Grand Mosque Imam Addresses Guests of King's Umrah Program at Orientation Session in Makkah - وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Grand Mosque Imam Addresses Guests of King's Umrah Program at Orientation Session in Makkah وكالة الأنباء...
What is Umrah?
Linguistic and Islamic Meaning
The word Umrah comes from the Arabic root 'a-m-r, which linguistically means to visit or to inhabit a place. In Islamic terminology, Umrah refers to the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah in Makkah, performed at any time of the year, consisting of Ihram, Tawaf around the Ka'bah, Sa'ee between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming the hair. It is often called the "minor pilgrimage" (al-Hajj al-Asghar) to distinguish it from Hajj, the "greater pilgrimage."
Ruling on Umrah
The scholars of the four Sunni madhabs have differed on the ruling of Umrah:
Shafi'i and Hanbali Position
Umrah is Wajib (obligatory) once in a lifetime, just as Hajj is obligatory. This is based on the hadith of Aishah (RA) who asked the Prophet (SAW) whether women must make jihad. He replied: "Yes, upon them is a jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and Umrah." (Ibn Majah 2901). The conjunction of Umrah with Hajj indicates it shares the same obligatory ruling. They also cite the hadith of Abu Razin al-'Uqayli (RA) who asked the Prophet (SAW) about his father who was old and could not perform Hajj or Umrah. The Prophet said: "Perform Hajj and Umrah on behalf of your father." (Abu Dawud 1810, Tirmidhi 930, Nasai 2621) - the fact that the Prophet ordered it as a substitute indicates obligation.
Hanafi and Maliki Position
Umrah is Sunnah Mu'akkadah (an emphasised Sunnah) - highly recommended but not obligatory. Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Malik held that the Quranic verses and the strongest ahadith about pilgrimage specifically mention Hajj as the obligation, and the evidences for the obligation of Umrah do not reach the level of certainty required to establish a separate obligation. They cite the hadith of Jabir (RA) when the Prophet (SAW) was asked: "Is Umrah obligatory?" He replied: "No, but if you perform it, that is better for you." (Tirmidhi 931) - al-Tirmidhi graded it hasan sahih, but most hadith scholars grade its chain weak.
Regardless of the difference, all four madhabs agree that performing Umrah is greatly rewarded and strongly encouraged.
Virtues of Umrah
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for what is between them, and Hajj Mabrur (accepted Hajj) has no reward except Paradise."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1773, Sahih Muslim 1349Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Perform Umrah in Ramadan, for Umrah in Ramadan equals a Hajj" - or he said: "a Hajj with me."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1782, Sahih Muslim 1256Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Alternate between Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins just as the bellows removes impurities from iron, gold and silver."
- Sunan an-Nasai 2631, Sunan at-Tirmidhi 810
Spiritual Reflection
Umrah is called the "minor pilgrimage," but there is nothing minor about standing before the House of Allah. For many Muslims, this first encounter with the Ka'bah is the most overwhelming spiritual experience of their lives. You may have seen it in photographs a thousand times, but nothing can prepare you for the moment the Ka'bah appears before your own eyes. Scholars, warriors, kings and the poorest of the poor - all have wept at this sight. Let your heart be open, for you are about to stand before the House of the Lord of all creation.
What is Ihram?
Linguistic Meaning
The word Ihram comes from the Arabic root ha-ra-ma, meaning to make something haram (forbidden) upon oneself. When you enter the state of Ihram, you voluntarily forbid upon yourself certain otherwise permissible actions - such as wearing sewn clothing (for men), using perfume, trimming nails, and intimate relations.
Ihram is a Sacred State, Not Clothing
One of the most common misconceptions is that Ihram refers to the two white sheets that men wear. This is incorrect. Ihram is the sacred state that a Muslim enters through making an intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj or Umrah. The clothing is merely the physical manifestation and outward symbol of that inner state.
A person who wears the two white sheets but has not made the intention is not in Ihram. Conversely, the moment you make the intention in your heart (joined to the Talbiyah, for the Hanafis - see the fiqh note below), you become a Muhrim (one in the state of Ihram), and all the restrictions apply - regardless of what you happen to be wearing at that exact moment.
Key Point: Ihram = Sacred State entered through intention. The white garments are the dress code of Ihram, not Ihram itself. When you make your niyyah, you become a Muhrim, and all restrictions begin.
Spiritual Reflection
Ihram strips you of everything that distinguishes you in the world - your designer clothes, your cologne, your status symbols. Rich and poor, king and commoner, CEO and street sweeper, all wrapped in the same simple white sheets. It is a preview of the kafan (burial shroud) and the Day of Judgement, when no one's wealth or lineage will matter. Every time you feel the rough fabric against your skin, remember: this is how you will be wrapped when you leave this world. Let that thought transform how you walk, how you speak, and how you treat every person around you.
The Mawaqit - Designated Stations for Ihram
What Are the Mawaqit?
The Mawaqit (singular: Miqat) are the specific geographic boundaries designated by the Prophet (SAW) beyond which no person intending Hajj or Umrah may pass without being in the state of Ihram. These are sacred boundary lines, and crossing them without Ihram - if you intend to perform the pilgrimage - is a violation that requires a penalty unless you go back and enter Ihram at the miqat.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) designated Dhul Hulaifa as the Miqat for the people of Madinah, Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham (Syria), Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. These are for those who live there and for those who come through them from other lands, intending Hajj or Umrah. And whoever lives within these boundaries should enter Ihram from where he starts his journey, and the people of Makkah should enter Ihram from Makkah."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1524, Sahih Muslim 1181The Five Miqat Points
| Miqat Name | Modern Name | For the People Of | Distance from Makkah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhul Hulaifa | Abyar Ali, also called Bir Ali (near Madinah) | Madinah | ~450 km (furthest miqat) |
| Al-Juhfah | Near Rabigh | Sham (Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Europe, West Africa, the Americas) | ~183 km |
| Qarn al-Manazil | As-Sayl al-Kabeer | Najd (central Arabia) | ~75 km |
| Yalamlam | As-Sadiyah | Yemen, South/Southeast Asia (by southern route), East Africa | ~100 km |
| Dhat Irq | Al-Dareebah | Iraq, Iran, the East, Central Asia, China | ~90 km |
What If You Are Flying?
