How to perform Umrah

Q1. Can we travel to perform Umrah from Dubai?

Ans. Yes, you can visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah from Dubai or any emirates of UAE. The Saudi government is now providing Umrah visas to foreign pilgrims from Dubai.

Q2. Is a visitor (holding a visit visa) in U.A.E. eligible to go for Umrah from U.A.E.?

Ans. Yes, as the Saudi embassy has confirmed that they are now issuing Umrah visas to all the people in U.A.E. who are in Dubai on visit visa. Previously the expatriates who actually hold U.A.E. residency can avail umrah visa only.

However, the rules are changed now. You can get Umrah visa in U.A.E. if you are a tourist there on visit visa.

Q3. Is Covid vaccination an essential requirement to perform Umrah?

Ans. No, Covid Vaccination Certificate is now not a vital requirement to perform Umrah. All the age group people can now apply even if they are not vaccinated.

Considering the pandemic this virus has caused, it was necessary to be vaccinated. You needed a certificate issued in any country. However, the conditions are changed now seeing that the pandemic is now completely under control.

Q4. Which COVID-19 vaccines were accepted to perform Umrah?

Ans. During the pandemic, following COVID-19 vaccines were acceptable:

You need to take two doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Q5. How many Umrah packages are available by your company?

Ans. Our company currently offers multiple umrah packages, including Umrah by bus or umrah by air. Furthermore, we can now even issue an Umrah visa only for our customers as well. we also have packages for single ladies who want to perform umrah without a mahram.

Q6. What are the basic requirements to become eligible of getting an Umrah visa?

Ans. The basic things that are required to get an Umrah visa is listed below:

You should provide a clear scan of your passport. (It should be valid for six months or more and a three month valid U.A.E. resident visa.)
Your two passport size photos along with a white background.
An ID card copy of Emirates.
The processing time for the visa is approximately 3-4 working days.

Q7. How many of Umrah can you perform during a single trip?

Ans. You can perform as much of Umrah as you want during a single visit. There are no specific numbers or limitations to perform Umrah. The choice is completely yours. However, you need to start the second Umrah from a place exterior to Haram area.

Q8. Is wearing perfume permissible during Umrah?

Ans. No, there is a strict guideline that women are not allowed to use perfume while performing Umrah. However, they can use unscented things including creams and lotion while performing Umrah. In order to enter the state of Ihram, they also need to trim their nails.

Q9. What actions are allowed and prohibited for men in Ihram?

Ans. Ihram is a clothing for men with following rules:

Rida is the part of Ihram that covers the upper half. While wearing it, the left shoulder should be covered every time. However, the right shoulder is uncovered during the Tawaf.
You do not have to wear any socks, underwear, or any other clothes besides Ihram. Your head should also not be covered.
You can wear footwear but it must reveal the ankles and toes.

Q10. What are the Duas you can read while performing Umrah?

Ans. Masjid Al Haram is the Holy place where you enter by placing first the right foot and recite the Dua narrated below:
“Bismillahi wal hamdulillahi wassaulatu a’laa rausulillah, Allauhummaghfirlee zunoobee waf tahlee abwaaba rauhmatik”

Q11. Can you perform Umrah for someone else as well if they are unable to come?

Ans. Yes, it is allowed to perform Umrah on behalf of others. However, this matter need a closer look as the permission is usually misunderstood.

Q12. What is the main purpose to perform Umrah?

Ans. There are a few reasons for which Muslims perform Umrah. They are listed below:

The most beautiful benefit of performing Umrah is that you get to be the guest of benevolent Allah (S.W.T.) himself. You have the magnificent Allah as your host at that place.
You seek forgiveness from all your sins.
You seek suppression of poverty.
The value of Umrah is considered equal to performing Umrah.
It strengthens and makes your devotion strong.

Q13. What are the saying of Tawaf?

Ans. A pilgrim has to say the following dua while they touch the stone. The meaning of Tawaf is that we say and accept that Allah is the greatest of all. Our Lord; Allah (S.W.T), we have faith in you, we belief in the Holy Quran, and show loyalty to Allah (S.W.T). We agree to the compliance of our beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H).

We say certain Ayahs with the meaning written above. It shows how we submit ourselves to the Lord and attain his blessings.

Q14. How much distance is present between the mountains of Safa and Marwa?

