Making ‘Umrah

What to Wear

1. Itis preferred for the mu’tamir 1 to take a shower before wearing the
seamless, white sheets, which comprise the clothing of ihraam.
2. Then the mu’tamir dons his ihraam clothing, wrapping one around his
waist, in the style of a sarong, and the other aound both his
shoulders. He should not cover his head with any kind of hat, or
turban, or anything else. However, there is no harm in carrying a
parasol or any other kind of shade, so long as it is not placed directly
on the head. His shoes should be of an unstitched kind: plastic
sandals are excellent. Women wear their normal Islaamic dress, so
long as it covers their modesty, in accordance with the Qur`aan and
sunnah, but they should not cover their hands and faces.
Where to Don the Clothing of ihraam

It is permissible to do so in one’s house, before setting out on the

journey, as the Prophet ε and his Companions used to do this. This
makes it easier for those who are travelling by plane to Jeddah, who
might otherwise not be sure when to wear their ihraam clothing. It is also
permissible to use perfume or scented oil, at this time. As for women,
they may use a coloured, unscented oil (or deodorant).
All of the above is before making the intention for ihraam. This is done
from the place of the meeqaat: If travelling by plane, the pilot will inform
the passengers when they are passing over the meeqaat; if the mu’tamir
begins his ‘Umrah from Madinah, he will use the meeqaat for the people
of Madinah: Zul Hulaifah (now known as Aabaar ‘Ali).

The Intention

The niyyah, or intention is made in the heart and verbally, unlike the
niyyah for prayer, which is made only in the heart: This is done by
reciting the talbiyah as follows:

Labbaika Allaahumma Bil-‘Umrah!

…which means:
Oh, Allaah! I come to You with ‘Umrah!

For those making their niyyah from Zul Hulaifah, it is preferred to pray a
two rak’ah prayer, as this was the practice of the Prophet ε .
1
Mu’tamir: One who makes ‘Umrah (fem. = mu’tamirah).
 Then one should face the Qiblah and say:

Labbaik Allaahumma Labbaik!

Labbaika Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik!
Innal Hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk!
Laa Shareeka Lak!

…which means:

I respond to Your call, oh, Allaah! I respond to Your call!

I respond to Your call, You have no partners! I respond to Your call!
Verily, all praise is for You, and all Grace is Yours, as is the Dominion!
You have no partners!

The talbiyah is made in a loud voice, until such time as the buildings of
Makkah are in sight, then one ceases making the talbiyah.

Entering the Masjid

It was the custom of the Prophet ε to enter Al-Masjid Al-Haraam by

Baab Bani Shaibah 2 but it is permissible to enter by any door. One
should enter with the right foot, saying:

Allaahumma Salli ‘Alaa Muhammadin Wa Sallam,

Allaahummaftah Lee Abwaaba Rahmatik.

…which means:

Oh, Allaah! Send blessings and peace upon Muhammad!

Oh, Allaah! Open for me the doors of Your Mercy!

On Sighting the K’abah

On sighting the K’abah, the mu’tamir should raise his hands and make
any supplication he wishes.

Making Tawaaf 3

2
Baab Bani Shaibah: The Door of Bani Sahibah.
3
Tawaaf: Circumambulating the K’abah.
 One should begin the tawaaf at the black stone, saying:

Bismillaahi Wal-Laahu Akbar!

…which means:

In the name of Allaah, and Allaah is Greater!

Then touch the stone with the hand, and kiss it (the stone), if possible.
If it is not possible to kiss it, one may touch it with one’s right hand and
then kiss the hand. If this is not possible, simply raise the hand towards it.
The mu’tamir should do this every time he draws level with the black
stone. He should also touch the corner known as Ar-Rukn Al-Yamaani
with his right hand on each circuit. In between these two points, one
should mention Allaah or recite from the Qur`aan. Tawaaf is made in an
anti-clockwise direction, with the mu’tamir’s right shoulder bared.
After completing seven circuits, proceed to a place between Maqaam
Ibraaheem 4 and the K’abah, if possible, if not go to any empty place
around the K’abah and pray a two rak’ah prayer, reciting Soorah Al-
Kaafiroon in the first rak’ah and Soorah Al-Ikhlaas in the second. Make
sure that you pray to a sutrah, so that nobody may pass in front of you.

Drinking Zamzam Water

After praying, proceed to the well of Zamzam, and drink from its
waters, and pour or splash it over the head. Then return to the black stone
and kiss it, or gesture towards it as before.

As-Sa’ee

Next, proceed to As-Safaa and begin walking from there to Al-Marwah.

As you start from As-Safaa, recite Allaah’s Words in verse 158 of Soorah
Al-Baqarah. Then say:

Nabda`u Bimaa Bada` Allaahu Bih

…which means:

We begin with that with which Allaah began.

Keep walking between the two points and make seven trips, back and
forth, facing the K’abah each time it comes into view and saying,:

4
Maqaam Ibraaheem: The place where Abraham stood.
Allaahu Akbar! Allaahu Akbar! Allaahu Akbar!
Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka