Umrah, a spiritual journey deeply embedded in faith and reflection, has witnessed a remarkable embrace and transformation in 2023. The impressive participation numbers highlight not only the spiritual zeal but also the logistical prowess that continues to facilitate this timeless pilgrimage. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity provides both a serene and seamless experience to millions who embark on this sacred journey.
The diversity among the Umrah participants is a testament to the global appeal and unity fostered through this pilgrimage. With individuals from all corners of the globe descending upon the holy cities, cultural boundaries dissolve in the shared pursuit of spiritual enrichment. The gender distribution underscores a balanced engagement from both men and women, reflecting the inclusivity within this spiritually enriching pilgrimage.
Particularly noteworthy is the age range of 30-39 years that predominates among the participants. This demographic, characterized by its vibrancy and capability, not only energizes the Hajj landscape but also signifies a future wherein the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment remains integral to personal growth and community bonds.
The dynamic region of Makkah Al-Mokarramah stands as a bustling hub for Umrah performers, highlighting its continued centrality to the pilgrimage. The presence of 1,825 licensed accommodations embodies the ever-improving infrastructure and the dedication towards ensuring comfort and convenience for all pilgrims, further enhancing their spiritual journey.
The data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah not only quantifies the journey but serves as a beacon, illuminating the profound impact and unhindered growth of Umrah in today’s world. As the journey to rejuvenate one's spirit continues to evolve, so too does the commitment to make it more accessible and uplifting for everyone who seeks it. Through vision and innovation, Umrah in 2023 encapsulates the hope and spiritual prosperity of tomorrow.
Total Umrah Performers
This monumental participation showcases not only the global reverence for Umrah but also the success of strategic initiatives aimed at broadening access. The significant proportion of non-Saudi pilgrims underscores the international draw of the pilgrimage. It reinforces the incredible pull that Umrah commands as a conduit for cultural interchange and spiritual renewal.
The increase in non-Saudi participants reflects the growing global consciousness of Islamic traditions, encouraging a prolific exchange of ideas and values across borders. With Saudi participants capturing a significant share, it is clear that domestic engagement remains robust, underscoring a continued passion for personal and communal piety within the nation.
Moreover, the nearly equal gender distribution represents a progressive stride towards inclusivity within religious practices. The reflective mingling of men and women sharing this journey symbolizes cohesive strength and unity, echoing the broader social transformations of our era.
Underpinning this incredible assemblage is an unwavering commitment from the Saudi authorities to continually elevate the Umrah experience. Innovations in technology and infrastructure have played pivotal roles in streamlining processes, resulting in a pilgrimage that is not only more accessible but also enriched with deeper spiritual resonance.
Advanced booking systems, improved transport networks, and state-of-the-art safety protocols manifest the dedication to ensure each pilgrim journey is met with supreme comfort and peace of mind. These enhancements catalyze a seamless pilgrimage experience, enabling individuals to engage fully and meaningfully in their spiritual quests.
Overall, the insights gleaned from the 2023 Umrah season paint a vivid picture of growth, adaptation, and profound unity. It illustrates a world increasingly connected by spirituality, driven by a shared pursuit of enlightenment and belonging. As Umrah continues to inspire millions across the globe, it stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to humanity's enduring quest for peace and understanding in an interconnected world.
Umrah Performers by Age Group
Total:
This prevailing demographic of Umrah performers in the 30-39 age group, with 2,666,735 men and 1,143,946 women, highlights the reverence with which this vibrant age bracket approaches the spiritual journey. This group, often in the prime of their careers and personal lives, signifies a remarkable intersection of life's responsibilities and higher spiritual aspirations.
Reflective of this trend, the comprehensive graph that captures internal performers by gender and age not only delineates participation but underscores the progressive cultural shifts within the kingdom. The predominant participation from various age and gender cohorts shines a spotlight on the transformative wave characterizing modern spiritual practices. The engagement from this dynamic age group echoes a blend of resilience and graceful devoutness, shaping the ethos of contemporary Umrah with vigor and solemnity.
Moreover, the marked presence of women in this pilgrimage further illuminates the expanding roles and recognition of women within spiritual and communal frameworks. Their robust participation is not merely a reflection of changing societal norms but rather a re-affirmation of the fundamental spirit of equality and unity that Umrah epitomizes.