Ans. The estimated distance between these two mountains is approximately 450m or 1,480 ft. So, you take seven rounds back and forth which may become about 3.3 km or 2.2 mi.

Q15. How can you wish a pilgrim who is about to go for Umrah?

Ans. You can say a good and easy dua to a pilgrim in the following way:
“Congratulations as Allah has called you to his house. May you have a blessed journey, Ameen. May this uplift your Iman and become a blessed experience of your life, Ameen.

Q16. Is it allowed to do Tawaf without performing Umrah?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to do as many Tawaf as you want without Umrah. Thus, It is not a necessity for a person to be performing Umrah for doing Tawaf.

Q17. Is shaving a necessary part of Umrah?

Ans. Yes, you need to cut your hair as mentioned below to complete the pilgrimage.

Men (halq) must shave off their heads completely. Partial shaving is not allowed for men; it must be done in a proper way.Men can also trim their hair.
Women (taqsir) must cut the hair at least the length of their fingertips.
This must be done at the end of your Umrah as a final ritual in order to complete the Umrah.

Q18. Why do you shave the head after performing Umrah?

Ans. Men and women need to shave or cut their hairs after completing Umrah. This is done to show a kind of detachment from the possessions of this world and submit yourself to Allah (S.W.T.).

Q19. Is it obligatory to turn bald after Umrah by shaving off the head?

Ans. It is not an obligation; however, shaving is way much better. Allah (S.W.T) has said in Qur’an that at a place that you will enter the Holy Mosque in the security of Allah (S.W.T) with your heads shaved or hairs trimmed without any terror. But it will happen only if Allah wants to. This sows that one must shave off their heads when they come for Umrah.

It was for the time when our Prophet (P.B.U.H.) performed his Umrah with the companions so people are following his footsteps.

Q20. What is the best or appropriate time for performing Umrah?

Ans. Umrah can be performed anytime you want except during the month of Hajj. Furthermore, people consider spring and winter as the best time period for performing Umrah as the temperature is feasible.

Q21. Why do we perform Tawaf?

Ans. We gather for the Tawaf with the intention of collecting the blessings of our Lord, Allah (S.W.T.). Its benefit can be known by the narration of Prophet’s companion Abdullah ibn-Umar. He told the once our Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) had said that about Allah sends about 120 mercies daily. Out of which 60 are of those who are performing Tawaf around the Kaaba.

Q22. What is present in the interior of Kaaba?

Ans. You can find three pillars that provide support to the roof, a large number of gold and silver lamps suspended inside the Kaaba. However, Kaaba is layered with a huge cloth made of black brocade known as “The Kiswah.”

Q23. What is there a Black Stone present in Kaaba?

Ans. The Black Stone is also known as Al-Hajaru Al-Aswad or in Arabic as: ٱلْحَجَرُ ٱلْأَسْوَد
This black stone is basically a set of rock placed at Kaaba’s corner towards the East. The Holy Kaaba is an old architecture which is located in middle of the Mosque in Mecca.

Q1. What does the word Ihram mean?

Ans. Ihram is defined as a Holy condition of equality and purity before Allah (S.W.T.) in which a Muslim enters before performing Hajj/Umrah. Male pilgrims usually wear two long white clothes in Ihram, whereas female pilgrims wear regular clothes but are allowed to show their faces. They need to cover their heads; however, the face must remain uncovered.

Q2. What acts are not allowed when you wear Ihram?

Ans. You are not allowed to perform following acts after entering the state of Ihram:

• Use of perfume or any kind of scented soap or shampoo.
• Women to cover their face or use of hand gloves and men using a cap to cover their heads.
• Any type of stitched cloth wore by men.
• Trim your nails.
• Cut your hairs
• To get married
• Any type of sexual activity
• Hunting animals
• Cut down trees
• To kill an insect unless you have threat from it
• Use of drugs or cigarette
• To be a part of a fight or any quarrel

Q3. Is there a belt allowed to wear with Ihram?

Ans. Any string or belt may be used in order to keep their belongings with them or when they want to secure their lower apparel or Izar. Usually, a large pocket is present with the belt to place your cash, passport or any other important thing that you need to carry with you.

Q4. Can men wear any boxers underneath the Ihram?

