your right foot and say: "Bismillaah, Allaahumma Salli 'Alaa Muhammad, Allaahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allaah! O Allaah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allaah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me)." You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.

Upon arriving at the K'abah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn't possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the

Stone, the following is said: "Bismil-laah, Allaahu Akbar" (In the name of Allaah, Allaah is the Greatest) or "Allaahu Akbar" (Allaah is the Greatest).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Kaabah on his left. When you reach the Yamani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: "Bismil-laahi wa Allaahu Akbar". If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying "Allaahu Akbar" because this was not narrated from the Prophet on the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the black stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, "Bismillaah Allaahu Akbar", if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, "Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar".

When you complete seven circuits of Tawaf, approach Maqam Ibrahim and recite this verse (which means): "And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer... " [Quran; 2:125]

Then pray two short Rakaats, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqam Ibrahim. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rakaat the chapter "Al-Kafiroon" [109] and during the second one the chapter of “Al-lkhlaas” [112].

Upon completing the two Rakaats, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient

The next stage is to go to Safar. Upon approaching the foot of Safar, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or 'Umrah of the house (ka 'bah) to perform the going (tawaaf

) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]

Then climb unto mount Safar until the Kaabah is visible, if possible. Facing the Kaabah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication:

"Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa 'alaa qulli shay'in qadeer. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu" (Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, Who has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)

Then descend and go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safar except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safar for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safar running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) - thus completing two circuits.

There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safar and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah.

Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of Umrah have now been completed.

Amiinnn.....ya rabbal....alamiin.....