Assalāmu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmathullāhi wa Barakāthuhu

>> Click Here For SlideShow <<

I have just uploaded the pictures taken during our amazing visit to the Holy Lands (Makkah & Medina, in Saudia Arabia) in March/April 2009; where my parents and I embarked upon the greatest journey of our lives so far, for Umrah (Inshaa Allah Hajj is next!).  I’m still suffering from HWS (Haramein Withdrawal Symptoms) and I think it will take a very long time to recover! I’d rather not recover, and inshaa Allah forever keep those moments close to my heart, I don’t ever want to forget my 2 weeks there and loose that special feeling, thinking back now, it all just seems like a dream.. it was the best 2 weeks of my life, it was the life I always dreamt of living and being the person I always dreamt of being…  You can only but smile, and remember how much peace you were at there, and how everyone strove hard to seek the Pleasure and Forgiveness of their Lord SWT; and now that we have returned back to our “homes”, we must inshaa Allah continue striving and praying for that day we take our steps into Jannah.

O Allah please accept our Umrah and our Ibadah, and make us from Ahl Jannah, Ameen.

Masjid Al Haram – Makkah, Saudia Arabia

Masjid An-Nabawai – Medina, Saudia Arabia

During our stay in Makkah we visited:

Masjid Al Quba (Outside Medina)

I do not even know where to begin to explain how amazing my journey to Umrah was, each person shared their own special moments being a guest of Allah in His House. I had an absolutley spectacular time, what a journey Indeed, even if I try to explain it.. I will not be able to do it any justice.. those who have been will understand what I mean, it is a place you can not describe how it truely beautiful it is.. one can only truely experience and realise once they are there…Every hour spent there was an adventure…and so unique…and such a challenge – not just physcially, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and of course your patience is tested throughout your stay there!!

As soon as we departed from Medina to Jeddah airport, making our way back to the UK…. I looked around..and I just knew things will not be the same again..it was asthough we were leaving another world .. although I am now back in the UK … my heart will always remain in Makkah & Medina, this place feels so alien to me, I look around and everything around me is so strange and doesn’t seem real….I am guessing everyone goes through this feeling, Allahu Musta’an!

May Allah have mercy on us,forgive us and guide us to live righteous lives in obidience to him…

May Allah accept from all those who went for Umrah and all those who go until the end of time…

I ask Allah to invite us back to His House very soon,and invite all those who have not yet been…

I ask Allah to call us all for Hajj, enabling us to fulfil this big obligation we owe to Him SWT, and to have an accepted Hajj. Ameen

I can’t stress it enough, you will not truely know how amazing it is, untill you go! and your life will never be the same once you return! It is a place where you truely feel at peace and so close to Allah, and you realise your true reason of existing, .. I ask Allah to keep our hearts steadfast upon His Deen, Alhamdulillahi Rabil Alameen, I end with:

Ashadu an La elaha illlah, wa ashadu anna Muhammadur RasoolAllah.

~sisterQamar

Books

The below books are a MUST-READ for all those planning to go for Umrah or Hajj, and a MUST for every home library.  Some of these books can be viewed online, links provided below:

Hajj Books

• Verifying & Explaining many matters of Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah In the light of the Quran & Sunnah – Abdul Aziz bin Abdulla bin Baz (Darussalam)
• How the Prophet (s) Performed Hajj – Abdul Aziz bin Abdulla bin Baz (Maktaba Darussalam, Publishers & Distributors Riyadh (K.S.A))
• A guide to Hajj, Umra, & Visiting The Prophets Mosque – Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen (The ministry of Islamic affairs, endowments, daw’aj and guidance. Ridaydh)
• Rites of Hajj & Umrah – Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Albaani (International Islamic Publishing House)
• Hajj & Umrah made easy – Dr Taqi Hashmi and Adnan Malik (Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution)
• Getting the best out of Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Ismail Davids (Darussalam)
• Fiqh-us-Sunnah – Sayid Sabiq (American Trust Publications,U.S.)

Umrah Books

• The ultimate guide to Umrah (with special chapters on Umrah in Ramadan & Visiting Madinah) - Ismail Davids (Darussalam)
• A Manual on the rites of Umrah, in light of the noble Quran and the authentic Sunnah – Sa’eed bin ‘Alee al-Qahtaanee (Harraf & Harraf, Ilford, Essex)

History Books

• History of Makkah – Prepared by a group of scholars under the supervision of Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri (Darussalam)
• History of Madinah Munawwarah – Prepared by a group of scholars under the supervision of Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri (Darussalam)

The publisher name for each book is written within brackets and can be purchased through your local Islamic Book store, or through the many Online Islamic Book stores available (please see below):

Online Islamic Book Stores

• http://www.simplyislam.com
• http://www.al-basheer.com
• http://www.muslimbase.com
• http://www.as-sabeel.net/store
• http://www.sourceofknowledge.co.uk
• http://dar-us-salam.com
• http://darussalamlondon.com
• http://www.talibah.co.uk
• http://www.islamicgoodsdirect.co.uk
• http://www.al-hidaayah.co.uk

DVDs

• Getting the best out of Hajj, 1 Day Seminar – Ismail Davids (You can also purchase this video from Islam 1 Productions)
• The Hajj, An Information Film of Hajj Rituals – Al Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution (Birmingham, B10 0UH, UK)
• For the one setting out on a Journey – Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Research & Studies Center (www.al-madinah.org)

Online Videos/DVDs

Seminars/Series

• Hajj Step By Step – Muhammad Salah
• Hajj: Journey of a Lifetime - Dr Khalid Khan
• The Hajj Ritual – Dr Ibrahim Dremali
• Hajj A-Z – Ahmed Kobeisy
• The Hajj Journey – Habibur Rahman
• The meaning and understanding of Hajj - Ahmed Moait
• Hajj, Journey of a lifetime – Haitham Al Haddad
• Hajj – A Journey of a Lifetime – Imran Nauth

Lectures/Khutba

• How to Perform Hajj al-Mabroor -  Abu Uzayr (English Khutba in a Masjid in Ajman where the Khateeb speaks about Hajj and how to prepare for it.)
• Difference between Hajj & Umrah – Muhammad S Adly
• Hajj Coach – Muhammad Al Shareef

Documentories

• How to make Hajj - HudaTV
• Inspiration, Special Hajj Episode (Part 1 / Part 2) – Moutasem Al-Hameedi
• Classic Hajj Documentory – A journey of a life time, pilgrimage to Mecca. This video shows what Muslims do durring hajj, teaches how to perform it and who is obligated to perform this duty.
• A tale of two cities – Join a Canadian Muslim group in their journey to hajj from Toronto to Makkah

Articles

Leaflets

• Umrah Guide – Muhammad Alshareef
• Hajj Guide – Muhammad Alshareef
• Simple Hajj Guide – Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
• A5 Umrah Dua Leaflet – Compiled by Sr. Qamar & Parveen
  

Umrah

• Umrah in Breif – Compiled by Sr. Qamar
  
• Umrah Step by Step Guide – Compiled by Sr. Qamar & Parveen
  

Hajj

• Articles on Hajj – IslamHouse
• The Hajj – The Journey of Love – Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
• The Hajj – A Poem – Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
• Hajj: A Symbol of Tawheed – Husayn ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azîz Aal Sheikh
• Fiqh of Hajj for Women – Muhammad al-Sharîf
• Lessons from the Farewell Pilgrimage – ‘Abdul-Bârî ibn ‘Awad ath-Thubaytî
• Hajj & Tawheed – Saleh as-Saleh
• Hajj & Umrah A-Z – Mamdooh Muhammad

Visiting the Prophet’s Grave (sa)

• Etiquettes of Ziyaarah – Salâh al-Budayr

History/Facts

• The Story of Ibrahîm – (alaihi as-salâm)
• The virtues and benefits of ZamZam water – Muhammad Sâlih al-Munajjid

Audios

• Importance of Hajj in Islam – Imran Nauth
• All About Hajj – Ilyas Karmani

Q&A

• Umrah/Hajj – Muhammad Salah (AskHuda)
• IslamQ&A – Hajj
• IslamQ&A – Umrah

Inshaa Allah the above resources will help you (and me) tremendousley when preparing for Hajj / Umrah! Please post anymore resources/links in the comment section below to add to this collection. JazakumAllahu khairan!

UMRAH DUA LEAFLET

Contains the basic dua’s needed for Umrah

Click Here To Download

Instructions: Print onto A4 paper, double sided..and fold it in the middle, making it into an A5 leaflet.

Compiled by Qamar J.Khan-Malik & Sr. Parveen

(March 2009 / Rabee’al Awwal 1430 AH.)