When travelling by air, the plane passes over or near one of these Mawaqit. You must be in the state of Ihram before the plane crosses the miqat line. This means you should put on your Ihram garments before the flight, and make your intention before the plane crosses the miqat:
- Put on the garments at your hotel, home or the airport before boarding
- Make your intention on the plane a little before the miqat (entering Ihram long before it is valid but disliked by the Maliki and Hanbali schools)
- The captain or cabin crew often announce when the miqat is approaching
Practical Tip: Many airlines (especially Saudi carriers) announce the miqat over the intercom. However, do not rely on this alone: wear the garments before boarding and make your intention shortly before the announced time. Until you make the intention you may wear a jacket or thobe over the garments for warmth; once you have made it, take them off.
Critical Warning: If you arrive at Jeddah airport without having entered Ihram and you intended Umrah or Hajj, you have passed the miqat without Ihram. All four madhabs say you must go back to the miqat and enter Ihram there if you are able; if you do, no penalty is due. If you cannot go back and enter Ihram from Jeddah, the majority of scholars require a damm (sacrificial penalty - slaughtering a sheep in the Haram).
What If You Already Live Inside the Miqat Boundaries?
If you already reside within the miqat boundaries (e.g., in Jeddah or any town between the miqat and Makkah; Taif lies outside the boundary, so its residents enter Ihram at Qarn al-Manazil or its Wadi Muhrim station), you enter Ihram from wherever you are.
Residents of Makkah have special rules:
- For Hajj: They enter Ihram from their homes in Makkah.
- For Umrah: They must go outside the boundaries of the Haram to enter Ihram. The most common place is Masjid Aishah in Tan'eem, the nearest point outside the Haram boundary. This is what Aishah (RA) did when the Prophet (SAW) instructed her brother Abdur-Rahman to take her to Tan'eem for her Umrah (Bukhari 1784, Muslim 1211).
Preparing for Ihram - Etiquettes and Requirements
Physical Preparation (Cleanliness)
Before entering the state of Ihram, it is Sunnah to prepare yourself physically. These are the recommended preparations:
- Trim your nails - fingernails and toenails
- Remove armpit and pubic hair
- Perform ghusl (full bath) - this is a Sunnah before entering Ihram, reported from the Prophet (SAW)
- Men: Trim the moustache and comb the beard
- Women: The same grooming applies (nails, body hair removal, ghusl)
It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) performed ghusl before entering the state of Ihram.
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi 830If ghusl is not possible (due to lack of water, illness, or travel constraints), then wudu is sufficient.
Applying Perfume
In the majority view (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali) it is Sunnah to apply perfume or musk to the body before entering the state of Ihram; the Malikis dislike perfume whose scent remains after Ihram begins. The perfume should be applied to the body (head, beard, skin), not to the Ihram garments after wearing them.
Aishah (RA) said: "I used to perfume the Messenger of Allah (SAW) for his Ihram before he entered it, and for his coming out of it before he performed Tawaf around the House."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1539, Sahih Muslim 1189Important: Once you are in the state of Ihram, you may not apply any new perfume. However, for the majority the residual scent of perfume applied before entering Ihram is permissible and does not need to be washed off. Aishah (RA) also reported: "I could see the glistening of musk on the scalp of the Prophet (SAW) while he was in Ihram." (Bukhari 1538, Muslim 1190)
Ihram Clothing - Men
Men wear two white, unstitched sheets of cloth:
- Izar (lower garment): Wrapped around the waist, covering from the navel to below the knees
- Rida (upper garment): Draped over the shoulders
Additional rules for men's clothing in Ihram:
- No underwear of any kind
- No socks or any footwear that covers the ankles
- No head covering - the head must remain bare at all times (no hat, cap, turban, hoodie, or towel placed on the head)
- Sandals that expose both the ankles and the tops of the feet - this is the most cautious position across the four madhabs
→ Read the full footwear guide - what each of the four madhabs (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) say about men's footwear in Ihram, women's footwear, and how to break in your sandals before Hajj.
The Prophet (SAW) said: "Let one of you enter Ihram in an izar, a rida, and sandals."
- Musnad Ahmad 4899Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The Muhrim should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a hooded cloak, or leather socks, except if he cannot find sandals, in which case he should cut the leather socks below the ankles."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1542, Sahih Muslim 1177Practical Tip: Practice wearing the Ihram garments at home before you travel. The izar can be tricky to keep secure, especially during Tawaf and Sa'ee when you are moving vigorously. Use safety pins or a specially designed Ihram belt to keep it firmly in place. Many pilgrims have experienced the embarrassment of their izar slipping - preparation prevents this.
Ihram Clothing - Women
The rules for women's Ihram clothing are quite different from men's:
- Women may wear any modest clothing in any colour - they are not restricted to white
- The head must be covered (hijab/headscarf)
- The face and hands should be uncovered (the Hanafis permit gloves)
- Women may wear sewn clothing, socks, and shoes
The Prophet (SAW) said: "A woman in Ihram should not wear a niqab or gloves."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1838
Fiqh Note on Women's Face Covering
If non-mahram men are nearby, a woman may drape a cloth over her face; the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools require that it not rest on the skin, while Ibn Qudamah notes that this condition is not reported from Imam Ahmad. This is based on the practice of Aishah (RA), who narrated: "Riders would pass us when we were with the Prophet (SAW) in Ihram. When they came close, each of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face, and when they passed we would uncover." (Abu Dawud 1833; its chain is weak, but a similar report from Asma bint Abi Bakr (RA) is in the Muwatta). Many scholars recommend using a cap or visor underneath to hold the cloth away from the face.
Praying Two Rak'ahs
It is Sunnah to pray two rak'ahs before making the intention for Ihram. This is based on the general practice of the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions. Many jurists recommend these surahs in them, as in the two rak'ahs after Tawaf:
- First rak'ah: Recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) after al-Fatihah
- Second rak'ah: Recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) after al-Fatihah
If you happen to be at the miqat at the time of an obligatory prayer, you may pray the fard prayer and it will suffice - you do not need an additional two rak'ahs.