Ans. No, it is not allowed for pilgrims to use any boxers or any other attire under the Ihram. This is because it is not allowed to wear any sewn clothes in the condition of Ihram.

Q5. What is known as the state of Ihram?

Ans. Usually people ask “What is Ihram?”
However, a more suitable question is “What is the state of Ihram?”
Ihram is basically a divine condition that every Muslim men and women needs to enter in order to perform Umrah or Hajj rituals. Ihram is an obligatory cloth that everyone has to wear before heading towards Makkah either for lesser or greater pilgrimage. A pilgrim enters this Holy state by first performing some basic cleaning acts and then wearing a dress.

This Ihram helps to create a complete state of equality among the pilgrims. It diminishes the presence of any differences of wealth or social status between the pilgrims. On the other hand, it repudiates the desire of admiration among the pilgrims. No one can tell if you are rich or poor due to the Ihram’s uniformity and simplicity.

The pilgrims become more focused for a sound heart when there is no desire of vanity left. This is something that matters the most in the eyes of Allah (S.W.T.).

Q6. How does an Ihram cloth look like?

Ans. The state of Ihram is different for both men and women in terms of clothing. Ihram for men includes two unstitched sheets of a white cloth. It lacks any button, hems, or seams. One of this cloth is known as Rida. It covers the upper part of their body including the shoulders. One of these particularly left shoulder is uncovered while performing Tawaf.

The other cloth is known as Izar which covers the area between navel and feet by wearing on the waist.

Always remember that you are not allowed to wear any kind of sewn cloth which includes everything such as undergarments, socks, or caps etc. Even if you are habitual of any such cloth or are uncomfortable but still cannot wear any stitched cloth. The footwear you use should also be such that the ankles and toes are exposed.

However, women’s Ihram is a loose cloth or robe that covers them from head to toe. It can br any type of clothing that covers their body properly in every way. It means that it can include seams or buttons but still there is a condition. The color can only be white or black of their roe. They are also not allowed to hide their face with niqab or burqa. They cannot even hide their hands with gloves and the foot wear must cover their entire feet.

The Ihram is not completed by only wearing such clothes. Here, is the most important part of Ihram. It is known as to make intention of Ihram. You need to make clear that the Umrah is only for attaining the blessings of Allah (S.W.T.).

If you are taking your children with you then they also need to be dresses in Ihram. You can make the intention on your behalf if they are very small for this. You need to implement all Ihram restrictions on your child as their guardian.

Q7. What is the importance of Ihram?

Ans. Ihram is defined in Urdu as a Holy state in which every Muslim enters and stays in while performing the rituals that are needed for fulfilling your Hajj and Umrah requirements. You can achieve it by going through a proper ritual of taking showers and then, by wearing appropriate dress known as Ihram.

You wear these clothes known as Ihram for performing specifically Hajj or Umrah. It must be worn by every men and women pilgrim. As Hajj and Umrah represents equality where every Muslims submits themselves in front of Allah (S.W.T.). So, Ihram is used to diminish every kind of wealth representation and social difference that exists. Furthermore, it makes sure that both men and women reject all desires of vanity and this world.

Q8. Is it compulsory for kids to wear Ihram?

Ans. If a guardian is taking their child to perform Umrah then it is important for them to wear Ihram as well. If the children are underage (below seven years old) the, the guardian needs to make intention on their behalf for performing Umrah. If the child has entered the state of Ihram, then the guardian must keep them away from everything that is forbidden to do.

Q9. Are we allowed to take Bath after wearing Ihram?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to take bath or shower after wearing Ihram. However, any scented soap or perfume is not allowed after the shower. You can gently wash your head and body instead of being hard on yourself. Make sure to refrain from rubbing your skin to hard in case of removing any marks or dirt. Even combing your hair or any trauma to the body by scratching that may cause hair fall is also not allowed.

Q10. What needs to be done before Ihram?

Ans. Men are usually seen wearing the Western or traditional apparel which they brought from the home country. Women should wear their conservative dress that are long and loose along with covering their heads with a hijab or loose scarf before entering the state of Ihram (a Holy condition during Hajj or Umrah).

Q11. What are the do and don’t while in the state of Ihram?

Ans. You need to refrain from the following acts after entering the state of Ihram. It includes using perfume (either a scented perfume, soap, or shampoo), women hiding their face and hands by any cloth, men covering their heads or wearing any stitched cloth.

