M/J 2016
(a) ‘And complete the hajj or umra in the service of God’ (al-Baqara 2:196).
What observances does a pilgrim complete in the performance of umra and
how is umra different to hajj? [10]
Method of Umrah:
‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation)
around it, walking between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihraam
by having his hair shaved or cut.
‘Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.
1. When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah arrives at the Meeqaat, it is recommended for him
(both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those
experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihraam garments.
There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a
bath at Meeqaat.
2. Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam while the women only need to make their intention at
that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women,
except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves.
As for men, they must assume their Ihraam at the Meeqaat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the
Izaar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izaar covers the lower half. No
other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these.
Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqaat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state
of Ihraam. The intention must be made in the heart. After the intention Talbiyyah is recited.
Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right
foot.
3. Upon arriving at the Ka’bah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with
your right hand and kiss it. If this isn't possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. When
touching the Stone, the following is said: (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or "Allahu Akbar"
(Allah is the Greatest). If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaaf without touching it.
4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem recite this verse (which
means): “And take you
(people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer...” [Quran: 2:125]
Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind MaqaamI braheem. Upon
completing the two Rak'ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient.
5. The next stage is to go to Safaa. Upon approaching the foot of Safaa, the following verse is recited
(which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah.” [Quran; 2:158]
Then descend and go towards Marwah, There are no particular supplications to be recited between
Safaa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah.
6.Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a
finger-tips length from the end. The rights of 'Umrah have now been completed.
The main differences between Hajj and Umrah.
• Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an obligatory act of worship for those of good health and
can afford the journey whereas Umra is not an obligatory act.
• Hajj can only be performed during prescribed month and dates i.e. Zil Hajj (7th – 12th) whereas Umra
can be performed at any time of the year.
• Wuquf Arafat is one of the most important components of Hajj without which Hajj is void. However,
there is no Wuquf Arafat in Umra.
• Similarly there is no Wuquf Muzdailfa (spending the night at Muzdailfa) in Umra or combining Maghrib
and Isha prayers.
• In Hajj, Talbiah is stopped on the 10th of Zil Hajj after the stoning of the devil (Rami) whereas Talbiah is
stopped while starting the Tawaf in Umra.
• In Hajj, a person has to go and stay in Mina, perform Rami at the Jamarat while there is no stay at
Mina or Rami in Umra.
• In Hajj, the pilgrim gives a sacrifice on 10thZil Hajj while no sacrifice is offered in Umra.
