The shortest answer to the question “How is Umrah performed?” is: entering ihram without being bound to a specific time, performing tawaf around the Kaaba, performing sa’y between Safa and Marwa, and shaving one’s head to exit ihram. This act of worship, which serves as a means of spiritual purification for Muslims, is considered a strongly recommended sunnah to be performed once in a lifetime according to the Hanafi school of thought.
What Is Umrah and What Is Its Ruling?
The term “umrah,” which literally means “to visit,” refers, in Islamic jurisprudence, to entering ihram at the mikat boundary, performing the rituals of tawaf and sa’y, and then exiting ihram by shaving one’s head. Unlike the Hajj, there is no specific time frame for performing Umrah; it can be performed at any time of the year. However, Umrah performed during the month of Ramadan is described in the hadith as being more virtuous.
According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, performing the umrah is a sunnah, whereas according to the Shafi'i school, it is obligatory to perform it once in a lifetime.
What Are the Obligatory and Recommended Acts of Umrah?
The pillars and conditions that must be fulfilled for the Umrah pilgrimage to be considered valid are as follows:
- The obligatory acts of Umrah are two: Ihram (a condition) and Tawaf (a pillar).
- The Obligatory Acts of Umrah: Performing the sa’y between Safa and Marwa, and shaving one’s head or cutting one’s hair after the sa’y to exit the state of ihram.
Step-by-Step Guide to Umrah
The steps a Muslim must follow to perform the Umrah pilgrimage properly are listed in the sources as follows:
1. Entering Ihram
A person setting out to perform Umrah performs the necessary ablutions before crossing the miqat boundaries, takes a full ritual bath if possible, and puts on the ihram garments. After performing the two-rak’ah ihram prayer, one makes the intention by saying, “O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah for Your pleasure; make it easy for me and accept it,” and then recites the talbiyah.
2. Umrah Tawaf
Upon arriving in Mecca, one proceeds directly to the Masjid al-Haram. Starting at the Black Stone, one circles the Kaaba seven times. At the end of the tawaf, it is obligatory to perform two rak’ahs of the tawaf prayer.
3. The Umrah Sa’i
After the Tawaf, one ascends Mount Safa and makes the intention to perform the Sa’y ritual. Between Safa and Marwa, one walks seven circuits—four on the way out and three on the way back. It is Sunnah for men to walk briskly (hervele) between the green-lit pillars.
4. Shaving and Exiting Ihram (Tahallul)
After the Sa’y is completed, men either shave their heads completely (halk) or trim their hair (taksir). Women, on the other hand, cut a small amount from the ends of their hair. With this, the Umrah is completed and the prohibitions of ihram come to an end.
The Key Differences Between Umrah and Hajj
The key differences between the Umrah and the Hajj are as follows:
- The Hajj is obligatory, while the Umrah is a Sunnah (according to the Hanafi school).
- While the Hajj is performed only on specific days (during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah), the Umrah can be performed at any time.
- The rituals of standing at Arafat, staying at Muzdalifah, and stoning the devil are not performed during Umrah.
- Umrah is performed only in Mecca; the rites of the Hajj, however, take place in Mecca, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the tahallul (exit from ihram) take place during Umrah?
During Umrah, the act of shaving or cutting the hair after the Sa’y ritual marks the completion of the pilgrimage and signifies the end of the state of ihram.
Can a woman who is menstruating perform Umrah?
A woman in her menstrual period may perform all other obligations of the umrah except for the tawaf. She completes her umrah by performing the tawaf after becoming ritually pure.
When does the talbiyah end during Umrah?
During the Umrah pilgrimage, the talbiyah ends when one begins to circumambulate the Kaaba.
Is it possible to perform more than one Umrah during a single trip?
Yes, while in Mecca, a person may travel to the miqat boundary (such as Ten’im) and re-enter ihram to perform more than one umrah.
What is the ruling on the Sa’y of Umrah?
According to the Hanafi school of thought, performing the sa’y of umrah is obligatory. If it is omitted without a valid excuse, a penalty sacrifice (dem) is required.
