UMRAH

When engaging in the sacred acts of Hajj or Umrah, it’s crucial to respect the rituals and commands set by Islam and show reverence as a sign of piety. Avoid behaviours that could desecrate the state of Ihram, such as quarrelling or committing sins. The continuous recitation of the Talbiyah, a special prayer, is a ritual and a way to maintain a spiritual connection and focus on the journey. Follow the guidance of security and supervisory personnel closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims. Familiarise yourself with the specific rules of Hajj and Umrah so you can perform them correctly.

Pilgrims travelling to Makkah for the Hajj or Umrah must enter the state of Ihram at the designated Miqat for their route. If they travel by air and arrive in Jeddah, they can enter Ihram on the plane as soon as it aligns with the Miqat. This means that even if pilgrims are on a plane, they can still enter the state of Ihram without any issues.

Entering the state of Ihram on an aeroplane involves a few steps:

• Ideally, bathe and change into Ihram garments before boarding or using the airport facilities. For men, this means wearing two pieces of unstitched white cloth; women wear modest, loose-fitting clothes.
• As your flight nears the Miqat, the designated point where pilgrims must declare their intention, prepare to make your niyyah (intention) for performing Hajj or Umrah.
  Once the plane is about to cross the Miqat, declare your intention aloud or silently by reciting the Talbiyah. This confirms your entry into the state of Ihram.
• Be aware of your flight path and the Miqat crossing time. Airlines often announce when the plane is approaching the Miqat, but it’s good to ask the flight crew if unsure.
• Once in Ihram, avoid actions that are restricted during this sacred state, such as clipping nails, shaving, or wearing perfume.
• Maintain spiritual awareness and reverence throughout the flight until you reach your destination.

The Talbiyah is not just a prayer, but a profound expression of devotion and acknowledgement of Allah’s supremacy. It is a response to His call for these pilgrimages, a reminder of our purpose, and a symbol of unity among all pilgrims. The words “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak” mean “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly, the praise and the provision are Yours, and so is the dominion. You have no partner.” These words carry immense weight and should be recited with utmost reverence and understanding of their meaning.
It is recommended for men to raise their voices when reciting Talbiyah and on the other hand, it is preferable for women to recite Talbiyah in a lower tone.

When performing Umrah, the recitation of Talbiyah begins as soon as the pilgrim enters into Ihram, the state of ritual purity, by uttering these words: “Labbaik Hajjan,” “Labbaik Umrah,” or “Labbaik Hajjan Wa-Umrah.” It ends when they commence the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba. However, during Hajj, the recitation of Talbiyah starts once the pilgrim enters Ihram terminates when they begin the stoning of the Jamrah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

Intertrigo and body fold rash are common issues for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, especially for those with obesity or diabetes. This condition arises due to friction and moisture in skin folds such as groynes, armpits, and under breasts, often causing painful itching.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Ensure proper ventilation of body folds.
• Apply protective ointments to susceptible areas before extensive walking.
• For infections, cleanse the area thoroughly before applying healing ointments.

Additional Precautions:

• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothes to prevent skin abrasions.
• Diabetics should monitor for increased skin issues due to excessive sweating and fluctuating blood sugar levels during the pilgrimage.

Miqats are specific points designated for pilgrims to enter the state of Ihram, which is required for performing Hajj or Umrah. These sites are significant in honouring the sanctity of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Depending on the location of the pilgrims relative to Makkah, they must follow specific guidelines:

Within Makkah: Pilgrims should enter Ihram from the nearest point outside the Haram, such as Masjid Aisha at Al Taneem.

Between Makkah and the Miqats: Pilgrims should enter Ihram directly from their current location.

Beyond the Miqats: Pilgrims should enter Ihram from one of the five established Miqats or a parallel point.
Miqats are established to ensure that all pilgrims respect the rituals of entering the sacred city in a state of spiritual purity.

To determine your Miqat, you need to consider the direction of your travel towards Makkah. Each route has its designated Miqat, listed below:

Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): For those from the north towards Madinah.

Juhfah: For pilgrims coming from the direction of Syria.

Qarn al-Manazil (Al-Sail al-Kabeer): For those from the east, such as the UAE or Oman.

Yalamlam: For pilgrims approaching from the south, like those from Yemen.

Dhat Irq: For those from the northeast, such as Iran or Iraq.
Pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram at these points before proceeding to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah.

Prior to entering Ihram for Hajj or Umrah, it is important to follow the prophetic guidance by practising several key steps. Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of cleanliness and preparation, and the following practices are recommended:

Ghusl (Full Ablution): Before entering Ihram, it is necessary to perform a full ablution to cleanse the body.

Trimming Nails and Hair: Trimming your nails and hair before entering Ihram, as it will not be possible to do so once in Ihram.

Wearing Ihram Garments: This means wrapping themselves in two white, unstitched clothes for men. Women should wear modest, loose-fitting clothes that appropriately cover their bodies.
These preparations are intended to physically and spiritually purify oneself before committing to the rituals of Hajj or Umrah.

Women entering Ihram for Hajj or Umrah can wear garments of any colour, provided they are loose-fitting, sufficiently cover the body, and do not have any noticeable decorations that may draw attention. During Ihram, women are not allowed to cover their faces with a Niqab or wear gloves, although they may cover their faces if necessary in the presence of non-Mahram men. Accessories such as glasses, rings, and watches, as are plasters and bandages for wounds, are permitted. Women are advised to wear breathable, modest clothing, particularly in hot weather.