Q12. What is the Ihram clothing specifically for men?

Ans. Men’s Ihram cloth usually includes two white cloths that excludes any kind of seam, buttons, or hems.

• Rida is the cloth worn on the upper half. Which covers the left shoulder everytime. However, your right shoulder is uncovered while performing Tawaf.
• Izar is worn around the waist to cover the bottom part of the body. It hides the area present between naval and feet.
• They are not allowed to wear underwear, socks, or any other stitched attire.
• They need to footwear that shows the toes and ankle.

Q13. What is the Ihram clothing for women?

Ans. Women’s Ihram usually includes a robe that is loose and covers the entire body. It must be kept in mind that there should be no tight fitting of that robe. It can have buttons or seams. However, these robes cannot be of any other color than black and white.

Q14. Why people need to wear Ihram, while performing Hajj?

Ans. Ihram is a white cloth that is worn with the intention so that everyone looks the same in front of Allah (S.W.T.). In this way, there is no difference left between a prince or pauper. It also plays an important role in the pilgrim’s feeling of unity when they are present in Holy city of Mecca. They are all brothers and sisters who have joined to worship Allah (S.W.T.).

Q15. What are the basic rules of wearing Ihram?

Ans. Every pilgrim who has arrived for Hajj or Umrah is restrained to hunt, kill, shoot, capture, destroy, sacrifice, confine, and abuse any animal present on land that is forbidden to eat. This prohibition is applicable on every kind of land animal, insect, bird, or any marine animal.

Q16. What is the material of Ihram?

Ans. A cotton cloth is used to make Ihram which is worn as an essential component of Umrah or Hajj.

Q17. Are you allowed to wear makeup in Ihram?

Ans. No, ladies are not allowed to wear any kind of makeup or perfume when they enter the state of Ihram. It is very important part that they don’t wear makeup as well as shaving, plucking hairs, or cutting nails is also not permitted during Ihram.

Q18. How do I wear Ihram?

Ans. You need to properly clean yourself before wearing Ihram. It includes cutting finger and toe nails, shave your arm pits and pubic hair, comb your hair and beard, trim your moustache, perform ghusl or make wudu. This is the cleanliness ritual that needs to be done. However, men can use perfume but women are not allowed for it.

Men wear Ihram that compromises of tow clothes od sheet. They cover the upper part of their body with one cloth known as Rida and the other cloth covers the lower part known as Izar. The Rida wraps over every part excluding the head and is usually draped over the two shoulders but covers only one shoulder while performing Umrah or Hajj. A belt, money belt, or pin can be used to fix the Izar. Men’s footwear must be specific that does not hide the ankles and toes. So they cannot wear socks or closed shoes.

Women wear Ihram which is a piece of ordinary clothing that is loose fitted and covers them from head to toe. In some countries women wear specific clothes as Ihram such as white dresses or black cloaks but this is not a certain requirement. You can wear any white or black robe that covers you. There is no prohibition of footwear for women.

This Ihram is the first major step for performing Umrah and Hajj. You need to wear Ihram as mentioned above and then make the intention for beginning your Umrah or Hajj. You can wear Ihram anywhere either at home or after reaching the nearby place but you must be dressed properly at the time of Umrah. There are certain places from which you can pass without making the intention and wearing Ihram. So it is important to wear Ihram before entering Mecca.

Q19. What are the places you cannot pass without making intention or wearing Ihram?

Ans. It is important to make intention of performing Hajj or Umrah before passing from a few places. These places are also known as mawaqit. You cannot pass these areas without wearing Ihram or making proper intentions. There are five places including in this mawaqit stated below:

• Dhul-Hulaifah. This place is a miqat for people coming from Medina as it is present at Medina’s Southwest.
• Dhat-`Iraq. It is a miqat for people coming from Iraq or beyond and is located at the Northeast of Mecca.
• Al-Juhfah. It is a miqat for people entering from Syria and Egypt. It is located Northwest of Mecca.
• Qarn Al-Manazil. This is the miqat for people coming from Najd. It is located at the East of Mecca.
• Yalamlam. It is the miqat of people coming from Yemen and others. It Is located at the South of Mecca.

Q20. Is the Ihram different for men and women?

Ans. Yes, there is a slight difference between Ihram of men and women. It is necessary that you understand its meaning for men and women individually. The prohibitions are same for both men and women of wearing Ihram.

