Introduction

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All glory belongs to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, Muhammad (sa).

This short but comprehensive guide has been prepared to introduce the rituals of Umrah. It contains all the necessary information about the methods, rules and formalities related to the pilgrimage.

It is absolutely necessary to remember to perform Umrah with Ikhlaas (sincerity) – solely for the satisfaction of Allah (swt), according to the Sunnah of His Holy Prophet (saw).

Umrah is considered a smaller pilgrimage compared to the Hajj. This is the recommended Sunnah, but it is not mandatory. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except for the five days of Hajj when it is Makruh (not recommended).

Anyone who sets out to perform Umrah is considered a pilgrim until he returns home.

"One Umrah is the atonement for the sins committed between her and another Umrah." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This hadith suggests that it is worth performing Umrah repeatedly, because it cleanses from previous sins.

"Perform Hajj and Umrah one after the other, for they remove poverty and sin, just as fire separates impurities from iron, gold and silver." (Tirmidhi)

The reward for performing Umrah during Ramadan is equal to the reward for performing the Hajj with the Holy Prophet (sa). (Abu Dawud)

May Allah forgive me for all the errors contained in this guide and bestow abundant reward on all those who contributed to its creation.

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Preparations for the Hajj / Umrah

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• Make the intention to perform the Hajj/Umrah with complete sincerity.

• Repent of your past sins and resolve to avoid them in the future.

• Make sure your earnings for Hajj/Umrah are halal.

• Resolve to make up for all unperformed prayers, fasts, and unpaid Zakat.

• Ask for forgiveness from parents, relatives, and friends you may have offended.

• Make a written will, signed by two adult witnesses. Give it to a lawyer or trusted relative.

• Prepare for the journey with a sense of detachment from worldly matters.

• Learn the principles of Hajj / Umrah and how to perform them.

• Get into the spiritual mood of the pilgrimage – full of love and submission to Allah.

• Take care of your physical condition – eat a balanced diet, get used to falling asleep and getting up early.

• Memorize the important du' and zikr that will be needed during the Hajj / Umrah.

• Organize caring support for loved ones you leave at home.

• Make sure you have all your debts settled.

• Get vaccinated against meningitis, polio, and influenza (as required by Saudi Arabia).

• Check your passport – it should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.

• Make photocopies of all relevant documents.

• Secure your medication – it should be packaged and have a prescription approved by the official Hajj camp.

• Bring enough Saudi riyals as well as a credit card for unforeseen expenses.

 

WHAT TO REMEMBER BEFORE THE TRIP – WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

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Necessary documents:

• Passport, ticket and visa

• Photocopies of documents

• Vaccination card

• Important contact numbers

 

Personal hygiene products:

• Miswak, toothbrush and toothpaste

• Unscented soap and shampoo

• Hair brush/comb

• Nail clippers, scissors

• Unscented deodorant

• Vaseline, body lotion

• Hygiene and wet wipes (unscented)

• Hand sanitizer

 

Medicines and first aid kit:

• Solid medication (taken regularly)

• Pills for nausea and dizziness

• Painkillers

• Throat lozenges, anti-allergic drugs

• Cold and flu medications

• Antibiotics (if needed)

• Bandages and plasters

• Antibacterial ointment

 

Additional accessories:

• Universal adapter

• Alarm Clock / Phone

• Earplugs

• Eye mask (for sleeping)

• Pocket mirror

• The book with Dua and little Quran

• A small blanket, sleeping bag, or chattai (sitting mat)

• Cufflinks, safety pins

• Resealable ziplock bags for small items

• Snacks: cookies, nuts, dried fruits, etc.

 

BEFORE LEAVING HOME

✔ Hygiene:

• Remove unwanted hair from intimate areas and armpits.

• Trim your nails.

• Perform ghusl (full body cleansing) and apply perfume to the body (if you are not already in the state of Ahraam).

✔ Preparing for the trip:

• If you anticipate difficulty putting on the Ahraam robes later, put them on now.

• Perform two rakaats of the traveling prayer, and then say the du'a for ease and acceptance.

✔ Spiritual and mental preparation:

• Mentally set yourself up for peace and patience.

• Remember to leave your ego and anger behind – stay humble.

• Set daily goals: recitation of the Qur'an, nafl prayers, du'as, meditation, tasbeeh (remembering Allah).

✔ Preparing your baggage:

• Pack lightly – take only the most necessary things.