Making the Intention (Niyyah)
This is the most critical step. The intention is what actually puts you in the state of Ihram - not the clothing, not the ghusl, not the prayer. Without the niyyah, you are not in Ihram.
The verbal utterance depends on the type of pilgrimage you are performing:
| Type | What You Say | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah only | Labbaika Allahumma Umratan | "Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah" |
| Hajj Tamattu' (Umrah first) | Labbaika Allahumma Umratan | Say Umrah intention now; Hajj intention on 8th Dhul Hijjah |
| Hajj Qiraan | Labbaika Allahumma Hajjan wa Umratan | "Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj and Umrah together" |
| Hajj Ifraad | Labbaika Allahumma Hajjan | "Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj" |
Fiqh Note on Verbal Intention
All four madhabs agree that the intention itself is in the heart. The Hanafi school holds that Ihram begins only when that intention is joined to the Talbiyah (or another dhikr glorifying Allah, or driving the sacrificial animal); the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold that the intention alone puts you in Ihram. Naming the rite aloud, as in "Labbaika Allahumma Umratan", is recommended by the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars and is not required by the Malikis.
Conditional Intention (Ishtiraat): If you fear that illness, an emergency, or any obstacle may prevent you from completing your Umrah or Hajj, you may add a condition at the time of your intention: "Allahumma mahilli haithu habastani" (O Allah, my place of release is wherever You prevent me). This is based on the hadith of Duba'ah bint al-Zubayr (RA), who was ill, and the Prophet (SAW) instructed her to make this condition (Sahih al-Bukhari 5089, Sahih Muslim 1207). If you are then prevented, you may exit Ihram without penalty. This is the Shafi'i and Hanbali position; the Hanafi and Maliki schools do not give the condition this effect.
Restrictions of Ihram - What is Forbidden
Once you enter the state of Ihram, certain actions become prohibited. These restrictions fall into three categories based on their severity.
Things That Can INVALIDATE Your Hajj or Umrah
CRITICAL: Sexual intercourse before standing at Arafah invalidates the Hajj entirely by scholarly consensus (ijma'), and the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold the same for intercourse at any point before the first release from Ihram (the Malikis when it happens on or before the 10th, before both the pelting of Jamrat al-Aqabah and Tawaf al-Ifadah; the Hanafis hold the Hajj valid once Arafah is done, with a camel due). The consequences are severe: the pilgrim must still complete the remaining rites of that Hajj, must repeat the Hajj the following year, and must offer a sacrifice - a camel in the majority view (the Hanafis require a sheep before Arafah). This is based on Quran 2:197: "Whoever undertakes the Hajj therein, then there should be no rafath (sexual relations), no wickedness, and no arguing during Hajj." For Umrah, sexual intercourse similarly invalidates it, requiring it to be repeated with a sacrificial penalty, if it happens before the shaving or trimming that ends it (Shafi'i), before the Sa'ee is completed (Maliki, Hanbali), or before four circuits of Tawaf (Hanafi).
Things That Require a Penalty (Fidyah)
The following violations require a fidyah (expiation). The general fidyah for these violations is described in Quran 2:196 and explained in the hadith of Ka'b ibn 'Ujrah (RA) as one of three options: fasting three days, feeding six poor persons, or sacrificing a sheep (Sahih al-Bukhari 1814, Sahih Muslim 1201).
| Violation | Details |
|---|---|
| Clipping nails | Cutting or clipping any fingernails or toenails |
| Shaving or cutting hair | Removing hair from any part of the body. Quran 2:196: "And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. Whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head, then a ransom of fasting, charity, or sacrifice." |
| Using perfume or scent | Applying any fragrance to the body or clothing after entering Ihram, including scented soap, shampoo, or deodorant |
| Wearing sewn/stitched clothing (men) | Shirts, trousers, underwear, socks, gloves, or any tailored garment that is sewn to the shape of the body |
| Covering the head (men) | Any head covering that directly sits on the head: cap, turban, hat, hoodie, towel wrapped on head |
| Wearing niqab or gloves (women) | A niqab or other face veil (the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools include any cloth resting on the face), or gloves (except for the Hanafis, who permit them) |
| Marriage contract | A Muhrim may not marry, arrange a marriage for others, or propose marriage. There is no fidyah for this, but the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold that a marriage contracted in Ihram is void (the Hanafis hold it valid). |
| Hunting land game | Killing or hunting any land animal. Quran 5:95: "O you who believe! Do not kill game while you are in Ihram." The penalty (Quran 5:95) is a comparable livestock animal judged by two just people, or feeding the poor with its value, or fasting in its place. |
Uthman ibn Affan (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "A Muhrim should not marry, nor give in marriage, nor propose."
- Sahih Muslim 1409Things That Are Sinful but Do Not Require a Specific Penalty
These actions are sinful at all times but are especially emphasised during Ihram:
- Arguing and disputes
- Fighting, insulting, and backbiting
- All forms of disobedience and sin
"Hajj is [in] well-known months. Whoever undertakes Hajj therein, then there should be no obscenity (rafath), no wickedness (fusuq), and no arguing (jidal) during Hajj."
- Quran 2:197Allowances During Ihram - What IS Permitted
The following are permissible while in the state of Ihram:
- Bathing and washing - including washing the head gently (without deliberately pulling out hair)
- Washing Ihram garments and changing to a fresh set
- Using unscented soap and unscented hygiene products
- Women may wear shoes and socks
- Carrying bags, backpacks, and purses
- Wearing a belt, watch, glasses, hearing aids, and medical devices
- Seeking shade under a tent, building or tree, and under an umbrella or car roof in the Hanafi and Shafi'i view (the Prophet (SAW) was shaded with a cloth while in Ihram, Sahih Muslim 1298); classical Maliki and Hanbali texts restrict shade that travels with the rider
- Treating wounds, applying bandages, and taking medicine
- Wearing a money belt
Ibn Abbas (RA) said: "There is no harm if a Muhrim wears a ring or a belt pocket."
