Umrah, an Islamic practice that is considered a Sunnah of the holy prophet Muhammad PBUH. An intended action to purify the soul and to build a connection with Allah Almighty is performed under the decorum of certain steps. These steps are not merely limited to spiritual readiness, but physical preparation and financial willingness are also necessary. Islamic Travel offers a full list of guidance for the preparation of Umrah. Now we can discuss these steps to prepare yourself for Umrah.
Steps to Prepare Yourself for Umrah
Travel Agency for Umrah in UK is enthusiasts to make this holy journey more special and remarkable for Pilgrims. Following these preparations is readiness for Tawaf of Kaaba. A ritual act in Islam that casts the impression of submission to Allah Almighty.
Entering Ihram
Entering Ihram is the foremost obligation for the preparation of Umrah. A specific state of attire that pilgrims wear for the preparation of the umrah. Islamic Travel, as the best Umrah Service Provider in UK, offer guidance and importance to enter Ihram. Every action or obligation bearsa specific type of attire. While we are talking about the sacred obligation of umrah, so entering ihram became mandatory to maintain the discipline of this sacred action.
Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
The second step for Umrah preparation is Ghusl, known as a ritual bath for physical purification. Personal hygiene includes trimming nails and removing extra hair from private parts is encouraged for the readiness of Umrah.
Ihram Garments
Ihram Garments for achieving a purified appearance are another step to prepare yourself for Umrah. Any Muslims who are embarking on the journey of Umrah should know the discipline of wearing Ihram garments.
Salah al-Ihram
A prayer consisting of two Rakkah with Ihram, known as Salah al-Ihra,m is also a component of Umrah preparation. This Salah purifies the intentions of pilgrim who is ready to set on the journey to Mecca. Timing of this salah is also very important. Before crossing Mikat, this salah should be offered in Ihram. Full detail of ways to offer this salah can be attained from Islamic Travel.
Intention
Spiritual readiness and purification of intentions act as a pillar for the preparation of Umrah. The worth of any task depends on the intention determined before performing the task. Similarly, Islamic travel Agency emphasize on pure intentions and a clean heart free of grudges and grievances.
Hadith:
إنما الأعمال بالنيات، وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى.
Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he intended.
(Al-Bhukari, Al-Muslim)
Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
An obligatory act of Umrah that shows the unity of all Muslims who circumambulate around the Kaaba. Tawaf indicates reverence and deep respect for the Kaaba. It includes certain steps to attain the execution of Tawaf, including entering the sacred mosque, starting the Tawaf, circling seven times around the mosque, Tawaf is considered a pillar of Umrah. Following the Tawaf, Muslims proclaim Sa’i which is walking between Safa and Marwa.
Enter the Grand Mosque
Enter the well-renowned grand mosque, Kaaba, wearing Ihram. A large crowd of pilgrims appears on the terrace of the Kaaba.
Start the Tawaf
The crowd of pilgrims starts to move around the walls of the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction.
Circulate Seven Times
The circulation of huge crowds around the Kaaba in one direction shows keen unity and discipline among worshippers of God. The direction of this movement is anticlockwise.
Specific Duas
Asking Specific duas in front of the kaaba is customary and a favourite act. As this act shows submission to Allah. Also, people seek forgiveness from Allah for their bad doings, known as repentance. Muslims bowed their heads towards the direction of the kaaba to show love, fondness, and affection towards Allah. Pamphlets of specific duas are available at the Umrah Travel Agency.
Rads or Running
During the first three rounds of Tawaf, men perform running, whereas women are asked to walk modestly. It is regarded that each step of this running during Tawaf is a source of reward from Allah.
Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwa)
Sa’i is an obligatory act performed in remembrance of Hazrat Hajra’s search for water for his son. It is basically running between two historically famous mountains in the perspective of islam named as Safa and Marwa. This act shows perseverance, hope, faith and trust in Allah. It starts from Safa, walks in between these mountains seven times and asks specific Duas. Next step in umrah is shaving and trimming hair immediately after Sa’i in the Holy Haram.
- Start at Safa: This sacred walk starts from a mountain named Safa, a mountain located in Makkah. And it is significant for the incident of Hazrat Hajra and his son Hazrat Ismail.
- Walk Seven Times: People repeat this sacred walk seven times between Safa and Marwa.
- Specific Duas: This ritual, back and forth walking, endures Specific duas and repentance words.
Halq or Qasr (Shaving or Trimming Hair)
This act of hair shaving during Umrah varies for men and women. Basically, the purpose of this act is bestowed for the mercy of Allah, as the Holy Prophet prayed for it. Get this opportunity now and enjoy the holy journey in the safer hands of Islamic Travels. Next to Halq is the completion of Umrah that takes place after Sa’i.
- Men: Men are required to shave their full head in this act of Halq.
- Women: Women can trim their hair.
- Location: This act is performed in the haram.
Completing the Umrah
With the accomplishment of the above-mentioned steps, completion of Umrah takes place. And it concludes with the exit. Ihram Completion of Umrah is submission to Allah. Get this opportunity of an Umrah trip at lowered prices.
Pray After Sa’i
People pray after Sa’i and exit the Ihram. After completion of Umrah, all can wear regular clothes.
Exit Ihram
Once the Ihram is exited, the ritual act of Umrah is being completed.