Umrah is the blessed act undertaken by pilgrims to Mecca, which has immense spiritual value for many worldwide. Performing this religious trip typically requires careful preparations, specific manners, and rules. Moreover, if you travel to Mecca for the first time, considering various critical factors, including booking the trustworthy travel administrators like Labbaik Hajj Umrah.
To ensure a satisfying and spiritually enhanced experience, it's essential to have a sufficient amount of knowledge about the dos and don'ts related to Umrah. This article will provide a detailed guide about Umrah's necessary dos and don'ts for a smooth and blessed pilgrimage.
Umrah Dos
Here are some dos or acts that are allowed during Umrah:
Entering the state of Ihram:
Ihram is the intention for performing the spiritual journey of Umrah. After making the intention, you must wear an Ihram, which is different for both men and women. For men, it's two garments: one for the upper part and the other for the bottom. On the other hand, women have to cover their whole body except for their face and hands. Women can wear an Abaya, which should be black or white.
Performing Tawaf:
Tawaf is the practice of performing seven anti-clockwise rounds around the Holy Kaaba. The Tawaf starts at the corner of the Kaaba, where Hajr Al-Aswad is. However, this is the mandatory step of your pilgrimage that you must have to perform. Pilgrims can also perform Nafl Tawaf if they want.
Sa'i (between Safa and Marwah hills):
Sa'ee is also an essential step while performing the Umrah or Hajj. It's the ritual wherein pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. After finishing the ritual of Tawaf, pilgrims must perform Sa'ee.
Halq and Taqsir:
This act is included in the dos of Umrah, and you must perform this ritual to complete your pilgrimage. After the performance of Sa'ee, you'll have to perform Halq or Taqsir to exit the state of Ihram. Without performing this step, you won't be able to escape the state of Ihram. Halq is specifically for men, while Taqsir is for women.
Don'ts of Umrah:
You would want to know about Umrah's don'ts, right? Most of the pilgrimage prohibitions or restrictions are due to Ihram conditions. So, you should follow them or learn in advance to avoid making mistakes during your pilgrimage. Now, let's see some of the don'ts of Umrah:
- Rushing during crowds to reach Kaaba
- Doing Tawaf in a hurry
- Cutting nails while wearing Ihram
- Killing animals or insects
- Wearing fancy and heavy clothes
- Damaging or harming Ihram clothes
- Covering the heads
- Wearing makeup and jewellery
- Using perfume, fragrance, or any other scent
- Engaging in any intercourse activity
How can you prepare for Umrah's dos and don'ts?
Preparing for Umrah might look complicated for some Muslims, but we will make it easier for you. You know now about Umrah's dos and don'ts, is that you? Now, it's time to remember things in your mind.
- Make sincere intentions for your Umrah
- Prepare yourself physically and spiritually
- Study the rituals and their significance
- Seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT)
- Be mentally prepared for the crowds
- Respect the sacred sites and fellow pilgrims
- Follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Hydrate yourself with the Zamzam water
- Continue your good deeds
Conclusion
In conclusion, performing the Umrah is a great Islamic act, and Muslims should perform it at least once in their lifetime. It can be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some Muslims. It would be best if you remembered the main dos and don'ts of Umrah before embarking on your holy journey.
Ensure you know Umrah's main steps: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'ee, and Halq/Taqsir. If you want to know about these religious rituals, read this: What is Umrah?