Two pieces of clothes are used for men. The midriff and lower section of the body is covered with one cloth and the upper part of the body is covered with other half including the shoulders.

However, no such clothing is specifically mentioned for women. A loose clothing that covers their body is the sole requirement. Only the palm and face of every woman must be exposed after wearing Ihram. A cloth or scarf is mainly used to cover the head.

Neither men nor women are allowed to use any kind of perfume or scented soap, shampoo, etc.

The second most crucial part after Ihram is to perform Tawaf during Umrah. Let us consider a few necessary queries regarding this part of Umrah

Q1. What is the meaning of Tawaf?

Ans. The word “Tawaf” is a derivation of “Tafa” which is basically an Arabic word. Its direct meaning involves “to encircle anything” or “to walk around anything”. However, here in Islamic context it means to take rounds around the Holy Kaaba.

You perform Umrah or Hajj by encircling the Holy Kaaba in counter-clockwise direction about seven times. Then, you begin rounds from Hajr-al-Aswad (the black stone). It is the most significant commitment of your Umrah or Hajj. Any pilgrimage either greater or small is incomplete without it. Pilgrims recite Takbir and some more supplications following the Sunnah of Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

Q2. What is the importance of performing Tawaf?

Ans. Tawaf is not only an act of worship for Muslims. It is a kind of devotion that pilgrims practice in order to become closer to Allah (S.W.T.). It is a physical illustration of unity among God’s believers and servants when they visit His home from different parts of the world. Umrah or Hajj are incomplete without performing Tawaf.

Here is an important point that some may misunderstood. When Muslims takes round of the Kaaba, it does not mean they are worshipping the Kaaba. However, they are actually worshipping the owner of Kaaba who is Allah (S.W.T.).

Q3. Why do Muslims perform Tawaf seven times?

Ans. Tawaf is a practice of worshipping the God. Muslims do not ask or question Allah that why it is performed in a certain fashion. Regardless of the type of worship they perform, it is followed by the acts as performed by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Muslims simple perform these acts exactly as commanded by Allah and taught by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

It is believed that Allah (S.W.T.) wisdom is infinite which is one of the reasons He never orders anything useless. Everything has a reason however, it is not necessary to know the reason and science behind His every command. Allah (S.W.T.) has disclosed the reasons of certain practices but for the remaining everything is hidden. We need to obey Allah (S.W.T.) command without getting into the roots or questioning Him. For example, it is an obligation to offer your prayers five times in a day and always keep fast in the Holy month; Ramzan, for complete 30 days. However, why we do this is not an important question and just obey Him with full intention to gain his blessings.

The main purpose of doing Tawaf is to illustrate an important notion. Muslims submit themselves to Allah (S.W.T.) to show that their lives revolve around in the remembrance and obedience of their Lord. We reinforce our spiritual focus towards Allah (S.W.T.) while performing Tawaf similarly as we focus on the Lord while performing daily prayers.

The Holy ritual of Tawaf also connects us with Prophet Ibrahim’s tradition. He is one of the beloved Prophets of Allah (S.W.T.). Prophet Ibrahim reconstructed the Holy Kaaba along with his son, Prophet Ismail.

As soon as pilgrims complete the Tawaf, they then move towards the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (station of Abraham) to perform Salah there.

These are some of the known reasons to perform Tawaf. However, the reason for performing Tawaf seven times is still not known. We obey the command of Allah (S.W.T.) and follow the practices of our beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) as by completing this frequency of Tawaf.

Q4. What is the virtue of performing Tawaf?

Ans. There is a narration by Sahaba Abdullah ibn-Umar where he says that the Prophet has told the significance of performing Tawaf. The prophet said that a person’s sins are forgiven completely and he becomes like a new born if he makes about 50 Tawaf of the Holy Kaaba. Here, fifty means by seven rounds.

This shows how magnificent our Lord is that He will forgive every single sin only by performing Tawaf. One must never restrain of gathering such blessings and perform tawaf whenever he gets a chance.

Q5. What do you know about the importance of performing Tawaf?

Ans. Performing Tawaf is actually a Holy ritual that is performed with the intention bring the pilgrims spiritually closer to God. This principle act of worship of Umrah and Hajj is the only one that has no direct link with the acts that were performed by the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).

