How to perform Umrah and places to visit ?

Question:
Inshallah my whole family are going to umrah in ramadan if you would kindly let e know how
todo the umrah what places of jiyarat tobe visited and what are the things tob taken care of as
this is the first time we are going so please advise me on this.

Answer:
May Allah Tala grant you the Maqbool Umrah. Here are some important things which you
should be aware of.
The simple from of Umrah is to wear Ahram and do Tawaf and Sa'ee and after this have the
head shaven and putting off the Ahram. Ahram is the primary condition which can not he set
aside or ignored, known as Shart-e-Ada (Binding/Primary condition) and shaving of head, the
external or secondary condition.
Umrah is sunnat, not wajib and can be performed many times in the year which means that the
whole year is the period of Umrah except on 5 days in the year, 9th Zil Haj. The Day of Arafat
(Yaam-e-Arafah), 10th Zil Haj, The Day of sacrifice (Yaam-e-Nah'r) and 11th to 13th Zil Haj
known as Ayyam-e-Tashriq which mean on and from 9th to 13th Zil Haj are the five days on
which Umrah is not permissible.
In Umrah only Tawaf is Farz (obligatory) while Sa'ee is wajib, as well as Halq or shaving of
head and Taqseer (hair cut or trimming). All the conditions of Umrah are the same as those of
Hajj, except that for Umrah not time is fixed while in the Haj, all the arkan (prescribed mode) are
to be performed strictly according to time schedule. The thing which renders Umrah as
completely wiped off is to have intercourse (with wife) before having completed four rounds of
Tawaf.
METHOD OF UMRAH: Any one who wants to perform only the Umrah, he should put on Ahram
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from Meeqat or any place before Meeqat. It could be from your house or airport.

The Niyat (Intent) of Umrah, he should offer two rakats of Nafil with - the -intent or Niyat of
Ahram and recite the dua of Ahram;
(O Allah! I intend (to perform) for Umrah, so make it easy (convenient and practicable) for me
and accept this Umrah from me and I wish to observe sanctity of this (Umrah) with all sincerity
(and humility) for ALLAH The Almighty and Supreme).
Another prayer is this:
( O Allah! I beseech Your Pleasure and I seek Your Refuge from Your wrath and the Fire (of
He'll).
After intention he should pray Talbiyyah there times: LABBAIK ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK,
LABBAIKA LAA SHAREEKA LAKA LABBAIK, INNAL HAMDA WANNEMATA LAKA WALA
MULK, LAASHAREEKA LAK.
Now he should avoid doing anything which are forbidden for a pilgrim wearing Ahram.
Now you are in Ehraam and you should keep praying Talbiyyah as much as you can.
If you are going to Madinatul Munawwarah 1st then you can put your Ehraam on from the
Meeqaat of Madinah.
When you arrive at Makkatul Mukarramah, settle down, eat if you are hungry, rest if you are
tired, and then make your way to Masjidul Haraam. If it is possible, enter Masjidul Haraam from
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the gate Baabul Umrah; keep your gaze lowered, recite Talbiyyah as much as possible,
remember Allah and remember that you are going to see the very same House of Allah which
you used to only think of whenever you would pray namaaz in your country. As you get closer to
the Holy Kaaba, just before Mataaf (where people do Tawaaf), raise your gaze, look at the
House of Allah and recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar). You should then make dua for
the Muslim Ummah and for yourself and your family.
Now you must perform Tawaaf.
Method of Tawaaf:
Go to the corner of the Holy Kaaba where the Hajre Aswad (Black Stone) is, making sure the
Hajre Aswad is to your right whilst you are facing the Kaaba. Unclothe your right shoulder, take
the Ehraam from under your arm and place it on your left shoulder. This is called Iztibaa. Make
the intention of Tawaaf: O Allah! I am doing Tawaaf of your house, make it easy for me, and
accept it. Then, kiss the Hajre Aswad, if it is possible to do so. If it is not, just raise your hands
in the direction of the Hajre Aswad then kiss your hands.
Now, turn so that your left side is towards the Holy Kaaba (you should not have your back to it)
and begin your Tawaaf. In the first three circles of Tawaaf, you must do Raml (to walk stiffly and
quickly). One full circle (chakkar) is completed upon passing the Hajre Aswad. In each circle,
when you arrive at the Hajre Aswad, raise your hand and kiss it without turning your front
towards the Kaaba. You are required to do seven circles.
After completing the Tawaaf, you arrive at the Multazam, where the door of the Holy Kaaba is.