- al-BayhaqiAccidental Violations: If you accidentally apply perfume, remove it immediately with water. If you accidentally cover your head (men), remove the covering immediately. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold that there is no penalty for accidental violations like these that are corrected immediately; the Malikis agree for a head covering removed at once, but require the fidyah for perfume you applied yourself, even by mistake; the Hanafis still require one, usually a charity payment (sadaqah) when the use was brief. Cutting hair or nails by mistake is different: most scholars require the fidyah even then. The penalty applies when the violation is done deliberately or when the person continues the violation after realising it.
The Talbiyah
The Talbiyah is the proclamation of tawheed - the declaration of Allah's Oneness - that the pilgrim recites continuously from the moment of entering Ihram. It is one of the most powerful and moving aspects of the pilgrimage.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaika la shareeka laka Labbaik. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak.
"Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, all grace, and all sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
When to Recite the Talbiyah
- Start: From the moment you make your intention (niyyah) at the miqat
- For Umrah: Continue until you reach the Ka'bah and begin Tawaf (stop when you touch or point at the Black Stone to begin your first circuit). This is the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali view; the Malikis stop on entering the Haram boundary, or on reaching the houses of Makkah if you entered Ihram at Tan'eem or al-Ji'ranah
- For Hajj: Continue until you throw the stones at Jamarat al-Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (the Malikis stop when they set out for the place of prayer at Arafah after midday on the 9th)
- Recite it frequently: when ascending a hill, descending a valley, after each prayer, when waking up, when boarding transport, and whenever you remember
How Loudly to Recite
Zaid ibn Khalid (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Gabriel came to me and told me: 'Command your Companions to raise their voices when saying Talbiyah, for it is among the symbols of Hajj.'"
- Sunan Ibn Majah 2923, Musnad AhmadMen should recite the Talbiyah loudly and with conviction.
Women should recite it audibly enough that they and those immediately around them can hear, but not loudly.
Virtues of the Talbiyah
Abu Bakr (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) was asked which Hajj is best. He said: "Al-'ajj and al-thajj" - raising the voice with the Talbiyah, and the flowing of sacrificial blood.
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi 827Sahl ibn Sa'd (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "There is no Muslim who recites the Talbiyah except that every stone, tree, and pebble on his right and his left also recites the Talbiyah, until the earth comes to an end on this side and on that."
- Sunan Ibn Majah 2921, Sunan at-Tirmidhi 828Additional Words of Some Companions
Some Companions added to the Talbiyah, such as "Labbaika dha'l-ma'arij" (Here I am, O Lord of the ascending ways) and similar words. The Prophet (SAW) heard them and did not object (Abu Dawud 1813; see also Sahih Muslim 1218). However, the words of the Prophet (SAW) are the best and most complete, and sticking to them is preferable.
Spiritual Reflection
"Labbaik" means "Here I am, at Your service" - repeatedly, emphatically, unconditionally. It is the response to Ibrahim's (AS) call thousands of years ago, when Allah commanded him: "And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass" (Quran 22:27). When you say "Labbaik," you are answering that ancient invitation. You are declaring: I have no partner in worship, everything I have is from You, all praise belongs to You. The Talbiyah is the anthem of tawheed, the battle cry against every idol of the heart - money, status, ego, desire. Let each repetition strip another layer away until nothing remains but you and your Lord.
The Umrah Step by Step - Overview
Umrah consists of the following steps, performed in order. Each step is explained in full detail in the sections that follow.
- Enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat and make your intention: "Labbaika Allahumma Umratan"
- Recite the Talbiyah continuously from the moment of intention until you reach the Ka'bah
- Perform Tawaf - 7 complete circuits around the Ka'bah, starting and ending at the Black Stone
- Pray 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim
- Drink Zamzam water and make dua
- Perform Sa'ee - 7 laps between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah
- Shave (halq) or trim (taqseer) the hair
- Umrah complete! You are now released from Ihram and all restrictions are lifted.
The pillars (arkan) of Umrah according to the majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) are: Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa'ee; without any one of these, the Umrah is not valid. The Hanafis count only the Tawaf as a pillar: Ihram is a precondition and Sa'ee an obligation (wajib) whose omission requires a penalty. Shaving/trimming the hair is either a pillar (Shafi'i) or an obligation (Hanafi, Maliki, Hanbali) whose omission requires a penalty but does not invalidate the Umrah.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
As you approach the greatest mosque on earth, approach with humility, awe, and anticipation. Enter with your right foot first, as is the Sunnah for entering any mosque.
Dua for Entering the Mosque
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ. أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ وَبِسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Bismillah, was-salaatu was-salaamu 'ala Rasoolillah. Allahumma-ghfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaaba rahmatik. A'oodhu Billahil-'Adheem, wa bi wajhihil-kareem, wa bi sultaanihil-qadeem, minash-shaytaanir-rajeem.
"In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, and in His noble Face, and in His eternal Power, from the accursed Shaytan."
- Based on Sahih Muslim 713, Sunan Ibn Majah 771, Abu Dawud 466
Your First Sight of the Ka'bah
When you first lay eyes on the Ka'bah, it is a moment for heartfelt dua. Most scholars recommend raising the hands and making dua at the first sight of the House, following a report from Ibn Jurayj that the Prophet (SAW) did so (Musnad al-Shafi'i; its chain is broken), and it is reported from some of the Companions and Tabi'een. The hadith that dua is answered "when the Ka'bah is seen" (al-Tabarani, al-Bayhaqi) is weak, so do not treat this moment as a guarantee; make your dua sincerely, trusting in Allah's generosity.
Practical Tip: Prepare your most important duas before arriving. Write them down if needed. When you first see the Ka'bah, do not rush to start Tawaf. Take a moment. Let the sight settle into your heart. Raise your hands and pour out your most heartfelt supplications. Many pilgrims later regret that they were so overwhelmed they forgot to make dua at this moment.