These developments are indicative of a society steadfast in fostering an environment where the spiritual journey extends beyond age and gender, embracing all facets of diversity as invaluable contributors to the sacred narrative. This evolving landscape, championed by a conscious embrace of modernity without forsaking tradition, propels Umrah as a revered universal pilgrimage that remains profoundly personal yet collectively celebrated.
As we witness this period of historical participation and unprecedented growth, Umrah continues to inspire a powerful blend of personal transformation and communal harmony. The future is bright with possibilities as this pilgrimage continues to engage hearts and minds, igniting a tide of renewal and hope that resonates with every step taken on this spiritual odyssey.
Saudi:
In 2023, the youthful energy of the 20-29 age group emerged as a significant force among Saudi Umrah performers, with 543,176 men and 445,422 women participating. This burgeoning demographic powerfully contributes to the tapestry of Umrah, infusing the pilgrimage with a vitality and future-oriented drive that promises to sustain its enduring relevance. Across the kingdom, this age group represents a dynamic cross-section, bringing forth their aspirations and fresh perspectives, thereby invigorating the spiritual landscape with their unique contributions.
The comprehensive graph depicting Saudi Umrah performers by gender and age eloquently articulates this rich diversity, magnifying the flourishing synergy of tradition and youthful modernity. As these young pilgrims embark on their spiritual journeys, they intertwine contemporary values with age-old rituals, paving a path of enlightenment that embraces and honors both heritage and progress.
This generation, poised at the intersection of tradition and innovation, shoulders the legacy of their predecessors while actively shaping the future narrative of Umrah. Their participation underscores an evolving consciousness, one that integrates technological advancements and cultural shifts without compromising the pilgrimage’s sacred essence.
These Saudi youth, investing in their spiritual journey, reflect a profound cultural renaissance within the kingdom where personal spiritual fulfillment is harmoniously aligned with national development aspirations. Their journeys embody a quest for inner peace and deeper connections to their faith, acting as both a personal catalyst for growth and a collective force for societal cohesion.
In the broader context, the burgeoning involvement of young Saudis highlights a promising trajectory for the nation’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and supporting religious practices. It portrays a vibrant future wherein Umrah continues to serve not only as an individual rite of passage but also as a pivotal bridge connecting communities, generating goodwill, and nurturing enduring bonds of unity and understanding among pilgrims worldwide.
As we reflect on this tremendous participation and envision the forthcoming decades, Umrah stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration—a testament to humanity’s unceasing quest for spiritual enlightenment and universal connection. Insightful, resilient, and progressive, the modern Umrah experience in 2023 embodies a harmonious blend of diverse experiences and shared human journeys, inspiring generations to come with its message of peace, unity, and unwavering faith.
Non-Saudi:
In 2023, Non-Saudi Umrah performers, predominantly within the 30-39 age range, reflect a compelling global resonance of this sacred journey. The participation of 2,260,911 men and 766,651 women not only signifies the robust international draw of Umrah but also highlights the rich tapestry of cultures united by a common spiritual quest. These figures demonstrate the appeal of this pilgrimage across continents, nurturing a global dialogue steeped in spiritual pursuit and cultural appreciation.
Within this diverse assemblage, the nuanced graph detailing Non-Saudi Umrah performers by gender and age group underscores a pattern of youthful vigor and experienced reflection. As these individuals come together from every corner of the globe, they embody a collective journey towards growth and inner tranquility that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. This pluralistic congregation of diverse backgrounds, ages, and narratives speaks to the transformative power of Umrah as a pilgrimage that unites hearts and minds in the grand tapestry of faith and devotion.
As the world marches toward an increasingly interconnected future, the participation of this vibrant demographic emphasizes a shift toward inclusivity and broadened perspectives within the sphere of religious exploration. These figures illuminate a profound and steadily rising appreciation of Islamic traditions and the universal themes of compassion, unity, and renewal that Umrah exemplifies.
The voyage of Non-Saudi pilgrims is not merely a personal endeavor but a bridge across cultures, fostering friendships, mutual respect, and an enriched understanding of shared beliefs and values. Their journeys contribute to weaving a future where cross-cultural exchanges nourish communities and where Umrah remains a timeless, universal conduit for enlightenment and harmony.