Stand in between the door and the corner of the Holy Kaaba; this is the place where seventy
thousand Angels of Allah say Aameen to every dua you make. Rub your face, your chest, your
arms on the Multazam and ask Allah for His forgiveness for all of your sins and make dua.
Then, stand anywhere behind the Maqaam e Ibraheem and perform two rakaats Waajib of
Tawaaf.
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You must now do Saee. Before you do Saee, however, it is better to drink as much ZamZam
water as you can, standing up, facing the Qibla. Make dua before drinking the water.
Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam used to recite Rabbi Zidni Ilmaa (O Allah, increase
me in my knowledge).
Then go to Mount Safa through Baabus Safa. Dont go very high if possible. Face the Kaaba
and make the intention, O Allah, I am performing Saee for your sake, accept it. Start walking
from Safa to Marwa. When you get to the green light, it is preferred to jog, if possible, without
pushing others, to the next green light. When you get to Marwa, this is counted as one chakkar.
Now go from Marwa to Safa in the same method; this is your second chakkar. You should
complete seven chakkars, finishing at Marwa.
After your Saee, men should shave or trim their hair; females should cut approximately one
inch of their hair. Your Umrah is now complete. You can come out of your Ehraam and you can
perform additional (optional) Tawaaf on behalf of others. Also, you can perform Umrah again, if
you so wish. For that, you will have to go to Masjid e Aisha or Taneem in the state of Ehraam,
perform two rakaats of Ehraam, and make the intention of Umrah. Come back to Masjidul
Haraam and complete your Umrah as above-mentioned.
It is compulsory to be in the state of Wudhu throughout the duration of Tawaaf (not for the entire
Umrah).
Things which are Haram in Ahram.
(1) Sexual intercourse with a woman (wife) (2) Kissing (3) Touching her body (4) embracing or
hugging her (5) behavinglike her (6) describing the woman (wife) in front of other women (to
excite passion) (7) obscenity (8) committing act of indecency or sin (9) involving in worldly
embroilment (10) hunting in the jungle (11) to point and to some one else at the animal of
hunting (12) or suggest this in other way (13) to supply gun, bullet, knife to some one to
slaughter the animal (14) to break the eggs of the bird (15) to pluck the quill of the bird (16) to
milk the animal (17) to cook the meat (18) or the egg of animal (19) roasting (20) selling (21)
purchasing (22) eating (23) clipping of one own nail or of others (24) cutting any hair from head
to foot (25) to cover face (26) head with any cloth (Note:covering of face by a woman is
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permissible, rather it is obligatory to cover the face in the namaz and before any stranger
(na'mahrum). However covering face is also haram for a woman, but he should some thing like
hand fan on her face before a stranger.) (27) placing the bundle of cloth on the head by men
(the woman can) (28) to wear turban (amama) (29) wearing veil (30) hand gloves (31) socks
which cover the middle of the sole. If the foot wear (boot/shoe) is not there to the cut the sock
wear all these foot - things is not allowed (32) to put on stitched cloth. To use perfume for (33)
hair (34) body (35) clothes (36) To wear newly coloured clothes when the smell is coming one
due to dampness (37) pure smelling musk, amber, saffron, javitri (mace), clove, cardemoms
(Ilaichi, cinnamon (darchini), dry ginger (zan jabeel) (38) To tie any wet smelling thing with any
corner of the head cover (dopatta) such as musk, ambar, wasma or mifrtle (mehndi or henna),
saffron to wash hair with some highly incensed thing to kill the lice (39) To use hair dye (40) To
set the hair with any sticky substance like gum (41) to use olive or til oil even they be non
smelling (42) to shave some one's head (even if he be without Ahram (43) to kill lice, throw it or
ask some one to do it (44) to wash clothes in order to kill the lice (45) to spread the cloth in the
sun (46) to use mercury in the hair. All the things /activities are earned on to kill the lice, or
destroy them.
These things are MAKROOH in Ahram.