Spiritual Reflection
There are no words that can prepare you for the first time you see the Ka'bah. Many pilgrims weep uncontrollably. Hardened men cry like children. Scholars who have read about it for decades find themselves speechless. This is the House that Ibrahim (AS) built, stone by stone, with his son Ismail. This is the Qiblah to which Allah turned His Messenger (SAW) in Madinah, and towards which every Muslim prayer has been made ever since. This is the point around which billions of hearts have orbited for millennia. Let yourself feel it fully. There is no shame in tears before the House of Allah.
The Ka'bah - The Sacred House of Allah
The Ka'bah stands at the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the first House of worship established for mankind on earth.
"Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah) - blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim. And whoever enters it shall be safe."
- Quran 3:96-97The Four Corners of the Ka'bah
The Ka'bah has four corners, each named after the region it faces:
| Corner | Arabic Name | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Black Stone Corner | Ar-Rukn al-Aswad (al-Hajar al-Aswad) | The eastern corner; where Tawaf begins and ends. Contains the Black Stone. |
| The Iraqi Corner | Ar-Rukn al-Iraqi | The northern corner, facing Iraq |
| The Levantine Corner | Ar-Rukn ash-Shami | The western corner, facing the Levant (Sham/Syria) |
| The Yemeni Corner | Ar-Rukn al-Yamani | The southern corner, facing Yemen. It is Sunnah to touch this corner during Tawaf. |
Al-Hajar al-Aswad (The Black Stone)
The Black Stone is set into the eastern corner of the Ka'bah, approximately 1.5 metres above the ground. It is the starting and ending point of each circuit of Tawaf.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The Black Stone came down from Paradise whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black."
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi 877, Musnad AhmadUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA) came to the Black Stone, kissed it, and said: "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (SAW) kissing you, I would not have kissed you."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1597, Sahih Muslim 1270Umar's statement is a profound lesson in tawheed. We do not worship the stone. We do not believe it has divine power. We kiss it or point towards it as an act of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, nothing more.
Al-Hateem (Hijr Ismail)
The Hateem (also called Hijr Ismail) is the semi-circular walled area on the north-western side of the Ka'bah. A portion of it is actually part of the Ka'bah - the original Ka'bah built by Ibrahim (AS) included this area, but when the Quraysh rebuilt the Ka'bah before Islam, they did not have enough lawful funds to include all of it.
Aishah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Did you not see that when your people rebuilt the Ka'bah, they fell short of the foundations of Ibrahim?" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, will you not return it to the foundations of Ibrahim?" He said: "Were it not that your people are still close to the pre-Islamic period, I would have done so." He also indicated that approximately six cubits of the Hijr is part of the Ka'bah.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1583, 1584, Sahih Muslim 1333Key Point: If you pray inside the Hateem, you are essentially praying inside the Ka'bah: the Prophet (SAW) told Aishah (RA), "Pray in the Hijr if you wish to enter the House, for it is a part of the House" (Sunan at-Tirmidhi 876, Abu Dawud 2028). This is one of the most blessed places on earth to pray. When it is not too crowded, try to offer voluntary prayers inside the Hateem.
The Multazam
The Multazam is the area of the Ka'bah wall between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka'bah. Many scholars recommend making dua here, following a report from Ibn Abbas (RA), who used to hold to this part of the wall (al-Bayhaqi). Some Companions would press their chests, faces, forearms, and palms against it and make dua.
Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) stood between the Black Stone and the door, pressed his chest, face, forearms and palms against the wall, and said: "This is how I saw the Messenger of Allah (SAW) do it."
- Abu Dawud 1899, Ibn Majah 2962 (its chain contains a weak narrator, al-Muthanna ibn al-Sabbah; al-Albani graded the Ibn Majah narration hasan through supporting reports)Other Features of the Ka'bah
- The Door (Bab al-Ka'bah): The door is on the north-eastern wall, raised approximately 2.13 metres above the ground. It was originally at ground level but was raised during the Qurayshi reconstruction.
- The Mizab (Water Spout): Also called Mizab ar-Rahmah (the Spout of Mercy). It is the golden water spout on the roof of the Ka'bah on the Hijr Ismail side, from which rainwater flows into Hijr Ismail. No authentic report singles out the spot beneath it for dua.
- The Kiswah: The black silk covering embroidered with gold Quranic verses. It is replaced every year; since 1444 AH (2022) the new Kiswah is draped at the start of the Islamic year, on 1 Muharram.
Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur - The Frequented House in the Heavens
The Ka'bah has a heavenly counterpart. In the hadith of al-Isra (the Night Journey), the Prophet (SAW) described that upon ascending to the seventh heaven, he was shown Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur - the Frequented House. Seventy thousand angels pray there daily and never return; each day brings a new seventy thousand. Other reports, from Ali (RA) and others, add that it lies directly above the Ka'bah, and al-Albani judged this detail established through its combined chains.
The Prophet (SAW) said during the narration of al-Isra: "Then al-Bayt al-Ma'mur was raised up before me. I asked Gabriel and he said: 'This is al-Bayt al-Ma'mur. Seventy thousand angels pray in it every day and when they leave, they never return.'"
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3207, Sahih Muslim 162
Tawaf - The Complete Guide
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating (walking around) the Ka'bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, with the Ka'bah on your left. Each complete circuit starts and ends at the Black Stone.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Tawaf around the House is like prayer, except that you can speak during it. So whoever speaks during it, let him not speak except good."
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi 960 (graded sahih by al-Albani; al-Tirmidhi notes that it is also narrated as Ibn Abbas's own words, which several hadith scholars consider more accurate; compare Sunan an-Nasai 2922)Before Starting Tawaf
- Be in a state of wudu (ablution). Since Tawaf is likened to prayer, ritual purity is required: a condition of validity for the majority, and an obligation (wajib) for the Hanafis, whose omission requires a penalty. Ensure your wudu is fresh before approaching the Ka'bah.
- Men: Perform Idtiba'. It is a Sunnah in the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools (the Malikis do not count it as one). This means exposing the right shoulder by placing the rida (upper garment) under the right arm and over the left shoulder, so the right shoulder is bare. Important: Idtiba' is only performed during the Tawaf of arrival (Tawaf al-Qudum) and the Tawaf of Umrah - NOT for every Tawaf you perform. Cover both shoulders again after Tawaf is complete, especially before praying the 2 rak'ahs.