In essence, as we look to the horizon where diverse paths converge in this shared spiritual odyssey, Non-Saudi participation in 2023 continues to amplify the core teachings of Umrah. This vibrant narrative, brimming with global unity and individual fortitude, shines with the promise of a connected world uplifted by shared spiritual illumination and collective humanity. As Umrah continues to expand in its reach and impact, it stands as a beacon of hope and the enduring power of faith to transcend borders, fostering a world rooted in peace, mutual respect, and enduring enlightenment.
External Umrah Performers
External Umrah Performers
In December 2023, the spiritual pilgrimage of Umrah saw a remarkable surge in participation from external performers, underscoring a global wave of enthusiasm and devotion. There were 724,955 male Umrah performers, highlighting a substantial increase of 10.3% from the previous month. Meanwhile, the number of female performers stood at 779,978, reflecting an even more impressive rise of 10.9% compared to the prior month.
The graph illustrating the monthly evolution of external Umrah performers by gender paints a powerful narrative of growth and balance, showcasing the inclusive ethos that Umrah embodies. This increase indicates not only a diversification in participation but also underscores the appeal that Umrah holds for a broad spectrum of demographics worldwide.
The rising numbers of both men and women participating bear testimony to the magnetic pull of the spiritual journey that continues to transcend boundaries, drawing pilgrims in search of peace and fulfillment. The upward trend in December suggests a deepening resonance with the fundamental tenets of Umrah — a reflection and renewal that is increasingly appealing to a global audience in the quest for spiritual tranquility and unity.
As 2023 culminates, this significant rise in external performers speaks volumes about the expanding horizon of Umrah, illustrating its global significance and the shared commitment to nurturing spiritual pathways. With every increasing number, Umrah continues to open its arms to the world, offering a sanctuary where diverse souls find common ground and replenishment of spirit in the hallowed precincts of Mecca.
Looking forward, this upward trajectory signals a promising outlook for continued international engagement and participation in coming years. These external performers add to the rich, multicultural tapestry of the Umrah pilgrimage, representing a confluence of diverse cultures, experiences, and aspirations united in the quest for spiritual awakening and the continuous journey toward a deeper collective understanding of faith and community.
Umrah stands poised to lead the path of communal harmony and personal growth as we step into the future. It reflects a perpetual hope and serves as an enlightened testament to humanity's bindless quest for connection, compassion, and a peace that echoes far beyond geographical constraints. The enduring legacy of Umrah, therefore, continues to inspire with its timeless message of unity, reminding us of our shared humanity and the transcendent power of faith.
Licensed Hotels
The accommodation landscape for Umrah performers in 2023 tells a story of growth, diversity, and progressive improvements in hospitality infrastructure at the heart of this spiritual pilgrimage. Makkah, with its historic significance and cultural allure, proudly registered 1,309 licensed hotels. Despite a modest 3.1% of these being rated five stars, the abundance of one-star establishments at 58.0% reveals a commitment to accessibility, ensuring pilgrims of all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to partake in this sacred journey.
Meanwhile, Madinah, another pivotal city in the realm of Umrah, echoes Makkah's diversity with its 516 licensed hotels. Although it mirrors the star distribution with 2.9% as five-star hotels and a majority holding one-star status at 58.1%, this classification underscores a broad strategy aimed at democratizing access to Umrah through varied accommodation offerings.
The data visualization capturing the distribution and classification of these hotels offers a clear snapshot of a hospitality sector crafted around inclusivity. This robust accommodation network supports the logistical backbone of Umrah, embodying a dedication to comfort, support, and spiritual respite for all who embark on this path.
Both Makkah and Madinah serve as cornerstones in the geographical and spiritual map of Umrah, their hotel sectors striving to enhance each pilgrim's experience through diverse price points and service levels. This strategic allocation reflects a growing consciousness within hospitality services—a vision that embraces the rich variance of pilgrims' needs and preferences, allowing them to focus wholly on their spiritual journey.
As we project into the future, these efforts in expanding and refining accommodation resources not only signify a commitment to a fluid and enriching Umrah experience but also herald a promising era of continued improvements. This path, lined with an eagerness to blend tradition with modern conveniences, paints a promising picture for the ever-growing community of global pilgrims.
