What is umrah and how can we perform Umrah?

Umrah:-

In the Arabic language, the word Umrah is derived from Itimar (which refer to a visit). However, Umrah is an Islamic term which means making a visit to Kaaba, performing Tawaf (also known as circumambulation) around it and walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. Umrah is generally referred to a mini Hajj that can be performed at any time of the year. An Umrah performer puts off his Ihram by having his hair shaved or cut. Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.

Performing Umrah:-

Umrah expects Muslims to perform two key ceremonies, Tawaf and Saee. Tawaf is circling around the Kaaba (House of Allah). For men, it is prescribed to do the initial three circuits in a hurried speed, trailed by four rounds of an all the more comfortable pace. This is followed by Saee between Safa and Marwah in the Great Mosque of Mecca, a walk to commemorate Hagar's search for water for her son and God's mercy in answering prayers.

There are four pillars of Umrah:-

1:- Ihram                                                                                 2:- Tawaf

3:- Saee                                                                                   4:- Tahal-lul

1:- Ihram

Ihram relates to the uniform consisting of two white sheets to be worn by the male pilgrims on their pilgrimage to Kaaba. Ihram is compulsory for every Muslims. It must be noted that wearing Ihram is mandatory for all Muslims while performing Umrah in the sacred city of Makkah. When pilgrims gather in the Masjid-ul-Haram, all distinctions of class, culture, race, and most importantly the distinction of dress are abolished. Everyone stands equal before the eyes of Allah (SWT).

2:- Tawaf

Tawaf is circling around the Holy Kaabah seven times, which starts from Hajr-e-Aswad in a counter-clockwise direction. Each circle completes when a person returns back to Hajr-e-Aswad. If possible, a person should try to touch or kiss Hajr-e-Aswad, if it is not possible; then he can just point towards it with his right hand.

3:- Saee

Saee is one of the fundamental ceremonies of Hajj and Umrah and custom of walking forward and backward multiple times between two small hills of Safa and Marwa which are located contiguous the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.

4:- Tahal-lul

Which means coming out from the state of Ihram; it becomes lawful what was recently prohibited during Ihram. In Umrah, Pilgrims don't go to Muzdalifah, Arafat and Mina or throw rocks on the Jamrats (stone pillars representing Devil) or offer animal sacrifice. These rituals are just performed during Hajj.