Embark on a Sacred Journey: A Complete Guide to Umrah Rituals and Traditions

How to Perform Umrah Rituals

The act of utmost devotion and faith, performed by all pilgrims, pulsates Makkah with humming and rhythm.

Donning Ihram From Miqat - Making an Intention of Umrah

Before entering the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram, to perform Umrah, Muslims should wear Ihram. White Ihram symbolizes the state of purity and blessing. Male pilgrims dress in white, two unsewn sheets of clothing, while female pilgrims can wear any modest dress, mostly wearing an Abaya. Ramadan Umrah packages 2025 often include guidance on wearing the Ihram, ensuring that pilgrims begin their pilgrimage correctly. There are five Miqat (Mawaqit). Four Miqat were set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and one was defined by the second Rashidun caliph, Umra ibn Al-Khattab, to facilitate pilgrims entering from newly added regions in Mesopotamia. Pilgrims are obliged to wear Ihram and recite Talbiyah from their respective Miqat. The Miqat stations are Dhul Hulayfah, Al-Juhfah, Qarn al-Manazil, Dhat Irq and Yalamlam. 

Tawaf - Circumambulation of the Holy Ka'aba

After entering into the state of Ihram, pilgrims enter the Grand Mosque' Masjid Al-Haram' to perform Tawaf. Muslims stop chanting Talbiyah while performing Tawaf. Tawaf is circumambulating the Holy Ka'aba seven times in a counterclockwise direction; each Tawaf begins at Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad) by setting right foot first and ends at Black Stone. This ritual of Tawaf serves as a reminder of the angels that circumambulate Allah's celestial house, al-Bayt al-Ma'mur. Male pilgrims must uncover their right shoulder and place the Rida under the right arm and the lower part of the Rida over the left shoulder during circumambulation. 

Muslims must stop chanting Talbiya and recite the prescribed dua or supplication for each round. If it is easy to do, pilgrims can Istilam (kiss the black stone or make a gesture) during the Tawaf. Pilgrims opting for Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 including knowledgeable guidance, can have the benefit of performing Tawaf rituals led by an experienced guide. 

Sa'I - Walking Between Safa and Marwa Hills Seven Times

After performing Tawaf, pilgrims move towards the Masaa' (the place for Sa'I). This ritual is the reenactment of Prophet Abraham's wife Hazar Hajra (Hager), who went through Safa and Marwa hills seven times in search of water for her son Ismail. Seven rounds between two hills provide ample time for self-reflection and reconnection with the faith. Pilgrims began Sa'I by climbing the top of the Safa hill to see the holy Kaaba from there and raising their hands for supplications or dua. They must see the Ka'aba with utmost devotion, love, and respect. Pilgrims must descend from Safa Hill and begin walking toward Marwa Hill until they reach two green pillars; this is the point where male pilgrims need to pass through running, while women can walk at normal speed.  

Upon reaching the top of Marwah hill, recite supplications facing the Ka'aba and then descend. The procedure of walking between two hills continues until they complete seven rounds. Pilgrims must prepare themselves physically and spiritually before undertaking this journey, as each round between two hills is 450m long. Male pilgrims must cover their shoulders while performing Sa'I. The seventh round of Sa'I ends at Marwa Hill. After offering two Raka of Nafl in Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims should come out of the Holy Mosque with their left foot.  Ramadan Umrah packages 2024 often include knowledgeable guidance to help pilgrims performing the ritual with ease. 

Shaving Head (Halq) or Clipping or Shortening Hair (Taqsir) 

The last step of the sacred pilgrimage is shaving the head or clipping hair in Mina. Male pilgrims must shave their heads completely, while female pilgrims are allowed to clip a lock or strand of their hair. This act symbolizes the pilgrim's detachment from physical appearances. After this act, pilgrims can leave the state of Ihram and all the restrictions are lifted upon completion of Umrah. 

Conclusion

Embarking on the Umrah journey is a golden opportunity, as not everyone is invited to the house of Allah. Pilgrims opting for Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 will enjoy a spiritually enriching experience. These Ramadan Umrah packages 2025 not only provide an opportunity for pilgrims to perform Umrah in the blessed month but also ensure a smooth and seamless pilgrimage experience by taking out the hassle of logistics and including knowledgeable guidance. Choosing the right Umrah package 2025 ensures a stress-free pilgrimage experience, allowing pilgrims to undertake the journey solely focusing on the spiritual aspect.