- Stop reciting the Talbiyah. In the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali view the Talbiyah stops when you begin Tawaf for Umrah (at the moment you face the Black Stone to start your first circuit); the Malikis stop it earlier, on entering the Haram or reaching the houses of Makkah.
- Face the Black Stone. Position yourself so that the entire Ka'bah is on your left side. You will walk in an anti-clockwise direction.
Starting Tawaf
At the Black Stone, perform one of the following (in order of preference):
- Kiss the Black Stone - if you can reach it without pushing or harming anyone
- Touch it with your hand and then kiss your hand - if you can reach it but cannot kiss it directly
- Point towards it with your right hand from wherever you are and say "Allahu Akbar" - this is what the vast majority of pilgrims will do, and it is completely sufficient
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) performed Tawaf on his camel, and every time he came to the corner (of the Black Stone), he pointed to it with something in his hand and said "Allahu Akbar."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1613Then say: "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" and begin walking counter-clockwise.
During Each Circuit
Important: There are NO specific, prescribed duas for each individual circuit of Tawaf. Despite what some printed dua booklets suggest, the Prophet (SAW) did not designate specific supplications for the 1st circuit, 2nd circuit, etc. Those booklets contain general duas compiled by later scholars as suggestions, not Sunnah. You may use them if you find them helpful, but do not believe they are obligatory or specifically prescribed.
During Tawaf, you may:
- Make any dua you wish - in Arabic or your own language
- Recite Quran
- Engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Reflect silently in your heart
- Speak to a companion (briefly, and only good words)
Raml (Brisk Walking) - First Three Circuits
In the first three circuits only, men should perform Raml: walking briskly with short, quick steps, chest puffed out, shoulders moving. This is for men only, and only during Tawaf of arrival/Umrah - not in every Tawaf.
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) walked rapidly (raml) in the first three circuits and walked at a normal pace in the remaining four.
- Sahih Muslim 1261In circuits 4 through 7, walk at a normal, relaxed pace.
At the Yemeni Corner
When you reach the Yemeni Corner (the corner just before the Black Stone corner):
- Touch it with your right hand if you can reach it
- Do not kiss the corner itself: unlike the Black Stone, there is no authentic report of the Prophet (SAW) kissing it or saying "Allahu Akbar" at it (the Shafi'is recommend kissing your hand after touching it, and the Malikis placing the hand on the lips)
- If you cannot reach it, simply continue walking. The Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools hold that you do not point towards it from a distance (unlike the Black Stone); the Shafi'is recommend pointing to it
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone
This short stretch between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is the one place in Tawaf where there is a specific Sunnah dua:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-aakhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhab an-nar.
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
- Abu Dawud 1892
At the Black Stone Each Circuit
Each time you pass the Black Stone (completing one circuit), repeat the action: kiss it, touch it, or point towards it and say "Allahu Akbar."
Common Questions During Tawaf
What if I lose count of my circuits?
Take the lower number you are certain of and continue from there. This is based on the principle of certainty (al-yaqeen la yazul bi'sh-shakk) - certainty is not overridden by doubt. If you are unsure whether you completed 5 or 6, consider it 5 and continue.
What if I break wudu during Tawaf?
Go and renew your wudu. The Hanafi and Shafi'i schools hold that you then continue from where you stopped; the Maliki and Hanbali schools hold that you restart the Tawaf, because its circuits must be continuous. If restarting is easy for you, it satisfies every view.
What if the prayer (salah) starts during my Tawaf?
Stop your Tawaf, join the congregational prayer where you are standing, and after the prayer, continue your Tawaf from where you paused (the Hanbali school says to begin that interrupted circuit again from the Black Stone).
What if I am pushed away from my path?
Continue from approximately where you were. Tawaf does not require precision to the centimetre. Return to the general area and continue your circuit.
Can I talk during Tawaf?
Yes, speech is permitted (unlike prayer). However, it is far better to focus on dhikr, dua, and Quran recitation. Avoid idle chat.
Can women perform Tawaf during menstruation?
No. Since Tawaf requires wudu (ritual purity), a woman experiencing menstruation must wait until her period ends, perform ghusl, and then do Tawaf. She may perform all other rites of Hajj and Umrah (staying at Arafat, etc.) during menstruation - but not Tawaf. Sa'ee needs no purity, but it only counts after a valid Tawaf, so she can do it while menstruating only if her Tawaf was completed before her period began.
The Prophet (SAW) said to Aishah (RA) when she got her period: "Do everything the pilgrim does, except do not perform Tawaf around the House until you are clean."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1650Do NOT push or shove to reach the Black Stone. It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) said to Umar (RA): "O Umar, you are a strong man. Do not crowd others at the Black Stone, for you will harm the weak. If you find an opening, touch it. Otherwise, face it and say 'La ilaha illallah' and 'Allahu Akbar.'" (Musnad Ahmad 190; its chain includes an unnamed narrator and is graded weak). Pointing from a distance is a complete Sunnah - you lose nothing by not touching or kissing the stone. But you will be sinful if you harm another Muslim in the attempt.
Two Rak'ahs Behind Maqam Ibrahim
After completing all seven circuits of Tawaf, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) and pray two rak'ahs behind it. This follows the Quranic instruction below. The Hanafis hold these two rak'ahs to be obligatory (wajib), as do the Malikis after an obligatory Tawaf such as that of Umrah; the Shafi'is and Hanbalis hold them to be Sunnah.
"And take from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer."