(1) To remove the dirt from the body (2) to wash the body or hair with the non smelling soap or
oil cake (3) Tom comb the hair (4) to scratch (to remove the itch) in such a way which my pull
off the hair (5) To put shirt etc on the shoulders (instead of wearing) while moving out (6) To put
on the clothes which have been exposed to smelling smoke (dhooni) which still retain the smell
(7) to smell the saint or perfume intently even the sweet smelling fruit or leaf is also makrooh
such as lemon, orange, mint leaves (podina) (8) to sit in the shop of perfume seller to have the
perfume etc intentionally (9) to tie a strap of cloth on the head and (10) on the mouth (11) to put
the head or the face in the Ghilafe Kaaba in such a manner that it touches the body which is
forbidden in the Shariat (12) To cover the nose or any part of the face with the cloth (13) to eat
or drink anything which contain smell of any sort, which has neither been cooked nor washed is
remove the smell (14) to wear a cloth which is stitched, darned or has a patching (15) to lie up
side down with a pillow over the face (16) to touch the fragrance/smell by hand which does not
soil the hand, (when it soils the hand) it becomes haram (prohibited) (17) to put on amulet
(Taweez) on the neck or the upper arm, even if it is stitched in a piece of cloth (18) to tie a piece
of cloth on any part of the body when it is not necessary due to any excuse or necessity (19)
make-up or any kind of adoration (20) to tie a knot in the corner of the head cover (do patta) in
such a way the head remains open (otherwise it is haram) (21) to tie both the ends of the
tahband (long cloth used to cover the lower half of the body) with a knot or make it tight with a
piece of rope or Kamar-bund used in shalwar or pajama .
PROBLEM:- Things which are not permissible in Ahram if committed or breached
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unintentionally would not amount to sinning, but they would entail penalty which has to be paid
whether the error is willful or unintentional or forced by some one or it may occur during sleep.

Madinatul Munawwarah
Madinatul Munawwarah is situated in the north of the Hijaaz. The sacred city of Allahs beloved
Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam was also known as Yathrib before the migration. Madinah is
an important centre of religious learning. The focal point is the Prophets Masjid
(Masjid-un-Nabvi); it also has the resting place of the beloved of Allah, as well as Hazrat Abu
Bakr and Hazrat Umar Radi Allaho Anhuma, the first two Khalifas.
To visit Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam in Madinah is close to necessary. If one has the
strength and means but only goes to Makkatul Mukarramah and does not attend Madinatul
Munawwarah, it is a great shame and pity. The Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam has said,
Man Zaara Qabri Wajabat Lahoo Shafaaati (Whoever visits my grave, my intercession is a
necessity to them).
Other Ahadith regarding Madinatul Munawwarah and visiting Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi
Wasallam are as follows:
With the exception of Masjid e Haraam, one prayer offered in my Mosque is better than a
thousand prayers in other Mosques.
Whoever, despite having the ability, did not visit me has committed an act of oppression
against me.
Throughout your stay in Madinah, try to confer Salaam and recite Durood on Prophet Sallallaho
Alaihi Wasallam as much as possible. We must bear in mind that we have left our families and
pleasures. Remember, it is the Sunnah of Almighty Allah Himself to send Durood on His
Beloved Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam. Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quan, Verily Allah and
His Angels confer Salaah on the Nabi, O you who believe, confer Salaah on him, and send
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Salaams increasingly on him.
After reaching Madinatul Munawwarah
When visiting, only make the intention of visiting the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam. Imam
Ibn Humam said that do not even make the intention of entering the Mosque (Masjid-un-Nabvi).
On the way, engage yourself in reciting Durood and Salaam and Dhikr as this increases love of
Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam.
As the Haram (Masjid-un-Nabvi) draws nearer, it is better to become sincere and cry whilst
lowering your head and your gaze, reciting Durood in abundance. Walk bear-footed if possible.
When your gaze falls on the blessed resting place, increase in reciting Durood and Salaam.
After your entry in to Madinatul Munawwarah, settle down, do ghusl or wudhu, clean your teeth
using a miswaak, wear the best of your (Islamic) clothing, groom your hair, cut your nails, wear
itr (males only) and proceed to the Haram. On your way, recite plenty of Durood and give Sadqa
to the poor if possible, as this cools Allahs Anger.
It is recommended that one enters from Baabe Jibraail if possible. Make the intention of Itikaaf,
then proceed to the blessed court with the utmost sincerity and devotion. Visit all parts of the
Masjid, including Riyaadhul Jannah. At this place (Riyaadhul Jannah), offer two cycles of
Tahiyyatul Masjid, making sure it is not Makrooh time. Then send Durood and Salaam and wait
for some time and ask for permission to visit the court. Recite Bismillah and enter with devotion
and sincerity with the right foot. Free your mind, heart, eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet from
all thoughts. Do not look at the structure and the beauty of the Mosque and do not divert your
attention from the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam and keep your heart devoted to him.