Al-Ramal refers to the practice of walking briskly during the first three circuits of the Tawaf in Umrah and the Tawaf Al Qudoom (arrival circumambulation) in Hajj. It is a Sunnah for men to walk quickly with small steps during these rounds, symbolising strength and vigour, as the Prophet Muhammad exemplifies. The remaining four rounds are done at an average walking pace. This practise is specific to men and should be performed without causing harm to oneself or others, especially in crowded conditions. Women do not practice Al-Ramal.

Here are some essential instructions for safely and effectively performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba:

• Keep walking without stopping in the circumambulation area to prevent crowding.
• Always follow the designated direction and avoid reversing your path under any circumstances.
• Locate the phrase “Allahu Akbar” on the Kaaba’s cloth over the Black Stone to determine the starting point.
• A green light on the upper floors indicates alignment with the Black Stone.
• Show consideration for those performing Hajj and Umrah; adhere to specific Tawaf times and areas for optional circumambulation.
• Avoid congested areas and help ensure smooth entry and exit from the Mataf area.

It is permissible for a person who is unable to walk or who feels ill or tired to perform tawaf while riding a wheelchair. However, they must remain awake and attentive as they are engaging in an act of worship. It is recommended for them to occupy their time with the remembrance of Allah and supplications. There are various types of wheelchairs available for circumambulation in the Haram:
Private wheelchair for the pilgrim: Pilgrims with their own wheelchairs are allowed to use them for tawaf, provided that they enter from the designated vehicle entrance.
Free wheelchairs: Free wheelchairs are available for pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah, and they can be accessed at the Eastern Square (Mass Transit) Entrance, the Southern Square (next to the endowment of King Abdulaziz), and the Western Square (Shubaikah Gate).
Wheelchair push service: Trained young men provide wheelchair pushing services for pilgrims.
Electric wheelchairs: Safe electric wheelchairs are available for tawaf and Sa’i, with single and double types. These can be found on the first Mezzanine floor of circumambulation and Sa’i.It is recommended for men to raise their voices when reciting Talbiya and on the other hand, it is preferable for women to recite Talbiyah in a lower tone.

The Kaaba has several distinct features that can be observed during circumambulation:
Al Hatim (Hijr Ismail): An open semi-circular space next to the Kaaba. A portion of it was originally part of the Kaaba. Prayer inside this enclosure is considered to be equivalent in reward to prayer inside the Kaaba.
Door of the Kaaba: Located on the eastern side of the Kaaba, the door is made of pure gold and is 222 cm above the ground. Its dimensions are: Width: 171 cm and Length: 318 cm.
Sitara: The Kaaba is covered with a special cloth called the “Sitarah” (curtain). The current door was made during the reign of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz and is made of 280 kg of pure gold.
Al Multazam: It is the eastern wall or part of it, located between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba. “Iltizam” (holding) refers to a person pressing his chest, face, arms, and hands against this wall and supplicating to Allah Almighty. This may be difficult, even impossible, during crowded seasons.
The Roof Gutter: This part is installed on the surface of the Kaaba to drain water to Hijr Ismail. It is made of pure gold with a pure silver lining.
Shazrawan: It is a supporting structure for the Kaaba, encompassing it like a dress. It is not part of the Kaaba and was originally built to strengthen the structure and protect it from torrential rains. Today, it is covered with white marble.
The Black Stone: It came from Paradise, and it marks the starting and concluding points of one’s circumambulation. It is situated in the southeast corner of the Kaaba, enclosed by a silver frame to protect it, and is 1.5 m above the ground. It is prescribed to kiss the Black Stone, if possible, following the example of the Prophet. Avoid jostling and crowding at the stone.
The Yemeni Corner: One of the four corners of the Honoured Kaaba, it is called “Yemeni” because it faces Yemen. This corner and the Black Stone are referred to as “The two Yemeni corners.” It is Sunnah for a circumambulatory to wipe over it, if possible, without kissing it. However, if unable to do so, it is not prescribed to point at it or utter takbeer when in alignment with it.

After completing the Tawaf, it is Sunnah to perform two Rakats of prayer. This ritual is significant for affirming monotheism, with Surah Al-Kafirun recited in the first Rakat and Surah Al-Ikhlaas in the second. Ideally, these prayers are performed behind Maqam Ibrahim, but they can be conducted anywhere in the Grand Mosque as long as it does not disrupt the path of those performing Tawaf.

During the Tawaf, specific Sunnah practices set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are followed to enhance the spiritual experience. These include:
Takbir: Saying “Allahu Akbar” near the Black Stone at the start and end of each circuit.
Supplication: Continuously making dua throughout the Tawaf, especially after passing the Yemeni corner.
Idtibaa: Men are encouraged to uncover their right shoulder during the Tawaf for Umrah and Qudoom.
Al Ramal: Men should walk briskly for the first three rounds.
Praying Two Rakats: After completing Tawaf, it is Sunnah to pray two Rakats, ideally behind the Maqam Ibrahim, reciting Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas.
These practices are meant to emulate the Prophet’s devotion and are believed to bring pilgrims closer to Allah.