- Quran 2:125How to Perform These Two Rak'ahs
- Position yourself directly behind the Maqam Ibrahim (the glass enclosure containing the stone with Ibrahim's footprints), so the Maqam is between you and the Ka'bah
- If the area directly behind Maqam Ibrahim is too crowded, you may pray these two rak'ahs anywhere in Masjid al-Haram - this is valid according to all scholars
- First rak'ah: Recite Surah al-Fatihah, then Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109)
- Second rak'ah: Recite Surah al-Fatihah, then Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)
- These should be short, light rak'ahs - do not prolong them, as many others are waiting to pray in the same space
Practical Tip: Men should cover both shoulders before praying. The Idtiba' (exposing the right shoulder) was for Tawaf only, not for prayer. The shoulder is not part of a man's 'awrah (which is from the navel to the knee), but most scholars dislike praying with a shoulder bare, and the Hanbalis require a man to cover at least one shoulder in an obligatory prayer, based on the hadith: "None of you should pray in a single garment with nothing over his shoulders" (Sahih al-Bukhari 359).
Drink Zamzam Water
After completing the two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, it is Sunnah to drink Zamzam water. Zamzam is the miraculous water that sprang forth when the angel Jibreel struck the ground with his heel (or, in one narration, his wing), saving the infant Ismail (AS) and his mother Hajra from dying of thirst in the barren desert of Makkah (Sahih al-Bukhari 3364, 3365).
Etiquettes of Drinking Zamzam
- Face the Qiblah (the Ka'bah)
- Say "Bismillah" before drinking
- Drink in three breaths (three sips, removing the cup from your lips between each)
- Drink until you are full
- Make dua while drinking - this is a moment for special supplication
- Say "Alhamdulillah" after finishing
The Prophet (SAW) said: "The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for."
- Sunan Ibn Majah 3062The Prophet (SAW) said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam. In it is food for the hungry and a cure for the sick."
- al-Tabarani, al-Mu'jam al-Awsat (graded hasan by al-Albani); compare Sahih Muslim 2473: "It is blessed; it is food that nourishes"It is also narrated that the Prophet (SAW) drank Zamzam while standing (Bukhari 1637), though drinking while sitting is the general Sunnah for other beverages. Scholars have reconciled this by saying both are permissible for Zamzam.
Practical Tip: Make your most important dua while drinking Zamzam. Ibn Abbas (RA) is reported to have asked for beneficial knowledge, vast provision, and cure from every disease when drinking Zamzam (al-Daraqutni, al-Hakim; its chain has been criticised), and many scholars recommend this dua. Whatever you sincerely ask for, ask with hope, mindful of the hadith that Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.
Sa'ee Between Safa and Marwah
Sa'ee is the act of walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, commemorating Hajra's (Hagar's) desperate search for water for her son Ismail (AS). The Sa'ee takes place in al-Mas'a, the enclosed, air-conditioned corridor between the two hills within Masjid al-Haram.
"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing."
- Quran 2:158Approaching Safa
After drinking Zamzam, head towards Safa. When you are near Safa, recite the above verse (Quran 2:158) and then say:
نَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
Nabda'u bima bada'Allahu bihi
"We begin with that which Allah began with."
This is based on the hadith of Jabir (RA) describing the Prophet's Hajj: "He (SAW) began with Safa, and said: 'We begin with that which Allah began with.'"
- Sahih Muslim 1218; the wording "We begin" is in Sunan at-Tirmidhi 862Note: This verse and this statement are recited only once upon approaching Safa for the first time, not at the beginning of every circuit.
On Mount Safa
- Climb Safa until you can see the Ka'bah (or as high as is practical in the modern structure)
- Face the Ka'bah
- Raise your hands in dua
- Say "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar" (three times; Sunan an-Nasai 2972)
- Then recite the following dhikr:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
La ilaha illAllahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer. La ilaha illAllahu wahdah, anjaza wa'dah, wa nasara 'abdah, wa hazama al-ahzaba wahdah.
"There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone."
- Sahih Muslim 1218
Repeat this dhikr three times, making your own personal dua between each repetition. Supplicate for whatever is in your heart - this is where the Prophet (SAW) made dua between his words of dhikr (Sahih Muslim 1218).
Walking from Safa to Marwah (Circuit 1)
Begin walking from Safa towards Marwah. Safa to Marwah = 1 circuit.
- Make dua freely as you walk - there are no prescribed supplications for Sa'ee
- Recite Quran, make dhikr, or supplicate in any language
Running Between the Green Markers
Along the path, you will see two sets of green fluorescent lights/markers on the walls and pillars. Between these markers lies the valley where Hajra (AS) ran when she could no longer see her son from the valley floor.
- Men: Should run (jog briskly) between the green markers, then return to a normal walking pace
- Women: Walk at their normal pace throughout - they do not run
On Mount Marwah
When you reach Marwah, climb it, face the Ka'bah, raise your hands, and repeat the same dhikr and dua you made on Safa (La ilaha illAllahu wahdahu..., three times, with personal dua in between).
Completing the Seven Circuits
| Circuit | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safa | Marwah |
| 2 | Marwah | Safa |
| 3 | Safa | Marwah |
| 4 | Marwah | Safa |
| 5 | Safa | Marwah |
| 6 | Marwah | Safa |
| 7 | Safa | Marwah (END) |
Key Rule: You always start on Safa and end on Marwah. Seven circuits means you finish on Marwah. If you end on Safa, you have only completed six circuits (an even number always ends back where it started).
If you lose count of your circuits, take the lower number you are certain of and continue from there.
Fiqh Note on Wudu for Sa'ee
Unlike Tawaf, wudu is not a requirement for Sa'ee according to the majority of scholars. If you break your wudu during Sa'ee, you may continue without renewing it. However, being in a state of wudu is always preferable and more virtuous.
Practical Tips for Sa'ee:
- The Sa'ee area is air-conditioned and has multiple levels, including an upper level for those who need more space
- There are wheelchair lanes and dedicated paths for the elderly and disabled
- Take water with you - the total walking distance of Sa'ee is approximately 2.8 km (about 395 metres one way x 7)
- Pace yourself, especially if elderly or unfit - there is no time limit on Sa'ee
- You may take rest breaks during Sa'ee if needed, then continue from where you stopped
Spiritual Reflection
Every step of Sa'ee is a step in Hajra's footsteps. Picture her - a mother, alone in a barren desert, her infant crying from thirst, no help in sight, no phone to call, no one to turn to except Allah. She did not sit and despair. She ran. Between two rocky hills, again and again, seven times, searching frantically for any sign of water or any passing caravan. Allah did not just save her child - He made her desperate run an eternal act of worship that billions would repeat until the Day of Judgement. He sent an angel to bring water gushing from the earth beside her baby, a spring that still flows today. Never underestimate what Allah can make of your struggle. Your hardest moments, your most desperate prayers, the times you feel most alone - these may be the very moments that define your eternity.