• Carry a lightweight backpack for your carry-on items:

  • Cash, documents

  • Little Quran and a book with du's

  • Light prayer mat (jaanamaz)

  • Tissues

  • Umrah/Hajj Guide

  • Small snacks

 

AHRAAM – STATE AND ITS RULES

✔ Definition of Ahraam:

• Ahraam means entering a state where there are certain prohibitions – some previously allowed things become not allowed.

• When a pilgrim pronounces Talbiyah ("Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik..."), certain halal things become haram for him.

• The two unsewn pieces of cloth that a man wears are also called Ahraam, but the real Ahraam is Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah – without them, the state of Ahraam is not reached.

✔ Ahraam for women:

• The woman puts on her normal clothes, which completely cover her body except for her face, hands and feet.

• In the presence of strange men (non-mahrams), she should cover her face in a way that does not touch the skin (e.g. through a special visor under the Niqab).

✔ Preparing to set up Ahraam:

• Before you start Ahraam, you should:

  • Trim your nails

  • Shave armpits and pubic hair

  • Take a bath (ghusl)

  • Comb your hair

  • Perfume the body (only before Ahraam – after entering this state, perfume is forbidden)

• Men should wear sandals or flip-flops that do not cover the middle bone of the foot.

✔ Ahraam Starting Time:

• The prohibitions take effect at the time of the intention of Hajj or Umrah and the beginning of Talbiyah.

• The intention must be stated on (or before) Meeqat.

• Two rakaats of the Ahraam prayer can be performed:

  • At home

  • At the airport

  • On the plane

• Sunnah:

  • In the first rakaat – Surah Al-Kafirun

  • In the second rakaat – Surah Al-Ikhlas

 

BANS IN AHRAAM

❌ Prohibited activities:

• Using perfumes or fragrance products (e.g., scented soaps, deodorants, creams, shampoos).

• Cutting nails, pulling out hair or shaving it.

• Engagement, marriage, marriage proposals.

• Having conversations with intimate overtones and intercourse.

• Killing or injuring animals.

• Committing sins.

• Arguments and disputes – patience is key.

• Removing dirt from the body (e.g. plucking the skin) and any actions that cause hair loss.

• Wearing clothes with seams (applies to men).

• Head and face coverings (for men).

• Face covering (for women) – if there are strange men around, use a veil that does not touch the skin of the face.

• Wipe your face with a towel or handkerchief.

• Wearing closed shoes (for men) – the foot must be partially uncovered.

 

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES IN AHRAAM

✔ Allowed things:

• Bathing (without rubbing the skin to remove dirt).

• Wearing:

  • A ring, a watch, glasses, a hearing aid.

  • Money belts.

  • Umbrella.

• Using a miswak to clean your teeth.

• Filing a broken nail.

• Use of unscented kajal for the eyes.

• Applying a bandage if necessary.

• Leaning on a pillow (you can sleep on a pillow with your head resting on it).

• Killing the animal if it poses a threat.

• Changing the Ahraam robe to a new one (it still has to be unsewn and in accordance with the rules).

• Using a blanket while sleeping (head and face must remain uncovered).

• Pulling out the affected tooth if necessary.

 

MEEQAT – DESIGNATED AHRAAM RECEPTION AREAS

✔ What is Meeqat?

• Meeqat are designated places that a pilgrim must cross in the state of Ahraam.

• They were determined by the Prophet

• Each group of pilgrims has its own specific Meeqat depending on the place from which they come:

 

• Meeqat

• For pilgrims from:

• Dhul Hulaifa

• Madina

• Al Juhfa

• Syria, Egypt and the surrounding area

• Qarn ul Manazil

• Najdu

• Yalamlam

• Yemen

• Dhat ul Irq

• Iran and Iraq

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✔ Meeqat Rules

• Ahraam must be taken before or within the Meeqat crossing.

• Niyyah (intention) must be expressed on or before Meeqat.

• It is recommended to perform the 2nd Rak'at Ahraam prayer before the intention.

• Travelers by plane to Jeddah cross the Meeqat border about 15 minutes before landing – then they should wear Ahraam and say Talbiyah.

✔ Intention for Umrah: "O Allah! I'm going to do Umrah and Hajj. Make them easy for me and accept them from me."

✔ Ahraam Begins

• Ahraam becomes effective after the recitation of Talbiyah ("Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...").

• Talbiyah should be recited frequently – before bedtime, after waking up, when climbing hills, descending, after prayers, etc.

 

VIRTUES MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH

✔ The holiest city on earth

• There is no land in the world as sacred as Makkah.

