Step by Step Guide to Performing Umrah

Umrah or lesser pilgrimage, as it is referred to, is the non-mandatory Islamic ritual which can be carried out during anytime of the year, holding a high value in Islam. There are certain key differences between Hajj and Umrah, which include the visit to Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and pelting stones at the Satan.
However, the best preferred or recommended time for Umrah is the month of Ramadan, which offers double the amount of virtues as compared with a normal month, owing to the blessings of Ramadan. This is the main reason why Cheap Ramadan Umrah packages are in huge demand throughout the world, as everyone wants to avail this great opportunity of visiting Makkah and Madinah during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Now, the point arises as to how this religious ritual is performed. Actually, it has four main parts namely Ihraam, Tawaf, Saee and Tahallul.
Ihraam: Ihraam mainly consists of two clothes which are worn prior to performing Umrah, specifically for men. There is no specific Ihraam for women as their clothes are their Ihraam. Covering the face and hands with any outer garment is not allowed for women. During the state of Ihraam, certain things become forbidden which include cutting nails, private meeting of husband and wife, applying perfume; trimming of hair or beard, hunting and killing.
Ihraam is worn from Meeqat, which is Ayesha Mosque outside Makkah, if you’re coming from Madinah then Zul Halayfa is the point from where Ihram would be worn. It is necessary to make intention before wearing Ihram. Then offer two rakat nafal, if it’s not the Makruh time. Afterwards, start reciting Talbiyah which is as follows: “Labaik Allahuma Labaik, Labaika La Sharika Lak, Innal Hamda, Wan’ naimata, Laka wal Mulk, La shareeka lak”
Tawaf: Then keep reciting Talbiyah, until you reach Masjid al Haraam, upon reaching the Masjid enter from the Al Salam gate and recite: Bismillah and offer durood on the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his progeny, later recite “Allahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaaba Rahmatik” and enter the Masjid, after which you arrive at the Kaaba, afterwards start counter clockwise circumambulation, where you have to complete seven circuits in this manner, upon reaching the black stone raise your hands and recite ‘Allahu Akbar’. After you’re done with the Tawaf, perform two rakaat Nafal Salah around Abraham’s point, if there’s lack of space, you ca perform them anywhere inside the Masjid. While performing Tawaaf, you can recite whatever supplication you remember, but it is preferred to recite “Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah”
Saee: Saee is the walk and slight running between hills of Safaa and Marwaa, even here you can recite whatever you remember, but you have to pick up pace when you reach the green lights. Upon reaching both hills you have to climb, face the Kaaba and continue your walk. You have to complete seven runs between both these hills.
Hair cutting and Tahallul: Later, it is obligatory for you to trim your hair or part of your beard up to finger’s length. After which you drink Zamzam water and later on take off your Ihram.