Umrah rituals – Islamic Zikr https://islamiczikr.com Fri, 09 May 2025 16:45:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://islamiczikr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6570a1a83abea-150x150.webp Umrah rituals – Islamic Zikr https://islamiczikr.com 32 32 Ultimate Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims: What Every Muslim Should Know https://islamiczikr.com/umrah-guide-for-first-time-pilgrims/ https://islamiczikr.com/umrah-guide-for-first-time-pilgrims/#respond Fri, 09 May 2025 16:45:21 +0000 https://islamiczikr.com/?p=3288 Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage of Islam and is carried out in the holy city of Mecca, Hejazi province of Saudi Arabia. Whereas Hajj is performed on specific dates of Dhul Hijjah, the Umrah can be performed on any day of the year. The Muslims are performing this sacred pilgrimage for Allah (SWT). To achieve His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The Umrah purifies the heart and forgives all previous sins.

Various Umrah Deals from the USA are available through licensed Umrah tour operators, making the pilgrimage convenient and pocket-friendly. If you’re in the USA, you can also find exclusive Umrah deals from Chicago, tailored to meet your travel needs. These packages are equally beneficial for pilgrims who are USA natives, ensuring a smooth spiritual journey.

Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

However, Hajj and Umrah are holier than the Mecca pilgrimage. Yet some differences still exist. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for every Muslim with assets and physical wealth. Umrah is a Sunnah deed of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but it is obligatory. Umrah is smaller in number and has a shorter duration. One has permission to have more frequent visitation.

Evolution of Umrah Rituals

Islamic scholars have established the practice of performing Umrah. Based on the Quran and Hadith of past centuries. The pilgrims should perform the rituals in cleanliness, modesty, and good decorum. This is a compulsory rule under Sharia law. 

Major Rituals of Umrah

The major steps observed for performing Umrah are:

1. Entering the State of Ihram

The pilgrims should be in the state of sacred purity known as Ihram and then approach the line of Miqat. That is, take a Ghusl (bath), put on plain white attire, and have the intention (niyyah) to carry out Umrah. It is not possible to carry out some activities when in Ihram. Such as perfuming, taking part in war, or copulation.

2. Carrying out Tawaf

When pilgrims reach the Mecca Grand Mosque, they make seven Tawaf in an anticlockwise direction around the Holy Kaaba. The Kaaba has to be on the left side throughout the process. Two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim can be performed as Sunnah after Tawaf. One’s sin is cleansed by touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner. This happens during Tawaf, as per one of the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH).

3. Sa’i

To-and-fro walking seven times between Marwa and Safa hills, within the Grand Mosque. This is in memory of Hagar (RA) to-and-fro walking looking for water for her young son, Ishmael (AS). This is in a quest that Zamzam spring erupted suddenly, an act of Allah’s (SWT) benevolence.

4. Halq or Taqsir

The last Umrah step is Halq or Taqsir, i.e., shaving the head. The step is a symbol of humility and spiritual rebirth and marks the culmination of the Umrah pilgrimage. Due to the step, the state of Ihram is lost.

Why Performing Umrah during Ramadan Matters

Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims and the Holy Quran’s revelation. Umrah that takes place during Ramadan is highly virtuous and spiritually rewarding. Carrying out Umrah in Ramadan is rewarded at the same level as the Prophet (PBUH), as a Hadith reward. For that reason, most Muslims undergo the pilgrimage during that holy month by seeking the services of a reliable Umrah tour operator.

Types of Umrah

Two principal types of Umrah, both time-wise and Hajj-wise:

1. Independent Umrah (Umrah al-Mufradah):

It is the most frequently performed Umrah. It may be undertaken at any time of the year except certain Hajj days in the Dhul Hijjah.

2. Enjoyment Umrah (Umrah al-Tamattu):

This Umrah is performed during Hajj time (Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and the beginning of Dhul Hijjah). As such, the pilgrims are planning to travel to the Hajj of the same year, too.

Tour of Medina During Umrah

A tour of Medina is not an Umrah ritual, but is recommended anyway. The pilgrims visit Medina after performing Umrah in Mecca. They recite the prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque), pray for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at his tomb, and pray supplication (Du’a) within the sacred grounds known as Rawdah. Pilgrimages to such holy sites add to the religious pilgrimage and also to the feeling of being a part of Islamic heritage.

Essentials for an Original Umrah Visa

You can get an Umrah Visa through Umrah and book it with approved tour operators or agents. An authentic Umrah travel agency may offer visa processing, accommodation, and travel. Others to allow the pilgrims would focus on the religious tour.

Conclusion: A Journey of Piety and Loyalty

It is a deed of obedience to Allah (SWT). It enables one to visit the Creator. Ask for forgiveness, and receive one’s belief reinforced by another pilgrim. Umrah pilgrimage or Ramadan, or nothing at all, the trip is very spiritual and expiatory by opting for the superior choice of authentic Umrah tour operators, visiting Umrah Deals 2025 from the USA, and procuring an appropriate Umrah Visa. You can perform your pilgrimage in a spiritual and rewarding manner. And pleasing Allah (SWT). Wishing your Umrah experience to be showered with blessings, self-knowledge, and spiritual enhancement.