• Allah (swt) swore by Makkah in the Qur'an.

• In Qur'an, she was called Ummul Quraa – "Mother of all cities".

• The first House of Allah (Kaaba) established for humanity is located in Makkah.

• Allah has made Makkah Haram (holy place), where it is forbidden to:

  • Shedding blood

  • Tree felling

  • Killing animals

  • Picking up someone else's lost things

✔ The Uniqueness of Prayer in Masjid-ul-Haram

• The prayer in Masjid-ul-Haram is worth 100,000 times more than anywhere else.

• Makkah is the Qiblah for all people on earth.

• Allah chose Makkah as the place of the Hajj rites.

• Makkah is a place of return and safety, which is why the hearts of pilgrims always long for it.

 

ENTRANCE TO MAKKAH

Pre-entry rules for Makkah

• A pilgrim should learn and follow the rules of Adab (good manners).

• To enter the holy city in the state of Wudhu, with humility and love for Allah.

• Often recite Talbiyah, Durood, Takbir and other Azkaar.

• Avoid meaningless conversations and unnecessary activities.

• Not to push others in the crowd and forgive those who accidentally hurt us.

• Avoid sins, because just like good deeds, sins are also multiplied in Makkah.

 

ENTRANCE TO MASJID-UL-HARAM

Rules for entering the holy mosque

• Crossing the threshold of Masjid-ul-Haram, enter with your right foot and say:

اللهم افتح لي أبواب رحمتك واغفر لي ذنوبي
"Oh Allah! Open the door of Your mercy for me and forgive me my sins."

• Every time you enter Haram, have the intention of Itikaf (spiritual retreat), which increases the reward.

• At first glance at the Kaaba:

  • Raise your hands

  • Statement of Allahu Akbar

  • Recite Durood

  • Pray as long as you can, because the dua at the first glance at the Kaaba is accepted.

• Tawaf is the best welcome for Masjid-ul-Haram. If Tawaf cannot be performed, 2 Tahiyyatul Masjid rakats must be performed (unless it is Makruh time).

• Women are not allowed to enter the Mosque during menstruation.

Rules of conduct in Masjid-ul-Haram

• As you leave the mosque, recite:
  اللهم إني أسألك من فضلك
  "O Allah! I ask You for Your grace."

• Do not eat foods with an intense smell (e.g. onions, garlic) before entering the mosque.

• Keep your phone on or off so as not to disturb other worshippers.

• Avoid talking about world affairs, trade, games, unnecessary discussions in Haram.

• Do not disturb others by raising their voices during recitation or prayer.

• It is a sin to take Haram property (e.g., books, chairs, etc.).

• Do not pick up lost items – leave them where they lie.

 

TAWAF – CIRCUMNAVIGATING THE KAABA

What is Tawaf?

• A tawaf is a circumambulation of the Kaaba 7 times counterclockwise.

• It starts with the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad).

 

PREPARING FOR TAWAF

Ahraam's attire

• Men: The upper part of the Ahraam should be placed under the right shoulder and thrown over the left shoulder. This way of wearing Ahraam is called Idtiba.

• Tawaf should be performed in the Wudhu state.

• The recitation of Talbiyah ceases when we reach Hajr-e-Aswad.

Intention (Niyyah)

• Intention is a condition for the validity of Tawafu.

• Standing in front of the Kaaba, facing Hajr-e-Aswad, without raising your hands, you should formulate your intention:

"O Allah! I am going to perform Tawaf Umrah to please You. Accept it from me and make it easy for me."

 

ISTILAM – GREETING TO THE BLACK STONE

How to perform Istilam?

• If possible, come and kiss Hajr-e-Aswad.

• If you can't touch it, touch it with the stick and then kiss the stick.

• If this is also impossible, raise your hands to the level of your ears, with your open palms facing Hajr-e-Aswad, and say:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَللِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd)

• Then lower your arms and point your palms back towards Hajr-e-Aswad and then kiss them.

• This act is called Istilam.

 

STARTING THE TAWAF

How to perform Tawaf?

• Start circling the Kaaba counterclockwise.

• Hateem (semicircular wall) must be included in the Tawaf because it originally belonged to the Kaaba.

• During Tawaf, it is forbidden to face the Kaaba, except when starting a round at Hajr-e-Aswad.

 

Ramal – brisk gait

• Men should go fast and vigorously in the first three laps.

• In the next four rounds, you should walk normally.

