WIN AN UMRAH TRIP FOR TWO
FULFILLING A SPIRITUAL OBLIGATION
Umrah, in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to The Ka’bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around The Ka’bah, walking between Safaa and Marwah (hillocks) seven times.
Umrah, a mini pilgrimage when compared to Hajj, can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well. Umrah can be performed at anytime in the year.
The are four pillars of Umrah which have to be adhered to: 1. Wearing of Ihraam which is assumed at the Meeqaat (border). 2. Tawaaf around the Sacred House (The Ka’bah). 3. Sa'y: walking or running between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits. 4. Tahal-lul which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful of what was previously prohibited during Ihraam. HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH When a person performing Umrah arrives at the Meeqaat, it is recommended for him or her to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing post-natal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihraam garments.
Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing.
Ihraam
There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimaar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbaab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down if there is need to do so. As for men, they must assume their Ihraam at the Meeqaat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izaar (bottom) and the Ridaa (top). No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these – no underwear, no pants, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. is to be worn. Then the pilgrim makes the intention, to begin the rites of Umrah by entering the state of Ihraam. The intention
must be made in the heart while the statement made afterwards is: Labayka Umrah or Allahumma labbayk. This statement begins the rites of Umrah. Upon arriving at the Sacred Mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right foot and say: O’Allah! forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).
Humility
You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.
On arriving at The Ka’bah stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone (embedded in The Ka’bah), touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn't possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push
and shove, causing harm and being harmed by others.
When touching the Black Stone, the following is said: Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar (in the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or Allaahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). A pilgrim must walk, keeping The Ka’bah on his left. When you reach the Yamaani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: Bismil-laahi wa Allaahu Akbar.
Tawaaf
If this is difficult for you, then go on performing Tawaaf without touching it. On the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, Bismillaah Allaahu Akbar. If it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar.
During this Tawaaf it is preferred for a man to do:
a) Al-Idhtibaa from the beginning of Tawaaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one's Redaa under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaaf, you may return your Redaa to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa is only during Tawaaf.
b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps. Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaaf that are authentically established in the
Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allaah : “... Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” (Quran: 2:201).
Recitation
When you complete seven circuits of Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): “And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer... “(Quran: 2:125). Then pray two short Rak’ahs (prayers), as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqaam Ibraheem.
If it is not possible then you can pray anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rak'ah (set) the chapter Al-Kafiroon (109) and during the second one the chapter of Allkhlaas (112). Upon completing the two Rak'ahs return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient.
The next stage is to go to Safaa. Upon approaching the foot of Safaa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah.
Supplication
Then climb unto Mount Safaa until The Ka’bah is visible, if possible. Facing The Ka’bah the following is to be said three times, and between each time one is to make one’s own supplication:
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha il-lallllaahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa 'alaa qulli shay'in qadeer. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu (Allah is the Greatest three times .
Then go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safaa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse because it is recited when ascending Safaa for the first time only.
This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safaa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) – thus completing two circuits. There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah. Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better.
Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of Umrah have now been completed.
❒ POST together with Malek Travel Centre and Radio Al-Ansaar are giving one lucky reader a chance to win a trip for two for Umrah. To enter get your copy of POST between July 17 and August 7 for the entry form and details.