>> *BONUS* - DOWNLOAD a5 UMRAH DUAA BOOKLET <<

STEP BY STEP UMRAH GUIDE

Compiled by Qamar J.Khan-Malik & Sr. Parveen

(March 2009 / Rabee’al Awwal 1430 AH.)

Green = Specific to men

Blue = Arabic Transliteration

Orange = Eng translation of Arabic

1. Before setting off from home

• Make Ghusl (full body wash)
• Trim your nails, and remove your pubic hair.
• Whatever Salah is due at the time of travel, ensure it has been prayed in full before setting off
• Read 2 rakaats of Travelling Salah before setting off
• When going out of your house/hotel, say:

Bismillahi, Tawakkaltu, ‘a-lallahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwatta illah billah

(In the name of Allaah, I place my trust in Allaah, and there is no might nor power except with Allaah)

• Read Du’aa of Travelling, before setting off in car

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhaa-nalathee, Sakha-ra-la-naa ha-thaa wa maa kunaa, lahu muq-ri-nee-na wa innaa ilaa rabbinaa la-mun-qa-le-boon

(Allaah is the greatest x3, How perfect He is, The One Who has place this (transport) at our service, and we ourselves would not have been capable of that, and to our Lord if our final destiny.)

• At a journey break, you may say:

A’uthoo bi-kalimaa tillaah-hitammaa ti-min sharri maa khalaq

(I take refuge in Allaah’s perfect words from the evil that He has created.)

• NB.During your journey keep yourself in the remembrance of Allah (make dhikr, make dua, read quran, read Islamic Book etc). Remember this is the start of your journey to the House of Allah, and you have been given an invitation from Málik Al-Mulk (Owner and King of all Kingdoms), so Praise and Glorify Him.
• Once you are a traveller (having left your areas of residence), and the next Salah is due, you can combine and shorten them as this is a concession from Allah.
  • Dhur (2 Rakaats) & Asr (2 Rakaats) together
  • Maghrib (3 Rakaats) & Ishaa (2 Rakaats) together
  • Read as many sunnah/nawafil as you like, there is no restriction.

2. Before passing the Meeqat – (the place where the Umrah starts, and one enters the state of Ihram)

• Men to get changed into their Ihram (2 pieces of white cloth), preferably after one of the 5 daily prayers
• Make niyyah (intention) for Umrah

Labbaik Allaahumma ‘Umrah

(Here I am O Allah making ‘Umraah)

• If one fears that they are likely to be subjected to illness or anything else that might obstruct their Umrah, one may add the following, by doing so if one can not complete the Umrah for whatever reason; then they simply cut their hair and do not have to pay the ransom.

Allaahumma mahillee haithu habastanee

(I come out of the state of Ihraam from the place You prevent me from continuing).

• Make the Talbiyah (men to raise their voices) and continue making the Talbiyah until you reach the Kaba and start your Tawaf

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partner.)

3. Entering Masjid Al Haram – (in Makkah, Saudia Arabia)

• Enter with your right foot
• Make duaa of the Masjid

Bismillahi, Allallhumma salli ‘alaa muhammadin wa sallim – allaahumma aftah lee abwaaba rahmatika

(In the name of Allaah! O Allaah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allaah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).

4. Tawaf (7 rounds around the Ka’bah) – You must be in Wudu (ablution)

• Men to leave their right shoulder bare ONLY during the entire Tawaf, this is called Idtiba’a, after the tawaf men need to cover both shoulders.
• Start at the Black Stone, either
  • Kiss it if you can, if not
  • Touch it with your right hand, if not
  • Face the Black Stone and point at it with your right hand
• Say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (just before kissing it/or just before or whilst touching/pointing)
• For men, to Raml (hasten/briskly walk) during the first 3 rounds of Tawaf and walk normally during the other 4 rounds.
• Once you reach the Yamani corner, either
  • Touch it with your right hand (do not kiss it), and say Bimsillah Allahu Akbar
  • or if unable, then continue without gesturing or saying anything
• From the Yamani corner to the Black Stone recite

Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wa feel aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa ‘adhaaban naar

(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])

• Once you return back to the Black Stone, you have completed 1 round, and you need to repeat the above steps 6 more times.

• NB.There is no specific duaa’s that must be read during the Tawaf. Make as many supplications from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allaah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish.

