Umrah and Hajj are two of the most significant religious journeys in Islam, both undertaken by millions of Muslims worldwide each year. These pilgrimages are not only acts of worship but also carry deep spiritual meanings. While Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage, performed once in a lifetime by every Muslim who is physically and financially able.

Both pilgrimages involve similar rites, but Hajj has additional rituals and is performed during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Preparing for both pilgrimages requires a deep understanding of their rituals, physical readiness, and sincere spiritual devotion. Let’s explore these pilgrimages of Umrah and Hajj step by step.

How to Perform Umrah

1. Preparation for Umrah

The first and foremost requirement before embarking on Umrah is ensuring spiritual readiness. This preparation is essential for performing the pilgrimage in a manner pleasing to Allah.

• Intention (Niyyah): Before beginning the pilgrimage, you must make a sincere intention (niyyah) for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure. The intention is made in the heart, but it is also verbally affirmed.
• Purification (Ghusl): Ensure you are in a state of physical cleanliness. Perform Ghusl, a ritual purification before entering the state of Ihram. This is important as it signifies spiritual cleanliness.
• Ihram Clothing: Men wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth, called Ihram. One piece covers the lower body, and the other covers the upper body. Women, on the other hand, wear simple, modest clothing that meets Islamic standards. This signifies their detachment from worldly affairs and their dedication to worship. This is vital for both Umrah and Hajj.
• Prayers (Rak’ahs): Before entering the state of Ihram, it is recommended to offer two Rak’ahs of voluntary prayer, seeking forgiveness and peace.

2. Entering the State of Ihram

The next step is entering the state of Ihram, a state of sanctity that marks the beginning of the pilgrimage.

• Recite Talbiyah: Once you are dressed in Ihram and ready to begin, recite the Talbiyah. This is a declaration of readiness to perform the pilgrimage and to answer the call of Allah.
  “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.”
  (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and dominion are Yours. You have no partner.)
• Avoiding Forbidden Acts: While in the state of Ihram, there are several things you must avoid, including using perfumes, cutting nails or hair, engaging in sexual relations, and disputes. The goal is to remain focused on your worship and spiritual elevation.

3. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

The first major ritual in Umrah after arriving in Masjid al-Haram is Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba in seven counterclockwise rounds. Tawaf represents the unity of believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony around the Kaaba.

• Starting Point: Begin from the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) while saying, “Bismillah Allahu Akbar.”
• While Performing Tawaf: It is recommended to recite supplications and prayers during each round. You may also make personal prayers for yourself and others.
• After Tawaf: Upon completion of the seven rounds, it is recommended to pray two Rak’ahs of prayer near Maqam-e-Ibrahim (the standing place of Prophet Ibrahim).

4. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Sa’i involves walking between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. This symbolizes Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail.

• Start at Safa: Stand on Safa facing the Kaaba and recite: “Inna As-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’aairillah” (Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah).
• Walking: You will walk seven times between the two hills, with the seventh round concluding at Marwah. While walking, make supplications and remember Allah.

5. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

This is the final step of Umrah and Hajj alike. After completing Sa’i, men shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir). This act symbolizes a fresh start and humility before Allah. Women trim a small portion of their hair, about an inch.

Once this is done, you have completed your Umrah and may exit the state of Ihram.

How to Perform Hajj

1. Entering Ihram for Hajj (8th Dhul-Hijjah – Day 1)

Hajj begins with the entry into Ihram at the designated Miqat (entry point). Here, you make the intention to perform Hajj, recite the Talbiyah, and travel to Mina.

2. Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah – Day 2)

On the day of Arafah, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafah for the most significant day of Hajj.

• Dua and Prayer: Spend the day in supplication and prayer, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. This day is vital because the Prophet ﷺ said, “Hajj is Arafah.”
• Khutbah (Sermon): Listen to the Khutbah at Masjid Namirah. This sermon offers guidance for the pilgrimage and reminds you of the importance of faith.

3. Muzdalifah – Night Stay (9th Dhul-Hijjah Night)

After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, a plain where they collect pebbles for the upcoming stoning ritual.

• Prayer: Perform the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers at Muzdalifah.
• Rest: Spend the night in Muzdalifah, where you rest before continuing the pilgrimage the next day.

4. Rami (Stoning the Devil) – 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Eid Day – Day 3)

On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims move to Mina to throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar, known as Jamrat al-Aqabah. This symbolizes rejecting the temptations of Satan. This is one of the main difference between Umrah and Hajj.

5. Sacrifice (Qurbani) & Shaving/Trimming Hair

After stoning the pillar, perform the Qurbani (animal sacrifice) as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah.

• Hair Removal: Men either shave their heads or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion of their hair. This marks the partial exit from Ihram.

6. Tawaf Al-Ifadah (Main Tawaf of Hajj)

One of the main rituals of Hajj is Tawaf Al-Ifadah, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.

• Sa’i: After Tawaf, perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah once again.

7. Rami on 11th-13th Dhul-Hijjah (Stoning the Devil Again)

For the next two or three days, pilgrims stone all three Jamarat, which represent the devil’s temptation.

8. Final Tawaf – Tawaf Al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Before departing Makkah, pilgrims perform the Tawaf Al-Wada, which is the final circumambulation of the Kaaba. This marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Book Your Hajj and Umrah with Sufa International

For a seamless and luxurious Umrah and Hajj experience, you can book your pilgrimage through Sufa International, a trusted partner in Pakistan. Sufa International takes care of almost everything with its Hajj packages and custom Umrah packages. The services include:

• Luxury Accommodation in Aziziya or five-star hotel rooms.
• 3 Times Buffet Meals with all-time refreshments to keep you nourished.
• Air Travel on peaceful flights and lavish travel via modern buses during the sacred journey.
• 3 Nights Stay in Madina in luxury hotels.
• Hajj Training and 24/7 medical support for a worry-free pilgrimage.

Choose Sufa International for an unforgettable Umrah and Hajj experience, ensuring comfort, convenience, and care.

Conclusion

Performing Umrah and Hajj is a profound act of devotion. Each ritual has deep spiritual significance, reminding the believer of Allah’s greatness and mercy. By following these steps of Umrah and Hajj, you ensure that your pilgrimage is done in the most sincere and proper manner.

Sufa International brings an excellent experience and serene services for your Umrah and Hajj. Book a package now to embark of this sacred journey.