Preparing for Umrah: Spiritual and Mental Readiness
Before embarking on the Umrah journey, devotees should engage in remembrance of Allah and His Messenger, seek forgiveness from loved ones, and request their prayers.
Umrah holds significant importance in the life of every Muslim. Unlike Hajj, which is performed during specific days in the month of Dhul Al-Hijjah, Umrah can be undertaken at any time of the year.
Each year, over 750,000 pilgrims visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to fulfill their Umrah or Hajj obligations. It is a cherished dream for Muslims to behold the Kaaba, the House of God, at least once in their lifetime. The spiritual transformation experienced during this pilgrimage leaves an indelible mark on a Muslim’s life. Therefore, adequate spiritual and mental preparation is essential before embarking on the journey to Allah’s house.
Preparing for Umrah: Fulfilling Zakat Obligations
Before embarking on Umrah, it is essential to fulfill all duties expected and obligated upon the intending pilgrim, including paying Zakat. Zakat, or charity, is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. Supporting those in need through acts of charity, such as providing food and donations, is a significant deed to undertake while preparing to visit Allah’s house at the Kaaba in Makkah.
Preparing for Umrah: Performing Salah and Reciting Duas
Before embarking on Umrah, pilgrims are encouraged to prioritize performing Salah (Islamic prayers) and reciting Duas (supplications). These spiritual practices serve various purposes, including praying for the safety and success of the journey. It is recommended for pilgrims to perform two rak’ahs of Salah as they depart from their home.
Scholars advise selecting specific Surahs (chapters from the Quran) that focus on the well-being and protection of pilgrims during their journey to and from Umrah. This preparation helps pilgrims spiritually align themselves before undertaking the sacred pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah.
Making Dua Before Departing for Umrah
After performing Salah, it is recommended to supplicate for a smooth journey, seeking Allah’s assistance and blessings throughout. Here are some suggested prayers to recite at the doorstep before leaving:
- Dua: Allahumma ilayka tawajjaht Translation: O Allah, to You I turn, and hold. Be my sufficiency, one that preoccupies me and also the one that does not. Forgive my sins, and always turn me towards the good and the pious. (Source: Ibn as-Sunni and al-Futuhut)
- Dua: Allahu akbar Allahu akbar Translation: Allah is the Greatest. Glory is to Him, who has provided us with this opportunity (for pilgrimage), which we could never have had with our own efforts. O Allah, we ask You for goodness and piety through our journey, and to make us do what pleases You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and its distance quick to cover. You are our companion on the road and the One in whose care we leave our family. I seek refuge in You through this journey’s hardships, to save and protect us from the wicked sights, and also keeping our family safe upon return.
Exceptions for Pilgrims on Long Umrah Journeys
Pilgrims often travel great distances to reach Makkah, with some flying across continents to fulfill their pilgrimage dreams. While modern travel has eased the journey compared to historical times, it remains tiring. Pilgrims are granted certain exceptions once they leave their hometowns, which provide them relief during their journey. Here are the details:
Prayer During Umrah Journey: During Umrah, pilgrims can shorten Asr, Isha, and Maghrib Salah from four rak’ahs to two rak’ahs when praying alone. However, this does not apply to Maghrib and Fajr Salah. It’s mandatory to continue performing Salah during Hajj or Umrah unless staying in a city for more than 15 days.
Combining Prayers: Pilgrims can combine prayers within the allowed times, known as Jama’. This practice is valid in the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought but not in the Hanafi school. Prayers can be combined either at the time of the initial prayer (Jama’ al-Taqdim) or at the time of the latter prayer (Jama’ al-Takhir).
Fasting During Umrah Journey: Traveling pilgrims may postpone Ramadan fasts.
Praying During Flight: During flights, pilgrims should observe Salah without inconveniencing other passengers.
Entering Ihram for Air Travelers: Pilgrims flying into Saudi Arabia for Umrah should enter Ihram attire either before boarding or during the flight, making their intention upon nearing the Miqat boundary.
Performing Wudhu on a Plane: Before entering Ihram, pilgrims can perform Wudhu on a plane by washing the necessary body parts.
Facing the Qiblah: When performing Salah on a moving plane or train, it’s essential to face the Qiblah and find an appropriate location.
Salah During Flight: For Maghrib, Fajr, and Isha Salah during flights, one can pray by looking out the window. Some airlines provide designated prayer areas, but pilgrims should adapt to the situation if space is limited or the plane is unstable. If unable to perform Salah according to usual norms, pilgrims can make up for it upon reaching their destination. Different scholars have varying opinions on praying on planes, so it’s advisable to proceed cautiously and perform Salah to the best of one’s ability.
Embarking on an Umrah journey requires spiritual purity, sincere intentions, and adherence to Islamic principles of kindness, charity, humility, and righteousness. It is a sacred journey that demands pilgrims to seek forgiveness, avoid misconduct, and devote themselves fully to Allah and humanity.
Preparing for Umrah: Rules Before Going
Before embarking on Umrah, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram, which is a sacred state achieved through Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah (specific prayer). Here are the steps prescribed by the Prophet (PBUH) for preparing to enter Ihram:
- Perform Ablutions (Wudu): It is recommended to perform Ghusl (ritual bath) for physical purity. Additionally, perfuming the head and beard is also recommended (Mustahab).
- Personal Grooming:
- Trim finger and toenails
- Shave off the mustache
- Remove unwanted body hair by shaving
- Dress in Ihram: Wear the sacred clothing of Ihram, consisting of two-piece white sheets (Izar and Rida) for men. Women wear regular Islamic clothing. Both should wear sandals or flip-flops that expose the middle bones of the midfoot.
- Perform Salah al-Ihram: Perform two Rakats of Salah al-Ihram with the head covered.
- Make Niyyah (Intention): Declare the intention (Niyyah) to enter Ihram upon reaching the Miqat boundary.
- Recite Talbiyah: Continuously recite the Talbiyah prayer while passing through the Miqat stations within the sacred perimeter of the Grand Mosque until the commencement of Tawaf, then proceed to Makkah for the final stages of Umrah.