Thus, the vital statistics surrounding licensed hotels in Makkah and Madinah for 2023 articulate a narrative of unwavering commitment to supporting the spiritual ventures of diverse communities. By creating inclusive environments and prioritizing accessibility, Umrah maintains its status as a beacon of faith and unity. It embodies a shared pledge to honor, preserve, and uplift the sacred acts that define this pilgrimage, forever cherishing the opportunity to serve millions on their journey toward spiritual enrichment and renewal
Request Umrah Permit:
In today's dynamic realm, where technology and traditional practices harmoniously integrate, obtaining an Umrah visa and permit has become a seamlessly refined process. As we progress further into 2023, the digital advancements continue to facilitate spiritual pursuits, transforming the way pilgrims engage with this revered journey.
The proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have transformed the permit acquisition into a smooth digital encounter, ensuring every aspirant's journey begins with ease and certainty. The introduction of a user-friendly online platform not only acknowledges the exigencies of modern-day pilgrims but also underscores a steadfast commitment to ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
With just a few clicks, prospective pilgrims can navigate through a streamlined application process, gaining insights into not only travel necessities but also the sacred intricacies of Umrah. This digital transformation echoes a remarkable shift towards inclusivity, offering real-time assistance and pertinent resources, all while maintaining the sanctity and profundity of the pilgrimage.
Moreover, the intuitive interface provides applicants with step-by-step guidance, from selecting desired travel dates to securing accommodation, ensuring a tailored and thoroughly accommodating experience. It creates a bridge of understanding between the pilgrimage's spiritual essence and the practicalities of modern-day commitments, allowing pilgrims to immerse fully in their spiritual journey.
Further enhancing this innovative approach is the integration of personalized recommendations and informative content designed to enrich pilgrims' comprehension of Umrah's spiritual components. This initiative not only caters to the logistical dimensions of preparation but also nurtures a deeper connection with the essence of the pilgrimage, encapsulating a journey that is both physically organized and spiritually fulfilling.
As the world continues to embrace advanced technologies, these enhancements in the permit process, including the introduction of a multiple Umrah visa, promise to honor the sacred undertaking of Umrah while addressing the contemporary needs of its diverse participants. It reflects not only a dedication to preserving tradition but also a forward-thinking pursuit of excellence and accessibility in religious practice.
In this era of unprecedented digital connectivity, this evolution marks a harmonious convergence of faith and technology, ensuring that the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through Umrah remains accessible and resonates with a generation eager for meaningful engagement. With these transformative measures, every pilgrim embarks on Umrah with a sense of confidence and inspiration, reinforced by the unwavering support of a system that values both heritage and innovation.
The journey towards spiritual renewal thus commences at the intersection of ancient ritual and modern convenience, forging a path that promises to uplift and unify, traversing both the sacred landscapes of Mecca and the inner sanctuaries of the human spirit. As we gaze ahead, the permit process not only signifies a practical means to an end but stands as a testament to a world where tradition and progression walk hand in hand in the pursuit of divine grace and unity.
Umrah requirements based on arrival from Saudi Arabia:
Firstly, Ihram
Ihram is from the place specified by the Sharia, and the pilgrim abstains from the prohibitions that he is prevented from while he is in Ihram. Then says the Talbiyah: At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Secondly, Tawaf
Performer Of Umrah heads to the sanctuary to perform Tawaf of the Ka’bah seven times, so that the Ka’bah is on his left. It starts and ends with the Black Stone. After completing the seven rounds, he prays two rak'ahs in a suitable place.
Thirdly, Saa’i
Performer Of Umrah heads to Safa, and from there begins the Saa’i towards Al-Marwah. When he reaches Al-Marwah, he completes one lap, then returns to Al-Safa to complete the second lap, and so on until he completes seven laps, ending at Al-Marwah.
Fourthly, Halq or Taqsir
After completing the saa'i, the man shaves or shortens his hair, with shaving being preferable. The woman, on the other hand, removes as much as 1-2 cm from the ends of her hair, allowing you to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah.
Your Umrah journey:
- First: Travel and arrival:
The Umrah journey starts with acquiring a visa that allows entry into Saudi Arabia and Makkah. There are several options available for obtaining this visa:
- Nusuk
- Embassy/Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in your country.
- Tourist visas (Visa on Arrival, e-Visa, and Consulate Visa).
- Family Visit Visa.
Following that, you will have two choices of how to arrive in the Kingdom, either by road trips or at international airports. They are:
- King Khalid International Airport – Riyadh
- King Fahd International Airport – Dammam
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport – Madinah
- King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah
Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, there are various transportation options available for reaching Makkah by road, such as:
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway has a station near the airport Additionally.
- Providing convenient transportation options for passengers.
- Passengers can access taxis and buses for further connectivity to their destinations.
When it comes to booking a hotel stay at a tourist accommodation facility, you have several options to choose from. These options encompass various establishments catering to various preferences and budgets. Whether you're seeking luxury accommodations, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, numerous choices are available to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your trip.
- Hotels, including international and local establishments.
- Units of serviced apartments.
- Second: Travel and arrival:
- When embarking on a road trip to perform Umrah or Hajj, there are several designated Miqats for Ihram, each serving as the official Ihram's official point for specific regions and those traveling from surrounding areas.
- Al-Juhfah: The Miqat for the people of the Levant and those on their way.
- Qarn Al Manazil: The Miqat for the people of Najd and those on their way.
- Yalamlam: The Miqat for the people of Yemen and those on their way.
- Dhat Irq: The Miqat for the people of Iraq and those on their way.
For those arriving by plane, entering the state of Ihram involves reciting the Talbiyah and donning the Ihram garments before takeoff or upon approaching and aligning with the designated Miqat point. This spiritual step marks the beginning of the sacred journey for Umrah or Hajj.
- Third: Arrival to the Grand Mosque:
Before visiting the Grand Mosque, securing an Umrah Permit in advance is crucial. This can be easily obtained through the Nusuk platform, where you can conveniently arrange multiple appointments and include companions in your journe Nusuk
- Fourth:Tawaf
The Umrah journey commences with circling the Ka'bah seven times, followed by offering two Rak'ahs of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim, peace be upon him. This sequence of rituals represents a revered and recommended part of the Tawaf experience.
- Fifth:Saa’i:
Upon finishing Tawaf, it is highly recommended that you partake in the blessing of Zamzam Water. Inside the Grand Mosque, clear signage will guide you to the Saa'i area, where you will engage in the act of Saa'i, traversing back and forth between Safa and Marwa seven times.
- Sixth:Shaving and shortening hair:
Upon completion of the Umrah rituals, it is a commendable practice to demonstrate devotion to Allah by either shaving or trimming the hair of the head. Just as the person in Ihram showed worship by not shaving, these actions symbolize worship towards Allah. For men, shaving is preferable, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, supplicated for those who shaved three times and trimmed their hair once. Women, on the other hand, may trim their hair to the length of a fingertip. Several authorized facilities near the Grand Mosque in Makkah provide safe and hygienic shaving services. These facilities are well-equipped to ensure a healthy and satisfactory experience.
Temporal and Spatial Miqats
Ihram Miqats are divided into two parts:
1- Temporal.
2- Spatial.
Its legitimacy lies in glorifying rituals. In order to perform Hajj or Umrah, a person must enter a state of Ihram at certain times and places. As for the time of Umrah, it is not limited to a specific period, and it is valid throughout the year. Allah prescribed spatial Miqats for Muslims in different countries, and His Messenger, peace be upon him, determined them. Anyone who wants to perform Umrah must enter Ihram from the Miqat he encounters on his way. When he reaches the Miqat of his country, he must stop to enter into Ihram. It is forbidden to pass the Miqat without assuming Ihram. If he passes it without entering Ihram, he must pay Fidyah (compensation).
Narrated Ibn Abbas: Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him, made Dhul-Huiaifa as the Miqat for the people of Medina; Al-Juhfa for the people of Sham; Qarn-al-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen; and these Mawaqit are for the people at those very places, and besides them for those who come thorough those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah; and whoever is living within these boundaries can assume lhram from the place he starts, and the people of Makkah can assume Ihram from Makkah.
