Essential Umrah Tips: Travel by Bus or Air

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims as an act of worship. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great spiritual significance and can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. The rites of Umrah involve rituals that symbolize a Muslim's submission to Allah, spiritual purification, and a chance to seek forgiveness and blessings.

Faraiz (Obligatory Acts) of Umrah

While Umrah involves several rituals, only a few are considered Faraiz, or obligatory acts. These are:

1. Ihram: The state of spiritual purity and attire that must be worn before entering Makkah.


2. Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.


3. Sa’i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.


4. Tahallul or Shaving/Cutting Hair: For men, shaving the head or cutting the hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair.

These four acts are essential for the completion of Umrah.

How Can We Perform Umrah?

Performing Umrah involves a few key steps, which must be followed in a specific order:

1. Enter the State of Ihram:
   Before traveling to Makkah, you must enter the state of Ihram, which involves cleansing yourself, making a niyyah (intention) for Umrah, and wearing the specific garments (two pieces of white cloth for men and modest clothing for women). Ihram is worn before arriving at the Miqat (designated area to enter into Ihram) and must be done before crossing the boundary of Makkah.


2. Arrive in Makkah and Perform Tawaf:
   Once you arrive in Makkah, the first ritual is to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. This involves walking seven times around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction while making supplications.


3. Perform Sa’i:
   After Tawaf, proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah. You must walk between these two hills seven times, with the intention of commemorating the actions of Hagar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim).


4. Tahallul (Shaving/Cutting Hair):
   For men, the next step is Tahallul, which involves either shaving the head or cutting a portion of the hair. For women, only a small portion of the hair is cut. This act symbolizes spiritual renewal and humility.


5. Completion:
   After completing these rituals, your Umrah is considered complete. You can leave Makkah and return to your regular life, having fulfilled this important act of worship.

Performing Umrah is a deeply rewarding spiritual journey, and many Muslims view it as a way to cleanse their souls and draw closer to Allah