Shaving or Cutting Hair
After completing the seven circuits of Sa'ee, the final act of Umrah is to shave or trim the hair. This is the act that releases you from the state of Ihram.
Halq (Shaving) vs. Taqseer (Trimming)
Both are valid, but shaving the entire head is superior for men. The Prophet (SAW) made dua for those who shaved three times, and for those who trimmed only once.
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads." The people said: "And those who trim their hair, O Messenger of Allah?" He (SAW) said: "O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads." They said again: "And those who trim their hair, O Messenger of Allah?" He (SAW) said: "O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads." They said: "And those who trim their hair, O Messenger of Allah?" He (SAW) then said: "And those who trim their hair."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1727, Sahih Muslim 1301Rules for Men
- Halq (shaving) is more virtuous: the Prophet (SAW) made dua three times for those who shave, and once for those who trim
- Taqseer (trimming) is also valid. The Maliki and Hanbali schools require trimming from the entire head; the Hanafi school requires at least a quarter of the head and the Shafi'i school at least three hairs. Trimming from the whole head satisfies every school and is the recommended practice
- If you are performing Hajj Tamattu' and plan to do Hajj soon after Umrah, some scholars recommend trimming for Umrah and shaving for Hajj, so you have enough hair left to shave during Hajj (which is the greater rite)
Rules for Women
- Women should cut approximately a fingertip's length (about 1-2 cm) from the ends of their hair
- This can be done from the tips of all the hair gathered together, or from individual sections
- Women should NEVER shave their heads - the Prophet (SAW) said: "Shaving is not upon women; only trimming is upon women" (Abu Dawud 1984), and the scholars agree that women trim rather than shave. The report of an explicit prohibition (Nasai 5049) is graded weak.
When and Where to Cut
- You may cut your hair immediately after completing Sa'ee, right there near Marwah
- You may also return to your hotel and cut it there in comfort
- There are many experienced barbers near the Haram who are accustomed to performing Hajj/Umrah haircuts
Your Umrah is now complete! Alhamdulillah!
After cutting your hair, you are released from ALL restrictions of Ihram. Everything that was forbidden - sewn clothing, perfume, covering the head, intimacy - is now permissible again. You may change into your regular clothes, apply perfume, and resume all normal activities. May Allah accept your Umrah!
Practical Tip: Barbers near the Haram are very experienced and fast. The price is usually very reasonable. If you prefer privacy, you can return to your hotel. For women, it is often more practical to trim their hair at the hotel. Some women bring a small pair of scissors specifically for this purpose.
Common Mistakes During Umrah
Be aware of these frequently made errors so you can avoid them:
1. Passing the Miqat without Ihram: Some travellers, especially first-timers flying to Jeddah, fail to enter Ihram before passing the miqat boundary. Unless they go back to the miqat and enter Ihram there, the majority of scholars require a damm (sacrifice) as penalty. Always prepare before you fly.
2. Reciting specific duas for each Tawaf circuit: Many dua booklets assign specific long supplications to each circuit (1st circuit dua, 2nd circuit dua, etc.). This has no basis in the Sunnah. The Prophet (SAW) never prescribed circuit-specific duas. Use these booklets as suggestions for general dua if you wish, but do not believe they are obligatory. The best dua is what comes from your own heart.
3. Pushing and shoving at the Black Stone: This causes harm to other Muslims and is sinful. Pointing from a distance is a complete and valid Sunnah. You gain nothing extra by touching the stone if you harm others in the process.
4. Praying the 2 rak'ahs facing the Maqam Ibrahim enclosure instead of behind it: The instruction is to pray with the Maqam between you and the Ka'bah - i.e., facing the Ka'bah with the Maqam in front of you. Some people mistakenly face the Maqam with their backs to the Ka'bah.
5. Starting Sa'ee from Marwah instead of Safa: Sa'ee must begin at Safa. If you accidentally start from Marwah, that first walk does not count as a circuit - start counting from when you reach Safa.
6. Not running between the green markers (men): The brisk walk/jog between the two green markers is a Sunnah that many men neglect. It commemorates Hajra's running and should not be skipped without reason.
7. Trimming only a few hairs instead of the entire head: Some men trim just a small patch or a few strands and consider it sufficient. Trimming from the entire head - all sides - fulfils the requirement in all four madhabs. A few hairs suffice only in the Shafi'i school (a quarter of the head in the Hanafi school), so trim the whole head to be safe.
8. Continuing Idtiba' (exposed right shoulder) during prayer: Idtiba' is only for Tawaf. Before praying the two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, men should cover both shoulders properly.
9. Walking through the Hateem during Tawaf: If you walk through the Hateem during Tawaf, that circuit does not count, because the Hateem is part of the Ka'bah. Your Tawaf must go around the Hateem, not through it.
10. Supplicating only in Arabic when you do not understand it: While Arabic duas from the Quran and Sunnah are best, there is nothing wrong with making dua in your own language during Tawaf and Sa'ee. A heartfelt dua you understand is far better than reciting Arabic words without comprehension. Use both - memorised Arabic duas and personal supplications in your language.
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Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia: UAE Umrah operators report 50% drop in new bookings - Khaleej Times
Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia: UAE Umrah operators report 50% drop in new bookings Khaleej Times...
Umrah Continues Amid Houthi-Saudi Conflict, Indonesian Foreign Ministry: No Advisory to Halt - Kompas.com
Umrah Continues Amid Houthi-Saudi Conflict, Indonesian Foreign Ministry: No Advisory to Halt Kompas.com...
Umrah Program Guests Explore Exhibits at Hira Cultural District in Makkah - وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Umrah Program Guests Explore Exhibits at Hira Cultural District in Makkah وكالة الأنباء السعودية...