Types of people in Ihram regarding Miqats
Depending on where he lives, the Muhrim's relation with the Miqat varies. Is he located beyond the Miqat? Or between Makkah and the Miqat? Or in Makkah? All of that would be explained as follows:
1. Residents of Makkah:
They enter into the state of Ihram for Umrah from the nearest place outside the Grand Mosque, such as Masjid Aisha in Al Taneem.
2. Who live between Makkah and the Miqat:
They enter into the state of Ihram from the very place they are in, like residents of Jeddah.
3. Who live beyond the Miqats:
They shall enter into the state of Ihram for Umrah from one of the five Miqats, depending on the route they came by, whether by plane or by road. They should not go beyond them without entering the state of Ihram.
The three pillars of Umrah:
Ihram:
Linguistically, Ihram means entering into a state of prohibition. One says “a man entered into Ihram” when he enters into the prohibition of a treaty or covenant. Thus, what used to be permissible for him is now prohibited. Technically, it is assuming the intention to perform rituals. This is the doctrine of the majority. Ihram is the first pillar of Umrah. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'Verily, the reward of deeds depends on the intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to what he intended”. That is, the deed is not valid or proven except by the occurrence of the intention.
During Ihram, the intention to perform Umrah begins with the heart, and is expressed through the tongue: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah”. As it is acceptable to include a condition, he can say: 'If something prevents me, then my place is where you halted me' if there is a fear that he will not be able to perform the ritual due to illness or an expected condition. The man must take off his usual clothes, put on an Izar and Rida, and not cover his head. In Ihram, women should wear their normal clothing and shouldn't wear gloves or Niqab.
The reason behind Ihram being legislated includes embodying servitude to Allah, exalting Him, and obeying His command, manifesting equality among all Muslims, rulers and subjects, rich and poor, and reminding them of the Last Day and resurrection.
- Ihram costume
- Recommended acts for people in Ihram:
For a man
It is forbidden for a man to wear sewn clothes, that is, he must take off his usual clothes, so he removes his head coverings, such as hat or turban. Also, the usual sewn clothing, such as shirts, pants, socks, and gloves. As well as shoes that cover the entire foot and ankles. According to the saying of the Prophet when he was asked about what a Muhrim should wear: 'He should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a hooded cloak, or leather socks except if he cannot find sandals; he may wear leather socks after cutting them to make them lower than the ankles.
For a woman
It is not forbidden for a woman to wear sewn clothes, she can choose what she wants to wear. She can enter into the state of Ihram in whatever color of clothes she likes, provided that they are loose, cover the body without impeding movement, and does not have apparent adornments that may tempt men. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:” And women should not cover their faces when in Ihram, or wear gloves.''
A woman in Ihram is forbidden from the following:
- Covering the face and wearing Niqab, yet, if she is in the presence of non-Mahram men, she may cover her face.
- Wearing gloves
How to wear Ihram?
A man’s Ihram consists of an Izar that covers the lower part of his body, and Rida that covers the top of the body. The Sunnah for the person in Ihram is to place Rida on all shoulders, and both ends on chest. This is what the Prophet, peace be upon him, did. He used to do Idtibaa when he wanted to perform Tawaf Al Qudoom. Idtibaa means placing the middle of Rida under the right armpit and its ends over the left shoulder, while exposing the right shoulder during Tawaf. A person who always exposes his shoulder violates the Sunnah, unless he is eating, drinking, or relieving himself.
“Labbayka Umrah”
Talbiyah begins from the beginning of Ihram. When performer of Umrah enters Ihram, he intends to perform his Umrah and says: “Labbaik Umrah,” and thus he is in Ihram. Then he raises his voice, reciting the Talbiyah to the Prophet: (Labayk, Allahumma labayk, labayk la sharika laka labayk. Inna'l-hamda wa'n-nimata laka wa'l-mulk, la sharika lak.). Talbiyah in Umrah ends when you see the Ka’bah or start Tawaf.
Entering Ihram state on plane
Performer of Umrah arriving by plane may enter Ihram on his plane before arriving in Jeddah when the plane is aligned with the Miqat. On a plane, the alignment with the Miqat is usually announced well before reaching it, followed by another announcement when the plane actually reaches it. A person who wants to perform Umrah must prepare his Ihram clothes and remove what is forbidden to him while in Ihram well before the announcement of the plane's alignment to the Miqat.
