Umrah, affectionately termed the “minor pilgrimage,” is one of the most beloved and spiritually rejuvenating journeys in Islam. While Hajj is bound strictly to the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah may be performed at virtually any time of the year. In the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, performing Umrah at least once in a lifetime is classified as an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) for every Muslim who possesses the financial and physical capability. Below is the comprehensive step-by-step Sunnah methodology for performing Umrah.
The Four Core Components of Umrah
An Umrah consists of four primary stages in Hanafi Fiqh:
- Ihram: The prerequisite condition (Shart) that must be entered prior to crossing the Miqat.
- Tawaf around the Ka’bah: The foundational pillar (Fard / Rukn) comprising seven anti-clockwise circuits.
- Sa’y between Safa and Marwah: The necessary requirement (Wajib) consisting of seven traverses.
- Halq (Shaving) or Taqsir (Trimming): The necessary requirement (Wajib) that releases the pilgrim from the state of Ihram.
Step 1: Preparation and Entering Ihram at the Miqat
- Physical Grooming: Before donning the Ihram sheets, clip fingernails, groom unwanted bodily hair, trim the mustache, take a thorough ritual bath (Ghusl al-Ihram), and comb the beard.
- Attire: Men don two clean, white, unstitched sheets (Izar and Rida’) and bare-instep sandals. Women wear their modest, ordinary Islamic clothing covering everything except the face, hands, and feet. (Women must not cover their faces with a cloth that touches the skin).
- Two Rak’ahs of Ihram: Pray two voluntary Rak’ahs with the intention of entering Ihram, reciting Surah al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
- Intention and Talbiyah: After completing the prayer, uncover the head (men) and declare the intention in the heart and with the tongue:
“Allahumma inni uridul-‘Umrata fa-yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni.” (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me).
Immediately recite the Talbiyah audibly three times:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk, Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, La sharika lak.”
You are now consecrated in the sacred state of Ihram. All prohibitions of fragrance, hair cutting, tailored clothing (men), and intimacy are active.
Step 2: Entering Makkah and the Grand Mosque
- Continue reciting the Talbiyah frequently throughout the journey.
- Enter the sacred precinct of the Haram with deep reverence, stepping in with the right foot while reciting the mosque entry supplication.
- Upon laying eyes on the Holy Ka’bah for the first time, praise Allah, declare His oneness, and make heartfelt personal Duas, as supplications at the first sight of the Ka’bah are accepted.
- Ceasing the Talbiyah: The moment you approach the Black Stone to begin the first circuit of Tawaf, cease reciting the Talbiyah permanently.
Step 3: Performing the Tawaf of Umrah
- Idtiba’ (Men only): Uncover your right shoulder by passing the upper sheet under your right armpit.
- Align with the Black Stone: Stand facing the corner of the Black Stone. Make the intention for the seven circuits of Tawaf of Umrah.
- Istilam: Raise both hands toward the Black Stone with palms facing outward and say: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd”, and kiss your palms lightly.
- The Circuits: Circle anti-clockwise keeping the Ka’bah to your left. Men perform Raml (brisk, chest-out walking) during the first three laps, and walk normally for the remaining four.
- Between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone: When passing between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to touch the Yemeni corner with the right hand (or pass without gesturing) and recite:
“Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
- Concluding the Seventh Lap: Complete the seventh circuit at the Black Stone with a final Istilam. Cover the right shoulder.
- Two Rak’ahs of Tawaf (Wajib): Proceed to the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) and pray two Rak’ahs, reciting Surah al-Kafirun and Surah al-Ikhlas.
- Drinking Zamzam: Drink your fill of blessed Zamzam water while standing, facing the Qiblah, and making personal supplications.
Step 4: Performing Sa’y Between Safa and Marwah
- Proceed to Mount Safa, ascend the incline, face the Ka’bah, raise your hands in supplication, and praise Allah with Takbeer and Tahlil three times.
- Walk toward Mount Marwah. Men run briskly between the two green pillars.
- Upon reaching Marwah, face the Qiblah and supplicate (completing Lap 1). Repeat the journey back to Safa (Lap 2). The seventh lap concludes at Mount Marwah.
Step 5: Shaving or Trimming (Halq / Taqsir)
- For Men: Shaving the entire head (Halq) is three times more rewarded, while trimming hair equally from all parts of the head by at least one inch (Taqsir) is legally sufficient.
- For Women: Gathering the hair and cutting the length of a fingertip (approx. one inch) from the bottom ends. Women never shave their heads.
- Upon completing the haircut, the state of Ihram terminates completely. All normal permissible activities are restored. Your Umrah is complete!
Conclusion
Performing Umrah with legal accuracy and profound spiritual presence purifies the soul and washes away accumulated sins. Following the meticulous Hanafi Sunnah guarantees an accepted and blessed pilgrimage.
