Blessings of Umrah: –
Umrah is the pilgrimage Muslims make around the house of Allah in the holy city of Makkah. This form of worship calls for physical, financial and spiritual commitment. This is why Allah loves those who perform Umrah. He welcomes his worshippers and rewards them with immense blessings and bounties. Umrah is one of the best ways to wipe off your previous sins. It helps build a strong connection with Allah. Fills your heart with the love of Allah. It helps you realize the real purpose of coming to this world. Guides you to the Straight Path. Umrah procedure is very easy to understand. However, care must be taken so that any mistake is not made.
All you need to know about Umrah procedure: –
Here are the basic pillars of Umrah.
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Ihram: –
Ihram refers to the formal intention to perform Umrah. It is not just an intention, but a state with its governing laws. First of all, you must take bath with the intention of wearing Ihram. Ihram clothes are two pieces of unstitched white cloth in the case of men. For women, it refers to normal simple clothes covering their body and head. Perform two Rakat Nafal prayers after a bath. Then make intention with the following prayer: –
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
“O ALLAH! I intend to perform Umrah, please make it easy for me and accept it from me”
After this, you formally enter the state of Ihram. Now certain things such as cutting off hair, killing any animal or use of scent become unlawful. Ihram must be assumed before reaching Meeqat. All the time, keep reciting Talbiyah. When you enter the holy mosque of Makkah, recite Durud Sharif and supplicate to Allah. Make most out of the moment when you set your eyes at the Holy Kabah for the first time. Offer utmost humility and gratitude to your Creator.
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Tawaf: –
Tawaf around the Holy Kabah begins from the Black Stone. It is best if you could kiss the Black Stone. But if that is not possible, just face your hand towards Hajr-e-Aswad and begin your Tawaf. Be careful not to touch the cloth of Holy Kabah since it is perfumed. If its scent gets onto your hands, your Ihram shall be void. Once you complete your seven circulations around the Holy Kabah, proceed to Maqam-e-Ibrahim and recite:
وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ مُصَلًّى
Then offer two Rakat Nafal prayers at the station of Ibrahim. Then go and drink Zamzam water while standing.
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Sai: –
Sai refers to running between the hills of Safa and Marwa. The hills are situated in the North and South of Holy Kabah. You should run between the two hills seven times. Sai commemorates the struggle of Hazrat Hajra to find something to feed infant Ismail (AS). Sai begins from Safa. You should reach a point where you could see the Holy Kabah. Facing towards Kabah, raise your hand and supplicate to your Lord. While supplicating and remembering your Lord, descend down towards Marwa hill. Upon reaching the second green mark, you must climb up the Marwa hill. Then face towards Qibla and recite supplication. Afterward, descend down towards Safa hill. When you reach Safa that marks the completion of the first circuit. Seven such circuits complete Sai.
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Halaq: –
After Sai, men are required to shave their heads. This is called Halaq. In the case of women, they are just required to cut a lock of hair. This act completes Umrah. The idea is to signify your submission towards Allah the Almighty. You present yourself as Allah’s most devoted and humble slave and acknowledge that Allah alone has the Supreme Power. It is His throne that extends over all the worlds.
Umrah is a great opportunity to invoke and supplicate to Allah. At the various steps of the Umrah procedure, you can do as much dhiker of Allah as possible and earn great rewards.
