Umrah Preparation:
Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ, as mentioned in hadith.
With sincerity and devotion, it purifies the soul and removes sins.
This blessed act, though not obligatory, brings immense spiritual and worldly benefits.
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2. Preparations Before Umrah
- Sincere Intention (Niyyah):
Begin by making a pure intention in your heart to perform Umrah solely for the pleasure of Allah (SWT), free from any show or worldly gain. - Spiritual Readiness:
Repent sincerely from past sins, seek forgiveness, and reconcile with anyone you may have wronged. Offer voluntary prayers, recite Qur’an, and make dua for ease and acceptance. - Knowledge of Rituals:
Learn the steps of Umrah—Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir—to perform each act according to the Sunnah. Reading a guide or attending a short class can be very helpful. - Physical & Personal Preparation:
- Take a full bath (ghusl) before wearing Ihram.
- Trim nails, remove underarm and pubic hair, and wear clean, simple clothes.
- Men should wear two unstitched white cloths (Ihram), while women wear modest, plain clothing that covers properly.
- Essential Items:
Carry Ihram cloths, a small bag for slippers, unscented toiletries, prayer mat, pocket Qur’an/dua book, and necessary documents (passport, visa, tickets). - Financial & Travel Arrangements:
Ensure all travel, accommodation, and health requirements are in order. Carry enough funds for food and emergencies.
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2. Before Leaving Home
Umrah Preparation
Before leaving for Umrah, I carefully pack my Ihram, prayer mat, slippers, and important documents.
I double-check travel papers and vaccination requirements to avoid any stress.
Bidding farewell to family with duas and seeking forgiveness is the most emotional moment.
A clear heart and organized essentials make the journey peaceful and focused on worship.
- Understanding Ihram
Ihram begins with pure intention and the Talbiyah, making certain lawful acts temporarily forbidden.
Men wear two white unstitched garments, while women dress modestly, covering their awrah.
Before wearing it, one should bathe, trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and apply perfume.
At Meeqat, two nafl prayers are offered, reciting Surah Al-Kafiroon and Surah Al-Ikhlas.
5 . Meeqat – The Starting Point
The Meeqat are designated places where a pilgrim must enter the state of Ahraam for Umrah or Hajj. Each Meeqat like Dhul Hulaifa, Al Juhfa, Qarn ul Manazil, Yalamlam, and Dhat Irq serves travelers from different regions. Before crossing, one should don the attire, make niyyah, offer two rakat, and start reciting the Talbiyah. Even when sleeping, waking, ascending, or descending, the Talbiyah keeps the heart connected to Allah.
6. Virtues of Makkah Mukarramah
Entering Makkah brings a sense of awe and love, as it is the most sacred land chosen by Allah.
It is the Mother of all Towns and home to the first House of Allah, the Qiblah of mankind.
Prayers in Masjid-ul-Haram carry multiplied rewards and unmatched blessings.
Pilgrims must maintain respect, engage in dhikr, and avoid sins or harmful actions.
- Entering Makkah
When pilgrims enter Makkah, they feel deep love and humility, knowing it is the most sacred land in the world.
Allah (swt) has sworn by this city in the Qur’an and made it the Qiblah for mankind.
Prayers in Masjid-ul-Haram are many times more superior, and good deeds are multiplied.
One must observe etiquette, recite talbiya and azkaar, and avoid sins or harming any living being.
8. Entering Masjid al-Haram 
When entering Masjid al-Haram, step in with the right foot and recite the dua with a heart full of gratitude.
Keep silence, avoid bad odors, and refrain from worldly talk or business.
Intend for I’tikaf and gaze at the Kaabah, raising hands to say Allahu Akbar and make dua.
If Tawaf isn’t possible, pray two raka’ahs of Tahiyyatul Masjid, avoiding anything Makruh.
9. Performing Tawaf
Before starting Tawaf, complete wudhu and drape the upper sheet of Ihram under the right arm, over the left shoulder.
Stand facing the Black Stone, make your intention for Umrah, and pray for Allah’s acceptance and ease.
Begin seven anti-clockwise rounds around the Kaabah, performing Istilam at the Black Stone each time, kissing or pointing if possible.
While doing Istilam, say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd” and then drop your hands before moving on.
10. Halaq or Qasar
During Sa’ee, pilgrims walk and sometimes run between Safa and Marwah, following the Shariah and Sunnah. After Tawaf, we proceed to Safa, reciting the verse about the signs of Allah, then face the Kaabah in dua. This is done seven times, avoiding vain talk and keeping Wudhu if possible. Finally, Halaq or Qasar—shaving or trimming hair—marks the sacred completion of the rite.
Significance of this step in completing Umrah
11. Conclusion
All praise is for Allah, and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Umrah is a Sunnah pilgrimage that can be performed any time of the year except during the five days of Hajj.
It wipes away sins between two Umrahs and brings blessings, removing poverty and hardships.
Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of Hajj with the Prophet (SAW).