Conditional Ihram
Allah Almighty said: (Allah intends for you ease and does not want to make things difficult for you). One of the manifestations of this facilitation for Muslims in performing acts of worship is considering the circumstances that may prevent them from completing Umrah rituals. If the performer of Umrah fears that he will not be able to complete his rituals due to a disease or a lawful excuse or for a reason beyond his control, it is allowed for him to make a condition in his utterance of Umrah intention. One does so by saying “If something prevents me, then my place is where you halted me' after saying 'Labbayka Umrah.” If the performer of Umrah says this and stipulates a condition, and then something prevents him from completing the ritual, it is permissible for him to leave the state of Ihram without further obligation.
Tawaf:
Linguistically, Tawaf means revolving around an object. Technically, it means worshipping Allah, Mighty and Majestic, by circumambulating around the Ka`bah in a specific manner. Tawaf is one of the pillars of Umrah. It is an act of worship in which, by directing our hearts and bodies to Allah, we are humbled to confess our needs to the Almighty. In this act of worship, the servant circumambulates the Ka`bah, offering worship to the Lord and drawing close to Him as He has instructed. Purity is required for both major and minor impurities during tawaf because it is like prayer. It is when the Umrah performer begins circumambulation from the corner where the Black Stone is located. Performer of Umrah should say Takbir in each round when he is parallel to the Black Stone. However, Takbir does not have to be uttered at this point. Neither Takbir before nor after it is invalid; rather, one can say Takbir somewhere near it. So, if the Umarh performer sees that he has already passed the Black Stone, he can still utter Takbir.
- Way of Tawaf
- Ramal (Jogging)
- Idtibaa
- Performing Tawaf in wheelchairs
- Recommended acts of Tawaf
Performer of Umrah shall point with his hand at the Black Stone, and then starts circumambulating with the Ka'aba to his left (counterclockwise). If he is able to kiss the Black Stone, then he has fulfilled the Sunnah. It is acceptable if he cannot do so during seasons and crowds. It is recommended for Umrah performer to supplicate Allah a lot and pray to Him. It is also recommended that when he reaches the corner that precedes the Black Stone, which is called (the Yemeni Corner), he wipes over it if possible, and repeats what he does until he completes his seven rounds of Tawaf.
Saa’i:
Saa’i between Safa and Marwa is the third pillar of Umrah. Allah said: “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So, whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them.” It is not required to be pure from minor impurities. If the one performing Umrah purifies himself, that is better, and if he performs the Saa’i without being pure, it's acceptable too. Performer of Umrah worships his Lord by crossing the distance between Safa and Marwa seven times, as did his Messenger, peace be upon him.
Safa and Marwa are two small hills on which Ismail's mother, Hagar, climbed in search of food or water. Saa’i extends from Mount Al-Safa at the rocks visible on the ground floor, and at Mount Al-Marwa the Saa’i ends. Upon reaching the beginning of Al-Safa or Al-Marwa at the beginning of each round, it is Sunnah to raise your hands, face the Qiblah and supplicate to Allah, saying: “Allahu Akbar” before starting the next round. It is recommended for capable men to run between the two green signs, following the example of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.
- Saa’i in wheelchairs
- Recommended acts of Saa’i
It is permissible for a person who is unable to walk or feels ill or tired to perform Saa’i in a wheelchair. However, he must remain awake and attentive because he is doing an act of worship. He should fill his time with Allah's remembrance and supplicating Him. Various types of wheelchairs are available for Saa’i in the Grand Mosque. These wheelchairs can be found at:
Manual wheelchairs (free to the elderly and people with disabilities) are available at:
- Eastern square (bus entry gate).
- Western square (Shubaikah gate).
Electric wheelchairs (Available for booking on “Tnaqol” app):
- First Mezzanine floor.
- Second floor Mezzanine.
- Ticket locations in the Haram: Ajyad - Al- Shubaikah - Al-Marwa - Second floor Mezzanine.
Wheelchair push service:
- The ground floor of Massa (Gate 14)
- The second floor of Massa (Al-Arqam Escalators)
Things You Should Remember:
Rights of Umrah Performers