5. After Completing Tawaf, proceed to Maqaam-e Ibraaheem – (Prophet Ibraaheem’s station)

• Recite this verse (which means):

Wattakhidhoo min-maqaami ibraaheema musalla

(And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer. [Quran; 2:125])

• Pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible behind Maqaam-e 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 (after Surah Al Fatiha), Surah Al-Kafiroon and
  • during the second Rak’ah (after Surah Al Fatiha) Surah Al-lkhlaas

6. Go to Zam Zam Wells

• Make duaa before drinking
• Drink Zam Zam water
• Pour water over your head
• Return to the Black Stone touch it with your right hand (as before), if it is not convenient do nothing, and proceed to do Sai.

7. Sai (7 circuits) – having wudu is highly recommended, but not compulsory

• As you leave the boundary of the Masjid, you can say (as prescribed for all Masaajid):

Bismillahi was-salaatu was-salaamu ‘alaa rasoolillahi, Allahum-ma inee a’-aluka min fadhlika, Allahum-ma a’simnee minash-shaitaanie-rajeem

(In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allaah. O Allaah, I ask You from Your favour. O Allaah, guard from the accursed devil.)

• Upon approaching Mount Safaa, the following ayaat (verse) is recited

Innas-safaa wal marwata min sha’aa’irillaahi faman hajjal baita ‘awi’tamara falaa janaaha ‘alaihi an yattawwafa bihimaa wa man tatawwa’a khiran fa’innallaaha shaakirun ‘aleemun

(Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower. [Quran; 2:158])

Abda’u bimaa bada’Allahu bihi

(Indeed Safa and Marwah are from the places of worship of Allaah…’ ‘I begin with what Allaah began with.)

• Then ascend upon Mount Safaa, face the Qiblah, raise your hands and recite 3 times:

Allaahu akbar allaahu akbar allaahu akbar.

(Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest.)

Laa ilaaha illa Allah, Wahdahu laa Sharika lah, Lah ul-Mulk, Wa lah ul-Hamd, Wa huwa ‘ala Kulli shay’in Qadeer, Laa ilaaha illa Allah, Anjaza wa’dah, Wa Nasara ‘abdah, Wa hazam al-Ahzaba wahdah

(There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, Alone. He has no partner, To Him belongs the kingdom, & all praise belongs to Him, & He has power above all things, There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, He fulfilled His promise, Granted victory to His servant, And alone He defeated the allied army.)

• Then you Praise Allah, Send Salaam upon Muhammad (sa) and then make as much personal Du’as as you like. Pray for anything from the goodness of this life and the next, pray for both yourself and others.
• Then descend from Mount Safaa and go walking towards Mount Marwah
• When you reach the green sign, men are to hasten their walk for a while, but do not run. Then return to your normal phase of walk at the next green sign.
• Upon reaching Mount Marwah repeat the same procedure as when ascending Mount Safaa (face the Qibla, raise your hands and repeat what was said on Mount Safaa.) This completes one circuit.
• Continue and complete in total 7 circuits, ending the last one on Mount Marwah. Enjoy the process. You’ve come all this way, open your heart in glorification and Dua to Allah!
• NB.There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah. It is up to the worshipper to praise Allah or supplicate Him in his own words, or he may recite portions of the Our’an.

8. After Completing Sai, Trim/Cut the hair

• It is recommended for men are to shave all their hair, but they can trim it all the way round
• Women are to shorten their hair by a finger tip.

Now all Ihraam rules are lifted,and your Umrah is completed. May Allah accept your Umrah, Ameen!!

Sources

• Verifying & Explaining many matters of Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah In the light of the Quran & Sunnah – Abdul Aziz bin Abdulla bin Baz (Darussalam)
• How the Prophet (s) Performed Hajj – Abdul Aziz bin Abdulla bin Baz (Maktaba Darussalam, Publishers & Distributors Riyadh (K.S.A))
• A guide to Hajj, Umra, & Visiting The Prophets Mosque – Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen (The ministry of Islamic affairs, endowments, daw’aj and guidance. Ridaydh)
• Hajj & Umrah made easy – Dr Taqi Hashmi and Adnan Malik (Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution)
• Getting the best out of Hajj, One day Seminar 2 DVD set – Ismail Davids (Islam 1 Productions)
• The ultimate guide to Umrah (with special chapters on Umrah in Ramadan & Visiting Madinah) – Ismail Davids (Darussalam)
• Getting the best out of Hajj (Pilgrimage) - Ismail Davids (Darussalam)
• A Manual on the rites of Umrah, in light of the noble Quran and the authentic Sunnah – Sa’eed bin ‘Alee al-Qahtaanee (Harraf & Harraf, Ilford, Essex)
• Umrah Leaflet - Muhammad Alshareef (hajj.outstandingmuslim.com)
• Rites of Hajj & Umrah – Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Albaani (International Islamic Publishing House)

>> DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION <<

Fifty Things to Do in Hajj (many can apply to Umrah also!)

