Basic Rulings of the 'Umrah (Courtesy: Raj-San Technologies)

Friday 20-Jun-2025, 3:19AM / 314


Basic ruling

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem 

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and companions. To proceed:

The pillars (al-arkaan) of ‘Umrah are three, without which it is not valid:

1. Ihram (entering into the state of ritual consecration).

2. Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka‘bah.

3. Sa‘i (walking) between as-Safa and al-Marwah.


As for the obligations (al-waajibaat) of ‘Umrah, they are:

1. Entering into Ihram from the proper Miqat (station of entry), for one whose Miqat is between him and Makkah, or from outside the Haram area (al-Hill) for one who is already within the Haram.

2. Removing stitched garments (for men).

3. Shaving the head or trimming the hair.

These are the obligatory acts of ‘Umrah. Whoever omits any of them must offer a sacrificial animal (a penalty).

As for the recommended (al-mustahabbaat) acts of ‘Umrah, they are numerous. Among those recommended before entering Ihram are:

1. Trimming the nails and shaving the pubic hair.

2. Taking a ritual bath (ghusl).

3. Applying perfume on the body.

Among the recommended acts (al-mustahabbaat) after entering Ihram are:

1. Reciting the Talbiyah aloud (for men).

2. Stating a condition, such as saying: “O Allah, if something prevents me (from continuing), then my place of release is wherever I am prevented.”

3. Saying: “Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for ‘Umrah).

Among the recommended acts during Tawaf are:

1. Kissing the Black Stone, if it does not lead to crowding.

2. Idtiba‘: exposing the right shoulder (for men).

3. Raml: walking briskly in the first three circuits (also for men).

4. Abundant remembrance of Allah and supplication.

5. Performing two units of prayer after completing Tawaf.

Among the recommended acts during Sa‘i are:

1. Climbing upon as-Safa and saying: “We begin with what Allah began with.”

2. Jogging between the two green markers.

3. Engaging frequently in remembrance of Allah.

These are the pillars, obligations, and some recommended acts of ‘Umrah.

As for the general procedure of performing ‘Umrah:

Whoever intends to perform ‘Umrah should enter into Ihram from the Miqat, or from a place aligned with it if coming from beyond the Miqat. As for someone who resides within the Miqat boundary, they should enter Ihram from where they are. And if they are from the people of Makkah, they should assume Ihram from outside the Haram (such as at at-Tan‘īm).

Then, the person begins chanting the Talbiyah, and stops upon seeing the Ka‘bah. He begins Tawaf, ensuring he is in a state of purity. After completing Tawaf, he performs two units of prayer behind the Maqam (Station of Ibrahim). Then, he proceeds to perform Sa‘i between as-Safa and al-Marwah, and after completing that, he shaves or trims his hair.

Thus, he would have completed his ‘Umrah, and all the prohibitions of Ihram become lawful to him once more.

And Allah knows best.

Click here for detailed explanations of rites of Umrah by Ash-Shaykh Abdulazeez bn Baz - rahimahullah. 

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