• If the Tawaf takes place in a crowd and fast walking is impossible, you can walk at a normal pace.

• Ramal and Idtiba are performed only in Tawaf followed by Sa'ee.

 

 

PRAYERS DURING TAWAF

Are there specific prayers to recite?

• There are no set prayers to Tawafu.

• One can recite the Qur'an, the names of Allah, Zikr, personal prayers (duas), etc.

• Duas do not have to be in Arabic – you can pray in any language.

 

Sunnah: Prayer Between Rukn-e-Yemani and Hajr-e-Aswad

• Between Rukn-e-Yemani (the southwest corner of the Kaaba) and Hajr-e-Aswad, the following should be recited:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
"O Allah! Grant us good in this world and in the next, and protect us from the fires of Hell."

Touching Rukn-e-Yemani

• Sunnah is the touch of Rukn-e-Yemani with both hands or one hand.

• If it's crowded, you can just walk past without making any gestures.

 

HATEEM – SEMICIRCULAR WALL AT THE KAABA

What is Hateem?

• A semicircular wall at the Kaaba, which was originally part of the Kaaba.

• The Quraysh left it outside the Kaaba due to lack of funds for its reconstruction.

• During Tawaf, you must circle Hatem – you must not go through its interior.

 

TAWAF CONCLUSION

Eighth Istilam

• After completing 7 laps, perform the Istilam Hajr-e-Aswad for the eighth time by saying:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَللِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd)

• Now Tawaf is finished.

• Cover both shoulders (Idtiba ends after Tawafa).

Prayer of the two Rak'ats at Maqam-e-Ibrahim

• Perform 2 rakats of prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim (or anywhere in Haram if it's crowded).

• If there is a Makruh time, you should wait for the allowed prayer time.

• Sunnah is reciting:

  • First Raka: Surah Al-Kafirun (Qul ya ayyuhal kafirun...)

  • Second Raka: Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul huwa Allahu Ahad...)

 

DRINKING ZAMZAM WATER

How to drink Zamzam water?

• Go to the Zamzam spring and drink some water.

• Face the Kaaba and say your intention, because the intentions you say while drinking Zamzam are fulfilled.

Dua while drinking Zamzam

"O Allah! I ask You for useful knowledge, wide abundance and healing from all diseases."

 

IMPORTANT RULES DURING TAWAF

What to avoid during Tawafu?

• Don't have useless or ideological conversations.

• Do not recite the Qur'an or Duas aloud – it may disturb others.

 

After Tawaf is over

• It is recommended to go to Multazim (the wall between the Black Stone and the Kaaba door).

• Snuggle up against this wall and offer fervent prayers – they are heard there.

• Do not touch the Kaaba (Kiswah) cover in the state of Ahraamu as it is heavily perfumed.

 

Rules for women

• Women should avoid approaching the Kaaba if it is crowded.

• Touching Hajr-e-Aswad or Multazim is Sunnah, but casual contact with non-Mahrams (strange men) is a sin.

• During menstruation, women are not allowed to perform Tawafu.

• They should not expose their shoulders or walk fast like men.

• If the ground floor is very crowded, they can use the upper floors.

 

Rules for the direction of view

• During Tawaf, it is not allowed to direct your face or eyes to the Kaaba, except when you start the lap at Hajr-e-Aswad.

 

The Importance of Wudhu During Tawafu

• If Wudhu is interrupted:

  • Before completing 4 rounds – you must start Tawaf again.

  • After completing 4 rounds – you can finish Tawaf from where you left off.

 

SA'EE – THE COURSE OF THE RITUAL

 

What is Sa'ee?

• Sa'ee means walking and running.

• In the context of Sharia, it means traveling the distance between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.

• No intention (Niyyah) is required, although it can be expressed.

• It must be made after Tawaf.

• No Wudhu required.

• Women can perform Sa'ee during menstruation.

• It should be done on foot unless there is a valid reason.

• Do not have useless conversations during Sa'ee.

• Do not interrupt Sa'ee without a valid reason.

 

STARTING SA'EE

Istilam Hajr-e-Aswad

• Before starting Sa'ee, it is advisable to perform Istilam (for the ninth time) if Sa'ee follows immediately after Tawaf.

Sa'ee Beginning – Safa Hill

• Go to Safa Hill and turn towards the Kaaba.

• Say the following verse:

"Verily, Safa and Marwah belong to the marks of Allah."

• Raising of hands in prayer and recitation:

"Rabbighfir warham wa antal a'azul akram""O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the Most Powerful and Noble."

