The Umrah is a religious obligation for Muslims. Because of this, it is linked with less stringent requirements than the required trip of Hajj. However, there are requirements that must be followed by those who are traveling to the area using Umrah packages from UK. In order to facilitate a tranquil and trouble-free Umrah journey.
The guidelines for performing Umrah are outlined here.
Rules associated with the rituals of Umrah.
The primary rituals of Umrah are four;
- Assuming Ihram.
- A pilgrim from the Meeqat region is required to assume Ihram. The pilgrim must pay the Dam penalty if he or she crosses the Meeqat barrier before entering the state of Ihram, but the pilgrimage will still be accepted.
- Men and women wear different Ihram garments;
- A man’s Ihram garments need only consist of two white sheets. The feet and ankles of men should also be shown at all times while in Ihram.
- A woman’s regular, modest, and basic clothing is acceptable for ihram. Women are expected to maintain a full body covering at all times, with the exception of their hands and faces.
- Tawaf of the Holy Kaabah.
- Tawaf must be proceeded by the pilgrims in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Though it is recommended to complete the seven rounds of Tawaf consecutively, you can take small breaks if necessary.
- Each round of Tawaf must start/end at the place of Hajar-al-Aswad.
- Men must do ‘Raml’ for the first three rounds of Tawaf while women are not required to do so.
- The right shoulder of male pilgrims should remain uncovered at all times during the Tawaf performance.
- Pilgrims must keep on reciting specific supplications during the Tawaf performance.
- Sayee of Safah and Marwah.
- Sayee must proceed in a manner that the first round starts from Safah towards Marwah and the second round is from Marwah to Safah. In such a way, the seventh round must end at Marwah Hill.
- It is necessary that you complete the Sayee on foot by yourself. However, if there are any health complications, you can also take assistance.
- Just like Tawaf, Sayee is also advised to be completed in consecutive rounds. However, small breaks can be taken if a pilgrim feels tired.
- Halq/Taqsir.
- Men must get their heads shaved completely because it is a recommended act known as Halq. However, if they want to opt for trimming, it is also permissible.
- Women can only cut a fingertip’s length of their hair and it is known as Taqsir.
Prohibited acts in the State of Ihram for Umrah.
- Cutting Hair and Nails.
It is forbidden for men and women to cut or trim their hair or nails when in the Umrah Ihram condition. There should be repercussions for anyone who does this on purpose.
- Using Scented Products.
While in Ihram, you must not use any perfumes or colognes. In Ihram, it is obligatory to abstain from the use of perfumed cosmetics and personal care items.
- Intimate Relations.
When in Ihram, a pilgrim is forbidden from having sexual intercourse with his or her spouse. A fine may be imposed on anyone who violates this provision.
- Hunting or Killing Animals.
While in Ihram for Umrah, you may not hunt or kill any animal or bug. However, it does not count if it was done in self-defense.
- Arguing and fighting.
Maintain a tranquil demeanor throughout your Umrah rituals. As a result, stay away from fights, conflicts, and other disturbances of any kind. Show some tolerance and compassion to others around you.
Can women wear jewellery in Ihram?
Jewelry is permitted for both men and women while in the Ihram state. However, it’s not a good idea to put on makeup only for yourself.
So, these are the basic requirements of Umrah that every traveller should be aware of. Umrah can be performed by booking Umrah Packages with Islamic Travel Agency in the UK which is Baitullah Travel. Consult a religious scholar for in-depth explanations of any concepts that remain unclear to you.
These were some of the acts which are prohibited during the pilgrimage of Umrah. You cannot cut your hair and nails, don’t use the scented products, no sexual interactions, Hunting or Killing Animals, Arguing and Fighting. These are some acts which are strictly prohibited during the Umrah Pilgrimage. May Allah grants us chance to perform the Umrah at least once in our life.
