How to perform Umrah for ladies?

Umrah is a sacred ritual performed by Muslims, the followers of Islam. It can be performed during Hajj or any other day of the year. It involved a certain set of rules, and one is obliged to fulfill them. Otherwise, the Umrah will not be completed and hence not considered.

Umrah is an Arabic word derived from another Arabic word ‘ITIMAR’ which means ‘VISIT.’ In Umrah, one is supposed to perform a visit to Kabah and there, perform TAWAF (circumambulation) around Kabah and walk between Safa and Marwah seven times. These Manasiks (rituals) must be performed.

Both men and women have almost the same set of rules to perform Umrah, but there are some specifications for women, and they must be followed. Today we will be discussing those things which are different for women. Also, how women are supposed to perform Umrah?

General points to remember by women for Umrah:

To begin with, women must remember the following points when they plan for Umrah.

• Women cannot perform Umrah if they are not accompanied by MAHRAM males. A whole list of mahram has been provided to us by our religion. It is advised that one must remember that list. Also, the importance of mahram has been set down and proved as well.
• There is no restriction of Ihram for women. Women can wear any decent clothes. The only thing to remember is that they have to cover themselves properly. One must remember that it is prohibited to wear NIQAB – face veil and cover hands; THEREFORE, just acts must be avoided. One misconception about women and their Ihram is that women cannot take off any piece of cloth; otherwise, their ihram will be broken. There is no such restriction, and women are free to take their covering off and even wash if it gets dirty.
• If the women are going through their menstrual cycle, they must abstain themselves from Umrah. Therefore, it is advised to look for the date when they are not their periods. Moreover, such activities must be avoided, which can make impure or unclean. Such conditions will break the Umrah.
• After the completion of SAYI, men are supposed to shave off their heads, but this is not the case for women. They will cut the hair equivalent to the size of a fingernail.
• Women are not supposed to say the TALBEEYAAH loudly. But instead in a soft low voice.
• Women are not supposed to perform AL- IDHTEBAA, and AL-RAML. These rituals are for men only.
• Women are not supposed to wear makeup, any jewelry, or silk clothes.

Rules to perform Umrah for women:

• To perform Umrah, women are supposed to apply for a visa from the Saudi Government. It is to be remembered that no visa is given to a woman who is traveling alone or without her mahram. So always have the approved accompany while going for Umrah.
• When one has reached MEEQAT, it is recommended to take a bath. And then clothes in which umrah will be performed are worn. It is advised to take permission from the husband to wear ihram. The reason behind is that there should be nothing which could violate the nuptial right of the husband.
• When moving forward from MEEQAT, the intention of performing umrah must be made in the heart. With this intention, a statement is said, which is “LABAYKA UMRAH “or “ALLAHUMMA LABBAYKA UMRAH.” This starts your journey for umrah. As told earlier, women are supposed to do the TALBIYAAAH in a low voice.
• When you reach the MAKKAH, remember to set the right foot inside and say Bismillah, AllahummaSalli ‘Ala Muhammad, AllahummaIghfirliwaftahliAbwabaRahmatik. (In the name of Allah! O, Allah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O, Allah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).”
• Upon reaching Kabah, go to Black Stone and kiss it and touch it with your right hand. If there are too many people then face towards it and point it. It is advised for women to avoid such areas where there are too many men and pushing and shoving is possible.
• After you have completed the seven circumambulations (TAWAAF) around Kabah, you have to go the MAQAM -E-IBRAHIM and recite this verse: And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer…” [Quran: 2:125]. Pray two RAKAAH over this spot or near it. If it is not possible, then anywhere is good.
• Upon completing this ritual, if possible, go back to the BLACK STONE and touch it. If it is not convenient, then you can point towards it.
• Now you have to go to SAFA while you can still see Kabaah. And if possible, then run towards MARWA. When you have completed your two runs, you have finished your task.
• Then you have to shorten your hair length by fingernail size, and that is it. Your Umrah is done.