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Essential Duas to Recite During Every Step of Your Umrah Journey https://islamiczikr.com/essential-duas-for-your-umrah-journey/ https://islamiczikr.com/essential-duas-for-your-umrah-journey/#respond Wed, 07 May 2025 17:07:25 +0000 https://islamiczikr.com/?p=3281 For every Muslim, it’s a dream to perform Umrah once in a lifetime. It’s not just a physical worship, but a way to clean your heart and renew your faith. And it’s true that being able to go at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, makes it accessible for many. And every muslim knows the power of reciting the right dua, which is a worship. It enriches the whole experience and helps you to connect with Allah on a deeper level. Whether travelling alone or with a group organised by an Islamic travel agency, spiritual preparation is as vital as physical planning.  Here’s a step-by-step guide to the essential duas to recite during each part of your Umrah journey.

Essential Duas to Recite During Your Umrah Journey

Before Departing for Umrah

As Muslims, we know that our intention determines our actions. So this sacred journey also begins with intention. Your intention( niyyah) should be clear and sincere. Even before you leave your home, making dua for a safe and accepted journey is very important.

Dua for Travel (Safar):

Subḥānal-ladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbinā lamunqalibūn.

Translation: “Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it by our efforts. And indeed, to our Lord, we will surely return.”

(Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:13–1)

You can also make personal duas.

Entering the State of Ihram

Before starting your Umrah, you must enter a religious state known as Ihram. Men need to wear two white unstitched clothes. And ladies need to dress modestly without covering their hands and faces.

Niyyah (Intention):

At the Miqat, make your intention:

Allahumma inni urīdu al-‘Umrata fa yassirhā lī wataqabbalhā minnī.

Translation: (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.)

Talbiyah :

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda wa ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

Translation: (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Truly, all praise, blessings and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.)

You should repeat the Talbiyah again and again until you begin your Tawaf.

Entering Masjid al-Haram and Seeing the Kaaba

Seeing Kaabah for the first time is the most important moment for every muslim because it is the time for sincere dua. It is one of the most powerful experiences during Umrah. Everyone keeps thinking to experience this moment just after getting their Umrah Visa. And many people are overwhelmed with emotions. 

Dua Upon Seeing the Kaaba for the first time:

Allāhumma zid hādhā al-bayta tashrīfan wa ta‘zīman wa mahabatan wa birran.

Translation: (O Allah, increase this House in honour, dignity, respect, and righteousness.

You can ask for anything you wish, whether it’s health, forgiveness, guidance, wealth or help in this world and the hereafter.

Performing Tawaf

You have to circle around the Kaabah seven times in a counterclockwise direction to perform Tawaf. This begins with (Hajar al-Aswad), the black stone.

Each time you pass the Hajar al-Aswad, say:

Bismillāhi Allāhu Akbar

Translation:  (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest)

Between the Yemeni Corner and Hajar al-Aswad, recite this common and highly recommended dua:

Rabbana ātinā fī al-dunyā ḥasanah wa fī al-ākhirati ḥasanah wa qinā ‘adhāb an-nār.

Translation: (Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201)

You can recite the Quran, make dhikr, or dua in your own language during other parts of the Tawaf.

Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

You must walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah to perform Sa’i.

At Safa and Marwah, recite the following ayah:

Inna as-Safā wal-Marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh.

Translation: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)

Then raise your hands and make dua facing the Kaaba. 

The Prophet would say:

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, lā ilāha illallāh..

You can make any personal dua between the hills, especially during the quick walking part (men only).

Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq or Taqsir)

Your Umrah has ended when you shave your head. Shaving (halq) is preferred for men. And Women usually trim a small portion (around an inch) from the ends of their hair.

Dua after Halq/Taqsir:

Allāhumma ghfir lī wa li man ḥalaqa ra’sah.

Translation: (O Allah, forgive me and those who shaved their heads.)

You are now out of Ihram and can continue normal activities. Because this completes your Umrah. 

General Duas for the Journey

You can keep making duas during your whole journey. You can ask for:

  • Forgiveness of past sins
  • Acceptance of your Umrah
  • Guidance for your future
  • Protection for your family and community
  • A safe return home

Final words:

Umrah is not just a series of rituals. It is time to refresh your soul spiritually. While these duas are important, you should also speak to Allah in your own words. Ask for His mercy and forgiveness again and again. Remember, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Dua is worship.”

(Tirmidhi, 2969)As we know, Umrah is a sacred journey for muslims all over the world. Even if you are looking for Umrah deals 2026 from Canada, it’s important to remember that beyond the travel plans, the true preparation is spiritual. We should ask Allah to accept our Umrah and grant us His countless blessings, peace, and forgiveness.

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