Performing for Umrah (for Both Men and Women)

Performing Umrah involves specific rituals that both men and women follow. While the core steps are the same, there are minor differences in attire and certain practices based on gender. Here is a comprehensive guide:

Preparation for Umrah (for Both Men and Women)

1. Niyyah (Intention):
   • Make the intention to perform Umrah. This is done from the heart, but you can say:
     

     “Labbaik Allahumma Umratan”
     (Here I am, O Allah, to perform Umrah).

2. Ihram:
   • Men: Wear two unstitched white cloths. One is wrapped around the waist, and the other draped over the shoulders.
   • Women: Wear modest clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands. There is no specific color requirement, but white is common.
   • Both: Avoid wearing scented products. Begin reciting the Talbiyah:
     

     Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika la shareeka laka labbaik, 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 sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner).

3. Prohibited Acts in Ihram:
   • Both genders must avoid:
     • Cutting nails or hair.
     • Using perfume.
     • Engaging in intimate relations.
     • Hunting or harming animals.
     • Arguing or fighting.

Steps of Umrah

1. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba):
   • Perform 7 counterclockwise rounds around the Kaaba.
   • Start from the Hajr al-Aswad (Black Stone), if possible. If not, gesture towards it while saying:
     

     “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”

   • Make du’a (supplications) as you walk. There are no specific du’as; personal prayers are encouraged.
   • For men: Expose the right shoulder (this is called Idtiba) during Tawaf and walk briskly in the first three rounds.
2. Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim:
   • After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) if space allows. Recite:
     • Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah.
     • Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rak’ah.
3. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah):
   • Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
   • Begin at Safa by saying:
     

     “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…” (Quran 2:158).

   • Walk briskly between the green markers (men only), and walk normally elsewhere.
   • Make du’a during Sa’i.
4. Halq or Taqsir (Haircut):
   • Men: Shave the head (Halq) or shorten the hair (Taqsir).
   • Women: Trim a small portion (about an inch) from the ends of their hair.

Key Points for Women:

• Women do not uncover their shoulders or run between the green markers.
• Menstruating women can perform all steps except Tawaf. They should wait until they are pure to perform Tawaf.

By completing these rituals with sincerity, both men and women fulfill the requirements of Umrah.