What is Umrah?
In Arabic, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I‘timar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safa 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 Hajj 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 Meeqat.

b) Tawaf: around the House.

c) Sa'y: walking between As-Safa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.

d) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihram; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihram.

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

How to perform ‘Umrah:
1. When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah arrives at the Meeqat, it is recommended for him (both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihram garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihram. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqat.

2. 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 Niqab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down, if there is need to do so.
As for men, they must assume their Ihram at the Meeqat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izar covers the lower half. 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.

Meeqat
Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state of Ihram. The intention 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 Talbiyyah. And if you wish, when uttering Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear - saying “in habasanee habes fa mahillee haithu habastanee” (I come out of the state of Ihram from the place You prevent me from continuing). So if you do that and are then prevented or become ill - then you may come out of Ihram. Then repeat the Talbiyyah:

 “labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak” (“In response to your call O Allah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allah. 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 sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), you should enter with your right foot and say: "Bismillah, Allahumma Salli 'Ala Muhammad, Allahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allah! O Allah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allah! 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.

3. Upon arriving at the Ka’bah, 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-lah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka’bah 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-lahi wa Allahu Akbar”. If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying “Allahu 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, “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”, if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”.

During this Tawaf it is preferred for a man to do two things:
a) Al-Idhtibaa' from the beginning of Tawaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one's Redaa' under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaf, you may return your Reda' to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa' is only during Tawaf.

b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps.

Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allah

: “...Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” [Quran: 2:201]

4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaf, approach Maqam Ibraheem (Ibraheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): “And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer...” [Quran: 2:125]

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

Upon completing the two Rak'ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient
5. The next stage is to go to Safa. Upon approaching the foot of Safa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or 'Umrah of the house (ka 'bah) to perform the going (tawaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]

6. Then climb unto mount Safa until the Ka'bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication:

Takbeer e Tahreema

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha il-lall-llahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa 'ala qulli shay'in qadeer. La ilaha il-lall-llahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaba wahdahu" (Allah is the 

Translation

Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah 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.)

7. 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 Safa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safa for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) - thus completing two circuits.

Safa and Marwah
.There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safa 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.
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Perform Umrah in Ramadan for Greater Spiritual Rewards

10 Things to Do on the First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The month of the Dhul-hijjah is one of the most precious months in Islam and we are sure that by now, you are either in Hajj or at home looking forward to Eid. This is the month of Eid al-Adha, and the month of Hajj – the month whose first ten days are better than the days of Ramadan.




“There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr.” (Tirmidhi)

Fast
These days have been described as blessed and glorious, so whether you are in Hajj or not, there are definitely many things you can do to max out the rewards of these days.
These first nine days are a really good time to fast. That’s every day up until the day of Eid (fasting on the day of Eid is not permitted). Even if you cannot fast all the nine days, it’s especially recommended to fast on the 9th day of Dhul-hijjah. Because according to the Prophet (SAW), fasting on this day erases our sins from the previous year and the next.

Give Charity
Remember how good deeds get rewarded multiple times in Ramadhan? In the first nine days of Dhul-hijjah, it is the same. Go out of your way to give in charity, help your colleague, help your neighbour, give money to the poor, spend time with your family, or help your parents.In these days, anything you do to make another person happy is an act of charity that will be rewarded in multiple ways.

Read the Qur’an
This is a good time to read more Qur’an. We don’t have many days like Ramadhan, so every minute needs to be used well. Challenge yourself to see how many chapters of the Qur’an you can read during these first nine days.There are people who are gunning to read the whole Qur’an in these nine days. If that’s not you, don’t feel bad. Just do your best.

Do More Adhkar
Muslims on pilgrimage will be reciting the talbiyah during the rites of Hajj. If you are in Hajj, get used to saying the talbiyah so that it becomes a part of you when the rites of Hajj start. If you are not, recite the dhikr that we have been encouraged to recite in the first ten days of Dhul-hijjah


“Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd


(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).”
Remember Allah (SWT) as often as you can as you leave the house, while in commute, while watching your kids at the playground, grocery shopping, heading to a meeting, going to the library, etc. Whatever you are doing, keep your tongue moist with remembrance of Allah (SWT).


Do a Good Deed for Your Parents
Many people may not focus on this but how many times do we do things solely because of our parents? This is not talking about taking the chicken out of the freezer to thaw, or picking up laundry. But how many times have you said a prayer for them, donated money on their behalf, or planted a tree and gave charity on their behalf? 
One of the best things that a person can have is a righteous child who prays for them. In these blessed nine days, make your parents a priority and dedicate a good deed to them. Remember, you also get the reward of that good deed. So, win win!

Give Salam to a Stranger
We get cautious these days of interacting with people especially when they know we are Muslims. We don’t want to be the target of ridicule, or of a stranger not answering your greeting because they don’t know you.But these first days of Dhul-hijjah, renew your intentions and give salam to someone you don’t know. Give salam to that fellow Muslim that you meet on the train or that lady down the street. Respond when a stranger gives you the salam and even give them a smile. Spread the spirit of brother/sisterhood in these holy days.

Wake Up for Tahajjud
If you find it difficult to wake up for the midnight prayers before, now is a good time to motivate yourself. Think how blessed but short these nine days are and think of all the things that you want to ask Allah (SWT) for.

Get a tahajjud buddy if you need to but don’t miss out on the great rewards of spending the night in prayers.

Pray in the Masjid
The reward for praying in the masjid is greater than that of praying at home and now is a good time to get more of those rewards. If you have the opportunity to observe your salah in the masjid, do so. Even if you are a woman who prays at home, in the spirit of Dhul-hijjah, observe some of your salah in the masjid, take the kids along and share the spirit of Dhul-hijjah with them.

Teach the Kids about Dhul-hijjah
Many kids already know that granny went to Hajj, and Eid is coming. But they may not understand the whole beauty of the month of Dhul-hijjah. This is a good time for parents to connect the kids with our Islamic traditions by teaching them about this month. You can tell them the story of Prophet Ibraheem (AS) and his son, the story of Ibraheem’s wife, Hajar, and the Zamzam water, etc.

Spread the Message of Islam
As the spotlight focuses on Hajj and our shopping sprees for Eid begin, do a good deed by telling people about Islam.It could be as simple as telling your non-Muslim family member about Dhul-hijjah when they come visiting for Eid dinner, or telling your colleague about your reasons for fasting outside of Ramadhan. Whatever method you use, help people see the beauty of Islam in this blessed month.
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