Different Types of Tawaf are performed at the occasions of Hajj and Umrah.

Certain Tawafs are performed at various places in particular ways, which is essential for the pilgrims to complete their Hajj or Umrah. Let us help you identify these basic Tawaf and why they are performed.

Q1. How many different types of Tawaf are there?

Ans. In Islam, there are about five types of Tawaf that pilgrims perform when visiting the Holy Kaaba. All these Tawaf are for various purposes and require different intentions. Let us list below the five Tawaf in Islam.

1. Tawaf Al-Umrah.
2. Tawaf Al-Nafl
3. Tawaf Al-Qudum.
4. Tawaf Al-Ziyaraah.
5. Tawaf Al-Widda.

Q2. What is Tawaf al-Umrah?

Ans. The pilgrims who are coming to perform Umrah any time of the year except for Hajj season perform Tawaf al-Umrah. Even the pilgrims who are coming with determination to perform Hajj al-Tamattu needs to perform this one. The most crucial part of Umrah is this Tawaf. If it is neglected, then the Umrah will be considered as invalid. You wear Ihram, carrying along with Idtiba and Raml is a part of tawaf al-Umrah.

Furthermore, Sa’I is the last part of your Umrah which is then done after completing Tawaf.

Q3. Which Tawaf is Tawaf Al-Nafl?

Ans. This is basically a Tawaf just like Nafl prayers. It is a voluntary Tawaf which you can perform anytime whenever you desire just to attain Allah’s blessings.

Q4. Which Tawaf is known as Tawaf Al-Qudum (or also known as Tawaf of Arrival)?

Ans. Tawaf basically done by the pilgrims as they enter Majid al-Haram in Makkah is known as Tawaf al-Qudum. These pilgrims are the travelers that are coming from a distance and cross borderlines of Miqat. They have a pure intention to complete either Hajj Al-Ifrad or Hajj Al-Qiran. This Tawaf Al-Qudum is considered the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) during which you wear Ihram. The pilgrims can also observe Idtiba and Raml during this Tawaf.

This Tawaf is performed on the arrival or entry into Makkah so, known as Tawaf Al-Qudum. Another name for this is “Tawaf of Arrival.” However, you can also call this Tawaf “Tawaf al-Tahiyyah” with another name “Tawaf of Greeting.” It is because of its relation with the reason of praying 2 Rakkat prayer of Tahiyyat Al-Masjid, which is then performed as pilgrims enter the Holy mosque.

Usually, the pilgrims who are coming for Hajj Al-Ifrad or Hajj Al-Qiran complete this Tawaf as enter the city of Makkah and most likely, before the 9th of Dhul Hijjah or known as Wuquf at Arafat.

However, the pilgrims coming for Umrah ae not the part of this Tawaf rather, they observe Tawaf al-Umrah which is homogenous to this one after excluding the intention.

Q5. Which Tawaf is known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah?

Ans. All the Hajj pilgrims are bound to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah. As the 10th day of the month Dhul Hijjah arrives, you complete this tawaf. It is usually done after pilgrims leave the state of Ihram and change back to their regular native clothes. It must be done before coming back to the place Mina for doing the ritual Rami Al-Jamarat. However, any kind of marital relations are not allowed unless you perform this Tawaf.

The meaning of Tawaf al-Ziyyarh is the Tawaf of Visitation. This Tawaf has to be done when pilgrims visit Kaaba again from Mina so the name Tawaf of Visitation.

However, Tawaf Al-Ifadah is its other name known which means “Tawaf of Pouring Forth” because he Muslims have to pour forth when come from Mina to Makkah.

As, this Tawaf is a part of Hajj (Rukn of the Hajj) so it is also known as Tawaf Al-Hajj by the agreement of all law schools.

Q6. What is Tawaf al-Wida and why it is performed?

Ans. As the name tells; Tawaf al-Wida is an ending Tawaf which pilgrims perform on their departure from Makkah after the Hajj is done. This is a last ritual which they complete in Makkah so that they can go towards their next stop.

According to the Hanbali and Hanafi schools, this is an obligatory Tawaf. So in case, if pilgrims leave this Tawaf then they need to pay Fidyah as a redemption.

However, the Maliki school considers this Tawaf as a Sunnah and there is no reparation if it is left unobserved.