Many of those going for Hajj may find themselves sitting in a tent thinking to themselves, ‘now what do I do’. Some pick themselves up and go around doing things pleasing to Allah – others may not capture the moment due to inexperience.

Here is a jot list of beneficial things to do during your Hajj trip. If you are not going for Hajj, why not forward it to someone who might benefit from it on his or her journey. At least they can practice number 26.

May Allah ta’ala make it a safe journey for all the Hujjaj. Ameen.

1. Smile in another Muslims face
2. Say Salam to strangers
3. Shake someone’s hand and ask about their health
4. Buy tea for someone
5. Offer to get someone’s groceries
6. Sit with a Hajj group from another country and ask about Islam in their village
7. Carry someone’s bags for them
8. Guide someone ill to the infirmary
9. Shun vain talk
10. Recite talbiyah loudly, encouraging others
11. On the days of Eid, walk through the tents reciting talbiyah loudly reminding others
12. Gather stones for people
13. Offer to throw on behalf of unable Hajjis
14. Guide people to the Jamarat
15. Lower your gaze
16. Remind people of the lives of the Sahaabah
17. Read Qur’an with the Tafseer
18. Do the authentic Dhikr of the morning and evening
19. Make dua during your Sajdah
20. Stand to the side of a gate and offer people water/tea as they leave
21. Give major attention to shy people in your group
22. Remind people of patience, why they came here, and the example of our Ulumaa’ in Hajj
23. Explain a Hajj Khutbah you may have heard to those around you
24. Explain the importance of purifying ones actions for the sake of Allah
25. Phone relatives (from Makkah) on Eid day
26. Make dua for forgotten friends (and the author of this list)
27. Don’t allow Muslims to fight during Hajj
28. Help people find a place to sleep
29. Remember – during the heat – the unending torment of hellfire
30. Say ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allah, wahdahu laa sharika lah, lahul Mulk wa lahul hamd, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in Qadeer’ 100x
31. Say the dua of entering the market place when you go there
32. Give charity to those who sell meager things (sandals/eggs)
33. Attend the Halaqahs that are given in Mina
34. Stay for the 13th of Dhul Hijjah
35. Remind people to go home as better Muslims
36. Forgive people that wrong you
37. Talk to 10 different people from 10 different countries
38. Compliment someone sincerely
39. Visit the hospital and thank Allah for all that he has given you
40. Take young Muslims and invite them to sit with the elders. Make them the center of attention.
41. Give a tafseer class after Salah / ask someone knowledgeable
42. (For men) On the days of Eid, offer perfume to those around you
43. Ask about the health of senior women in your group. Make sure they are attended to.
44. Focus hard on helping those immediately near you
45. Take people to the slaughter house and help them / Or assist them in purchasing their slaughter coupons
46. Remember specific blessings Allah has bestowed upon you and say Alhamdulillah
47. Pray to Allah using his 99 most beautiful names (al Asmaa’ al Husna)
48. Use a Miswak
49. Fill your pockets with candies and give to the children that you meet
50. Always intend reward from Allah for everything you go through during Hajj

By Muhammad ash-Shareef

What is Umrah?

In Arabic, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I’timaar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’ bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihraam 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.

.

.

[Makkah, The Sacred House - Masjid Al Haram, The Ka'ba]

Great Virtues of Performing Umrah

Prophet (peace be upon him) has described the great merits of performing Umrah saying:

1- “The people who come to perform Hajj or Umrah are the guests of Allah because they visit His House on His Call; therefore, Allah grants them what they ask for”

2- “One Umrah becomes an atonement for the sins committed up to the next Umrah”

The Pillars of ‘Umrah are four:

(1) Ihraam: which is assumed at the Meeqaat (a boundary point you need to pass to enter the state of Ihraam)

(2) Tawaaf: around the House

(3) Sa’i: walking between Safaa and Marwah, which consists of seven circuits

(4) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; by shaving/cutting of the hair (after you finish the Umrah)

During ‘Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Minaa, ‘Arafaat 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) Ihraam: which is assumed at the Meeqaat

When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah before arriving at the Meeqaat, 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 Ihraam garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqaat.

Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam 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 Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimaar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbaab (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 have assumed their Ihraam at the Meeqaat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izaar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izaar covers the lower half. No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these – no underwear, no trouser, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. are to be worn.

Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqaat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state of Ihraam by saying:

(Here I am O Allah making ‘Umraah).

This statement begins the rites of ‘Umrah. So the first pillar of ‘Umrah is the Ihraam. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyyah.

And if you wish, when uttering the above Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allaah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear – by saying what the Prophet (S) taught us:

(O Allah, I come out of the state of Ihraam 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 Ihraam without paying the Fidya (having to pay ransom / compensation for not completing the Umrah).

Then repeat the Talbiyyah:

(“In response to your call O Allaah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allaah. 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”)

Prohibitions of Ihram

These are the acts prohibited while one is in the state of Ihram. If one commits any one of them, he has to offer Fidya. They are:

• Covering the head (for men)
• Shaving or shortening any hair of the body.
• Clipping the nails whether of the hands or the feet
• Using perfume
• Wearing sewn clothes
• Killing game (animals hunted as food) of the land. Allah the Most High said: You who believe! Kill not game while in Ihram. (5:95)
• To marry or propose for marriage. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:A man in the state of Ihram shall not be married or allowed to propose.
• Sexual intercourse, or kissing / touching with sexual desire because Allah the Most High said: Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. (2:197)

Concerning the first five prohibitions he who commits anyone of them, has to offer a Fidya and it means to fast for three days or to feed six poor people or to slaughter a goat/sheep.

(2) Tawaaf: around the House

One should be free from the state of impurity and must have performed wudu (ablution).

Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right foot and say:

(In the name of Allaah! O Allaah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allaah! 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.

Upon arriving at the K’abah you stop reciting the Talbiyyah.

During the Tawaaf it is preferred for the men to do two things:

1) Leave their right shoulder bare.

2) Hasten during the first three rounds of Tawaf and walk during the other four.

[The Black Stone (Hajar Aswad)]

You start the Tawaf at the Black Stone and say:

(In the name of Allaah, Allaah is the Greatest)

Touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn’t possible, you should face the Black Stone and simply point to it – but do not stand still in front of it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Black Stone, the following is said:

“Bismil-laah, Allaahu Akbar”

(In the name of Allaah, Allaah is the Greatest) or just “Allaahu Akbar” (Allaah is the Greatest).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka’bah on his left.

When you reach the Yamaani Corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it. If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying “Allaahu Akbar” because this was not narrated from the Prophet (S).

Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allaah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah.

Between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allaah (s):

“…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]

In making Dhikr and Du’a’ during Tawaf, do not raise your voice.

When you complete all seven circuits of the Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means):

“And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer… “ [Quran; 2:125]

[Maqaam  Ibraahim (Ibaahim's Station)]

Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqaam 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-lkhlaas” [112].

Upon completing the two Rak’ahs, return to the Black Stone says Allahu Akbar and touch it (as before), if convenient.

(3) Sa’i: walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits

The next stage is to go for Sa’i between Safaa and Marwah (two small hills).  Upon approaching Safaa, the following verse is recited (which means):

“Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]

Then climb unto mount Safaa until the Ka’bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and then one is to make ones own supplication (repeating it twice):

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

Then descend and go towards Marwah, walking, and when you reach the two green signs hasten your walk for a while, but do not run. Then return to your normal phase of walk.  Upon reaching Marwah repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safaa (face the Qibla, raise your hands and repeats what was said on As-Safaa.) This completes one circuit.

Then one continues back to Safaa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) – thus completing two circuits.

There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah.  It is up to the worshipper to praise Allah or supplicate Him in his own words, or he may recite portions of the Our’an.

Take care to walk where walking is designated, and run where running is designated. Continue and complete 7 circuits ending the last one on Marwah.

(4) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihraam

Then when he finishes from the seventh circuit upon Marwah shave your hair completely or have it shortened – women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end.

The rights of ‘Umrah have now been completed. Thus ending the ‘Umrah – and everything that became forbidden to him upon entering Ihraam now becomes permissible again.

Sources

• A Guide to Umrah & Visiting The Prophet’s Mosque – Abdul Aziz bin Abdulla bin Baz
• How to perform the Rituals of Hajj & Umrah – Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen
• Rites of Hajj & Umrah – Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Albaani
• http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/engblue/article.php?lang=E&id=136133
• http://islamonline.com/news/articles/6/How_to_perform_Umrah_Part_I.html