Never say a word that it not important as we have the deepest faith and belief that Rasoolullah
Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam is still alive as true, real, physical qualities that he possessed when
he lived in his worldly life. Imam Muhammad ibn Haaj Makki states in his book Madkhal and
Imam Ahmad Qastalani in his Mawahib Ladunniyah and other scholars in their books state:
There is no difference in the death and life of the Messenger of Allah Sallallaho Alaihi
Wasallam, in respect of his observation of his Ummah; he is aware with their condition and their
intentions, their determination and their hearts contents and all these are so manifest before
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that no covering can hide them.
Now proceed with respect with your head and gaze lowered in reverence and utmost humility,
remembering your sins, relying on his mercy; proceed from the eastern side in the presence of
the Prophets resting place and the Qibla behind, the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallams
attention will be towards you and this is enough for you in both worlds.
When standing in front of the golden gates, stand at a distance of at least four arms length and
do not go any closer. Do not attempt to touch or kiss the golden gates as this is against respect.
Then, in a quiet voice, with sincerity and modesty, recite Salaam. Then, moving an arms length
on the right, or the west, facing Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allaho Anh, give salutations.
Then moving in the same manner to the right facing Hazrat Umar Farooq Radi Allaho Anh,
give salutations. Then move back to face Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam, and as long
as your tongue, heart and mind can endure, recite Durood and Salaam, praying for forgiveness
and prosperity for yourself, your parents, your family and the entire Ummah. Then convey
Salaams on behalf of the persons who have requested; this must be done as it is a legality in
Islam.
You can then offer prayer near the Mimbar (pulpit). Then offer two rakaats of Nafl, if it not
Makrooh time, in Jannat ki Kiyaari. Similarly, offer two rakaats of prayer at some pillars of the
Holy Mosque and make dua (there are eight pillars that have more significance). Note: it is
desirable and not Fardh to offer prayer at these pillars and places.
As long as one stays in Madinatul Munawwarah, do not waste any time; most of your time
should be spent at the Mosque with respect, reciting Durood and Salaam in abundance, and
refraining from any worldly talk. At least try to complete a full recital of the Holy Quran during
the stay in Masjid-un-Nabvi. To look at the blessed resting place of Rasoolullah Sallallaho
Alaihi Wasallam is also worship, as well as looking at the Holy Kaaba and the Holy Quran, try
to do this as much as possible as well as reciting Durood and Salaam. Give Salaam after each
Salaah or at least twice daily, in the morning and evening, at the Holy Court. In the city or
outside, whenever the Dome or the resting place come in to sight, face it and recite Durood and
Salaam and make sure you never pass by without praying Durood and Salaam as it is very
disrespectful. Never keep your back to the resting place of the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi
Wasallam, even while offering Salaah. Do not perform circuits (chakkar/tawaaf) around the
resting place, nor do Sajdah or Ruku or anything equal to these.
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Visit Jannatul Baqi as this is Sunnah, especially on Fridays if possible. According to Imam
Malik, there are approximately ten thousand Sahaba buried here, as well as Tabieen, Taba
Tabieen, Saints, Scholars and pious persons. When one enters the graveyard, first intend to
pray for all the departed souls. Pray Durood and recite Surah Fatihah and Ayatul Kursi and
Surah Ikhlas etc.; whatever you can pray and offer the rewards. Then visit the graves among
the Dwellers of Baqi, visiting the famous and most dignified Hazrat Usman e Gani rAdi Allaho
Anh and offer salutations.
It is Sunnah to visit Masjid e Quba each Saturday. You should also visit the other Masjids if
possible. Visit the Martyrs of Uhud and visit the Mountain of Uhud as Rasoolullah Sallallaho
Alaihi Wasallam has said, Uhud keeps me as a friend and I keep it as a friend too and he said
that, When you go to Uhud, eat something of its trees even if it be a thorn. It is better to go to
Uhud on a Thursday morning, first visiting the grave of Hazrat Hamza Radi Allaho Anh and
offering salutations.
If you can find someone to take you for Ziyarah (of the wells) then go visit, perform wudhu and
drink the water from the well as the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam drank some water and
left his blessed saliva in the well. There are approximately 17 wells in Madinah of which the
Prophet used water.
On the departure from Madinatul Munawwarah, present yourself in front of Rasoolullah
Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam and ask for visiting continuously, and all the respects of coming
back to the Holy Kaaba; make dua with sincerity that Allah give us death with Iman and with the
Sunnah to die in Madinah and be buried in Jannatul Baqi. Make dua that may Allah make your
journey easy and you return home safely.

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