A Brief Guide To Performing Umrah - Umrah Badal

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By Tonao Gaobo - http://www.HajjByUs.com

No doubt, Hajj and Umrah are obligations which have a significant importance for Muslims from all around the world. Hajj is considered to be one of the five basic pillars of Islam and it is obligatory on every Muslim who has financial and physical capability to travel to the holy city of Mecca for performing Hajj, Umrah Badal Umrah is not as obligatory as hajj but still it is considered to be an important part of worship and Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah. Umrah performed during the month of Ramadan is considered to be equal in reward to performing Hajj.

However, this is also a bitter reality that most of the pilgrims traveling to the Holy Kingdom are unaware on how to perform Umrah according to the blessed way of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). This is utmost necessary to perform Umrah according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to be acceptable to Allah (S.W.T). Here is a brief guide for performing Umrah obligation. First of all, a pilgrim must enter into the state of Ihram. This is done by bathing, cutting nails and hair, wearing two simple white clothes. After entering into the state of Ihram, things like hunting, perfuming and sexual intercourse become prohibited.

Next step is to enter into the Grand Holy Mosque of Mecca for Tawaf. It is recommended to enter into the mosque through Bab-as-Salam Gate of the Kaaba by placing your right foot into the mosque. Pilgrims must be in the state of ablution for doing Tawaf of Holy Kaaba. Tawaf is started from Hijr-eAswad (Black Stone) in the anti-clockwise direction while reciting the supplications taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to his ummah. Men must keep their right shoulder during Tawaf of Kaaba which is called Iddtibaa. On the completion of Tawaf, men must cover their right shoulder. After Tawaf of Holy Kaaba, next stage is to complete seven rounds between two hills, Safa and Marwah, which is known as Sa'i and it is an important ritual of hajj and Umrah obligation. Also recite the holy verses of Quran and supplications while standing on both hills and during Sa'i between them.

After the completion of Sa'i, pilgrims cut their hair. Men have to shave their heads or at least shorten their hair. Women have to cut their hair up to one or two centimeters. This cutting of hair of pilgrims is a symbol to show that pilgrims have repented from their last sinful life and this is a beginning of their new life under obedience and commandments of Allah (S.W.T). Your Umrah is now complete and pilgrims can now come out from the state of Ihraam and wear their everyday clothes. Also they are now free from every restriction of the state of Ihraam.

So Whats Next ?
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