Rules of Umrah: A Simple Guide
Umrah is a sacred journey to Makkah that holds great spiritual significance. Although it is not mandatory like Hajj, it brings immense rewards. Before starting Umrah, it is important to follow certain rules. Here is a simple guide to help you prepare.
1. Ihram (State of Purity)
The first step of Umrah is entering the state of Ihram, which marks the beginning of this sacred journey. This special state of purity must be observed before entering Makkah. For men, this means wearing two white sheets, while women dress in simple, modest clothing. By following these guidelines, pilgrims prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the rituals ahead.
Rules of Ihram:
- Do not cut nails or hair after wearing Ihram.
- Do not use perfume or scented products.
- Avoid fighting or using bad words.
- Do not hunt or harm animals.
2. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
Tawaf is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is an important part of Umrah. During Tawaf, pilgrims should stay focused, walk with sincerity, and pray with devotion.
Rules of Tawaf:
- Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
- Walk calmly and avoid pushing others.
- Be in a state of wudu (purity).
- Recite prayers and seek forgiveness.
3. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
Sa’i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. It is done to remember the struggle of Hajar (AS) searching for water for her son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Therefore, during Hajj and Umrah, Muslims perform Sa’i to honor Hajar’s (AS) sacrifice, faith, and perseverance. As they walk between the two hills, they are reminded of the importance of trust in Allah, patience during hardships, and the ultimate reward of faith.
Rules of Sa’i:
- Start at Safa and end at Marwah.
- Men should walk briskly between two green markers.
- Women should walk at a normal pace.
- Stay focused and pray during the walk.
4. Halq or Taqsir (Haircutting)
The final step of Umrah is cutting the hair, which marks the completion of the pilgrimage. Men can either shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair evenly (Taqsir). Meanwhile, women only need to cut a small portion of their hair. This step symbolizes humility and renewal.
Rules of Haircutting:
- Men should not shave partially.
- Women should not cut more than a fingertip length.
- Perform this step before leaving Ihram.
Rules of Umrah: Conclusion
Umrah is a sacred journey that requires both preparation and sincerity. To perform it correctly and gain spiritual rewards, it is important to follow the essential rules. From wearing Ihram to completing Tawaf, Sa’i, and finally cutting the hair, each step holds deep meaning. By following these steps with devotion and patience, you can make your Umrah a truly fulfilling experience.
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