The term Sai’i means to walk or pursue. This is the last yet integral part of your Umrah. Safa and Marwa are two hills close to the Holy Kaaba near Masjid Al-Haram. In Umrah, you walk back and forth seven-time between these two hills.

This is known as Sai’i. You walk from one to the other hill. Which is considered one round, and you must finish seven of them to complete your Umrah.

Q1: Why do Muslims perform Sai’i?

Muslims are obliged to perform Sai’i in the remembrance of the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S), Hajar. Prophet Ibrahim took his wife and son as soon as he was born to Makkah. Makkah was entirely barren at that time, and Hajar had put all his faith in Allah (S.W.T). Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) had to leave but left some dates and water behind. However, soon the resources ended, and Prophet Ismail cried for water.

Hajar ran between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa, knowing that there was no water nearby, but she had complete faith in Allah (S.W.T). She kept asking Allah for help. After about seven rounds, water from the ground began to come out like a fountain where Prophet Ismail rubbed his feet. This led to the discovery of Zamzam.

So, this shows that even in dead ends, you need to trust your Lord, and He will provide for you. Muslims perform Sai’i to respect the struggle of Hajar and His son in that barren land. Millions of pilgrims walk between these mountains yearly to honor the trust Hajar had in Allah (S.W.T).

Q2: What is the significance of Sai’i?

Sai’i reminds you that when you are distressed and find no way out. You must never lose your hope in Allah (S.W.T). No matter how dark everything feels, you always need to ask Allah (S.W.T) for help, and he will provide you with ways you’ve never imagined, like Hajar. Muslims perform Sai’i to remember Hajar’s efforts and how her prayers were answered.

Q3: How do you start Sai’i during Umrah?

Pilgrims begin this last part of their Umrah by walking up the Al-Safa hill. They can watch Kaaba from there and then descend to walk up Al-Marwa. You walk up the hill of Marwa until you reach the two pillars that are green in color. Men have to run, whereas women walk naturally between the two pillars.

Q4: What do pilgrims do after reaching the hill of Safa?

Pilgrims ascend Al-Safa and reach the top from where they can see Holy Kaaba. Then, they raise their hands in the direction of Kaaba for supplications. You ask Allah (S.W.T) just like Hajar did with faith that He is the only one who listens and answers your prayers.

Q5: What do you recite on reaching Marwa?

The same supplications are recited as pilgrims reach Al-Marwa. However, you need to face Kaaba’s direction and then raise your hand for supplications.

Q6: What is done after completing Sai’i?

Pilgrims can offer two Rakat of Nafl prayers after completing the seven rounds around Safa and Marwa.

 

Let us clear some questions related to the Holy Kaaba where pilgrims perform Tawaf for completing their Hajj and Umrah.

Q1. Who built the Holy Kaaba?

Ans. This is a little controversial as a few say the angels built the Kaaba. However, others say it was built by Adam (A.S.), the father of humankind. Further, it was lost with time and was not repaired promptly. So, Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail renovated and rebuilt the Kaaba to what it is today.

This is something everyone agrees on that Prophet Ibrahim rebuild the Holy Kaaba.

Q2. How old is the Holy Kaaba?

Ans. About 5000 years have passed since the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) build the Holy Kaaba with his son Prophet Ismail (A.S.).

Q3. Is there another name for Kaaba?

Ans. Yes, this Holy place is also referred to as Bayt Allah. It means “House of Allah” and is known to be Islam’s holiest site.

Q4. What does the Holy Kaaba actually represent?

Ans. It is the most sacred place in Islam, and basically Muslims do not worship the Kaaba by performing Tawaf. It is a mere representation of the oneness of Allah (S.W.T.) in Islam. It is the symbolic house of Allah towards which Muslims face to pray and where they go to perform Umrah or Hajj. It is a direction for Muslims to stay on the right path and worship only one Creator, Allah (S.W.T.).

Q5. What is written on the cloth covering the Kaaba?

Ans. Surat Al-Ikhlas is on the four corners of the cloth covering the Holy Kaaba. The meaning of this surah in that there is no God other than Allah (S.W.T). and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the last Messenger. Allah is the greatest and all praises are only for him.

This shows that people do not worship this non-living building; rather, it symbolizes Allah’s oneness (S.W.T.) to save the Muslims from going astray.