Umrah Guide for Women
Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, offering a chance to draw closer to Allah (SWT) and seek His blessings. To ensure a smooth and rewarding experience, sisters should be mindful of common mistakes that can be easily avoided, InshaโAllah. Here are some key points to remember
Common Mistakes Women Should Avoid During Umrah
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, and it is essential to approach it with sincerity, knowledge, and devotion. However, some sisters unknowingly make mistakes that may affect their experience. Here are key points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and fulfilling Umrah, InshaโAllah:
1. Excessive Fear of Breaking Hair in Ihram
Many sisters worry too much about breaking hair while in Ihram, leading them to avoid removing their hijab even for wudhu (ablution). It is important to understand that involuntary hair loss does not break Ihram. The prohibition is against intentional hair removal. Ensure your wudhu is performed properly without unnecessary concern because incomplete wudhu may affect your prayer or Tawaaf.
๐ Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“ููุง ููููููููู ุงูููููู ููููุณูุง ุฅููููุง ููุณูุนูููุง”
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.“
๐ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
2. Rushing Through Prayers
Some sisters rush through their Salah, duas, and other forms of worship, focusing more on quantity rather than quality. However, true Ibaadah (worship) is about sincerity and devotion. Two rakโahs prayed with khushuโ (humility and concentration) are better than multiple rakโahs performed hastily.
๐ The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer.” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does one steal from his prayer?” He replied, “By not performing its bowing and prostration properly.”
๐ (Sunan Ibn Majah 872)
3. Crowding with the Men
Trying to touch the Hajar Aswad (Black Stone) can lead to uncomfortable situations, especially when sisters find themselves pushing through crowds of men. This may cause hijabs to be displaced or modesty to be compromised. While touching the Hajar Aswad is a Sunnah, maintaining your modesty is more important. If the crowd is overwhelming, it is better to avoid it and prioritize your dignity.
๐ The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Modesty is part of faith, and faith leads to Paradise.”
๐ (Sahih Muslim 35)
4. Misbehaving in Masjid Nabawi
In the rush to pray in the Rawdah of Masjid Nabawi, some sisters push others and raise their voices. However, the Prophetโs (PBUH) mosque is a place of peace and reflection. Always remain respectful, speak softly, and be patient. Even if you donโt get the chance to pray in the Rawdah, let your sister pray without disturbing her.
๐ Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you do to one another, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.”
๐ (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:2)
5. Leaving Ihram If Menstruation Begins
Some sisters mistakenly believe they must leave Ihram if their cycle starts. However, menstruation does not invalidate Ihram. Women in this state can continue all rituals of Umrah except Tawaaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba). Once the cycle ends and purification is complete, Tawaaf can be performed without returning to Miqat or redoing Ihram.
๐ Aisha (RA) said:
“We went out with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) for Hajj, and when we reached Sarif, I started menstruating. The Prophet (PBUH) came to me while I was crying and said, ‘What is wrong?’ I said, ‘I wish I had not come for Hajj.’ He replied, ‘This is something Allah has decreed for the daughters of Adam. Do everything a pilgrim does except Tawaaf of the Kaaba until you become pure.'”
๐ (Sahih Bukhari 305)
6. Thinking Nothing Can Touch the Face in Ihram
Some sisters believe that nothing should touch their face while in Ihram, avoiding wiping their face after wudhu or letting anything come in contact with it. However, this is a misconception. If necessary, women can cover their faces with something other than a niqab, as Aisha (RA) did during her Ihram. This does not invalidate Ihram, so it should not be a source of worry.
๐ Aisha (RA) said:
“When men rode past us while we were in Ihram with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we would lower our veils over our faces, and when they had passed, we would lift them again.”
๐ (Sunan Abu Dawood 1833)
Final Thoughts
Umrah is a beautiful opportunity for spiritual growth and purification. Avoiding these common mistakes will help sisters have a more fulfilling and peaceful journey. Always remember that Islam is a religion of ease, and Allah (SWT) does not burden anyone beyond their capacity. May Allah accept your Umrah and reward your efforts, Ameen.
๐ The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Take your rituals from me, for I do not know whether I will perform Hajj after this one.”
๐ (Sahih Muslim 1297)