 

PERFORMING SA'EE

Moving between Safa to Marwah

• Descending from Safa, head towards Marwah.

• You can recite any prayers, Dhikr, Durood, etc.

• Men have to run between green lights.

On Marwah Hill

• Turn to the Kaaba and praise Allah.

• Repeat the same words that were spoken on Safa.

• Safa → Marwah is one round.

• Seven such crossings should be made.

• The last, seventh round ends at Marwah.

 

CONCLUSION OF SA'EE

Once you're done, Sa'ee:

• Turn towards the Kaaba and raise a prayer.

• Optionally, you can refuse two Raka'ty Nafil in Haram if the time is not Makruh.

Halaq or Qasar – Hair Shortening/Shaving

• After Sa'ee, you should shave (Halaq) or shorten (Qasar) your hair within the Haram boundaries.

• If the hair is not shaved, at least 1 inch should be cut.

• If the hair is shorter than 1 inch, it must be shaved.

• Women should gather their hair in a ponytail and cut at least 1 inch from the ends. They can't shave their heads.

 

THE ENDING OF UMRAH

Umrah is now complete. All restrictions on Ahraam are lifted. Thank Allah for the opportunity to perform this beautiful Sunnah!

May Allah accept your Umrah!

 

 

Madyna's values

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Many pilgrims do not understand the importance of Madina and do not appreciate the time spent in this holy city. Every believer should have love for Madina in his heart. He should desire and pray to end his life in the beloved city of the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) and his Companions loved Makka and did not want to leave her. However, Allah planted love for Madina in their hearts. After conquering Makki, RasoolAllah (sa) decided to return to Madina and make it his final home. He prayed to Allah to bless the holy city. Madyna is a sanctuary. Its trees should not be cut down, it should not be innovated, and sins should not be committed. Anyone who does this will incur the curse of Allah, the angels and all people. Madyna is also called Madyna al-Munawwara (City of Light), Madyna-tun-Nabi (City of the Prophet) (saw) and Taiba (pure, pleasant). The old name of the city is Yathrib.One prayer in the Masjid-un-Nabi (Prophet's Mosque) is equivalent to a thousand prayers in any other mosque. The Holy Prophet (sa) had such a great love for Madina that when he returned from a journey, he would quicken the pace of his horse as soon as he approached this holy city. Beneath the holy land of Madina lies the blessed body of the last Messenger (sa) and the remains of thousands of his Companions. Anyone who has the opportunity to die in Madina should do so, because the Holy Prophet (sa) will intercede for anyone who dies or is buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.

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Madyna's Label

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• You should visit Madyna with the right intention, not as an ordinary tourist.

• One should engage in good deeds such as recitation of the Quran, Dhikr, Dua, Durood, Sadaqa, the pursuit of religious knowledge, Dawah, helping others, and other similar activities.

• Sins and vain deeds should be avoided.

• You should stay clean (voodoo), smell pleasant and dress in modest clothes.

• Durood should be sent abundantly to the Holy Prophet (sa).

• One should be in a state of humility and submission to the Rabbi.

• We should be grateful for the opportunity to be in this blessed city.

• The best manners should be shown.

• One must speak quietly in the Masjid-e-Nabvi.

• Be careful not to waste food, water, etc. Even water, a precious resource, should be used sparingly for voodoo and bathing.

• Be careful not to litter the holy city. Every wrong deed becomes more serious in this holy place.

• You should avoid putting your feet on others or jumping over others to earn a spot in the Masjida.

• You should make sure that you do not pray in passageways or on paths.

 

Don't miss

• Whenever you enter the Masjid, pray with two units of prayer, called Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (unless the prayer time is inappropriate).

• Visit the tomb of the blessed Holy Prophet (sa) and offer him a salaam and his two Companions.

• Visit the Masjid-e-Quba and pray there for two units of prayer. Two units of prayer at this place have a reward equal to one Umrah.

• Visit the martyrs of Uhud. Pray for them and greet them.

• Visit Riyadh-ul-Jannah (part of Jannah) located next to the tomb of the Holy Prophet (sa). Pray there for two units of prayer. Don't push, push or act aggressively.

• Visit Jannatul-Baqi, a cemetery located outside Masjid-e-Nabvi. Members of the family of the Holy Prophet (sa) and thousands of his Companions are buried there. Pray for their forgiveness and ask Allah to raise their steps. Pray that we too will join them and be resurrected with them on Judgment Day.