Main Pillars of Umrah: Essential Acts & Their Importance

Umrah is a short version of Hajj that Muslims perform yearly. which holds immense spiritual significance. People from various corners of the globe visit this Holy place to partake in this enlightening act of worship. While Umrah is non-obligatory, it offers profound spiritual benefits. You can apply for Umrah visa and perform Umrah as many times as you desire throughout your life.

The pilgrimage of Umrah is performed in Mecca. However, you need to apply for umrah visa timely to start this beautiful journey. No matter from which cast, ethnic group, social status, culture, or culture you belong. The gates to perform Umrah is open for every single Muslim. Thus, people from different castes and cultures gather as a single unit without discrimination.

Purpose of performing Umrah

We are all humans, and it is our nature to sin. It can be in the form of small ones like backbiting or hurting others. Sometimes, we even get trapped in some major sins, and getting out of them is difficult. Islam gives you a beautiful way to visit the creator and ask for forgiveness.

Basically, Umrah is a way of soul-cleaning from past sins and other burdens. The various umrah packages from Dubai and other countries have made it easier to apply for umrah visa. You open up your heart in front of Allah (S.W.T.). You get to redefine your way of living according to Islam. It helps you get close to Allah (S.W.T.). It is said that every prayer that a person asks for is fulfilled at the house of Allah (S.W.T.).

Apply for Umrah Visa: The main pillars of Umrah

You can begin this sacred journey by getting Umrah Visa services from a good travel agency nearby. Now, umrah for single ladies is also present. You just need to contact the nearby Umrah Travel Agency U.A.E. or Umrah Travel Agency U.K.  It is definitely going to be the most beautiful one for you. However, you must know the four main pillars of Umrah before you leave. It will help you to become more indulged in this soul provoking act. These pillars are listed below, with basic instructions about them.

1. Ihram

Ihram is a dress to wear for men. It would be best if you keep your personal hygiene good before wearing it. It includes clipping your hair and removing hair from body parts. Ghusl is also emphasized to perform at this time, but wudu is also good. Men can apply a slight perfume on their beard after it.

Men now wear the Ihram, which is made up of two white clothes. One of them is worn on the lower body and is called Izar. The upper part is covered with the other cloth known as Rida. Rida is worn just like a shawl. The shoes you wear with Ihram should not cover your ankle and heels. After that, you perform two Rakkat of Salah al-Ihram.

Every Muslim man wears Ihram before crossing the area of Miqat. Miqat is located about five miles from the Holy Kaaba near Mecca. It is just like a boundary, and you can only cross it if you are in the state of Ihram.

2. Tawaf 

The second step is to perform Tawaf in the Al Masjid Al Haram. You stopped reciting the Talbiyah and began the Tawaf. The Tawaf is done by circulation seven times around the Holy Kaaba. However, this circulation is performed in the state of Idtiba’a.

They begin the Tawaf from the place of black stone, and the seventh round is also completed here. The only intention while circulating is to gain Allah’s will and closeness. They also recite the dua prescribed during this act.

The pilgrims perform Istilam at the end of every round around the Kaaba. It is an act of either touching or kissing the black stone (also known as Hajar al-Aswad).

The men can walk at a bit face pace during the first three circulations (known as Ramal). However, after that, they can walk normally to complete the remaining rounds between the al Rukn al Yamani. The last round is completed at the point where you begin the first one to ensure that only a single step is included.

Now, the Muslim men can cover their right shoulder after doing the last Istilam and concluding the Tawaf. Then, they perform two Rakat prayers at Maqam Ibrahim. This prayer is also known as the Salat of Tawaf as it is prayed at the end of performing Tawaf by the Muslims.

The basement of Maqam Ibrahim has the Holy Zamzam water. The Muslims then drank this water after completing the prayer and supplicating to Allah (S.W.T.).

Multazam is the last part where Muslims pray after drinking the Zamzam water. It is a two-meter-wide door between the Hajar e Aswad and the door of Kaaba. You pray and make dua o Allah (S.W.T.) while touching through your hand or cheek.

3. Sai’i

Muslims come out of the Al Masjid Al Haram towards the Masaa to perform their essential act of Sai’i. It is in remembrance of the struggle of Hazarat Hajra, wife of the Prophet Abraham. She ran in search of water for his son between the hills of Safa and Marwa with constant praying to Allah (S.W.T.). This shows her faith and trust in Allah that she was praying and seeking his help even in the desert.

Pilgrims move up the hill of Safa. They can see the door of the Holy Kaaba from the Safa door. They face the Kaaba with complete trust and devotion. Then, they began moving between the Safa and Marwa while reciting SubhanAllah with every step. However, men usually run, and women walk at a normal pace at this point.

The last round is completed on Marwa. Pilgrims face toward the Kaaba, reciting the same dua as the one they recited at Safa. However, men cover their shoulders during the act of Sai’i.

The last step is to pray two Rakat of Nafl in the Masjid Al Haram and then move to Holy Mosque for dua. They keep the left foot outside and offer dua from Allah (S.W.T.) with complete trust in his blessings.

4. Tahallul

This is the last act that concludes your Umrah. This is for both men and women. Men shave off their hair completely. However, women only clip a small length from the ends. Only a strand of hair is clipped off from the end of women’s hair.

The main reason to perform Tahallul is to symbolize the person’s detachment from physical appearance. They completely subject themselves to their Allah (S.W.T.).  All the various prohibitions imposed on Muslims while performing the Umrah ends here at Tahallul. Now, you can change back to regular clothes from Ihram.

You just need to apply for umrah visa to begin this beautiful journey can begin soon. If you are from the UAE, then you can avail of various umrah packages from Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the don’ts of Ihram?

You are not allowed to shave, apply perfume, hunt or have any sexual activity after getting into the state of Ihram.

When do you make the Niyyah of Umrah?

You must pronounce the Niyyah  before or as soon as you are bout to cross the Miqat. Then, you recite Talbiyah repeatedly as you cross the station of Miqat until you begin the second step of Umrah.

Why do you circulate seven times around the Kaaba?

It is a reminder of those angels that also circulate around Allah’s house (known as al-Bayt al-Ma’mur.)

What is Idtiba’a in Umrah?

The Muslims in Ihram perform Idtiba’a during Umrah. It is an act in which they uncover their right shoulder while doing the Tawaf during Umrah as well as during Tawaf al-Qudum.

What do you know about al Rukn al Yamani?

The al Rukn al Yamani is also called as the Yemeni corner. It is on the opposite side of the Hajar e Aswad, the southwestern corner of Kaaba. It is known as Yemeni due to the fact that it faces Yemen. Muslims take rounds between the Rukn al Yamani and the black stone.

Do you know the location of Safa and Marwa?

The hill of Safa is present in the south, and Marwa is opposite to the North.

How much is the distance between Safa and Marwa?

The distance between Safa and Marwa is about 450 meters long.

Why perform Tahallul at the end of Umrah?

Tahallul basically refers to the act of ending the state of Ihram during Umrah. You cut off your hair and submit yourself completely to the will of Allah (S.W.T.).

Can everyone get a saudi e visa to perform Umrah?

Yes, all Muslims around the world can get saudi e visa. You can check for an umrah visa for uae residents 2023 that includes various packages. Now, even packages that include umrah for single ladies are also available to ensure their complete safety.

How to get your visa on time for Umrah?

You can contact the Umrah Travel Agency U.A.E. or Umrah Travel Agency U.K. depending on your location. They make your visa process faster and ensure that you get it pretty soon.

Are you only allowed to perform Umrah once?

No, you are not bound to perform Umrah once during your stay. You can perform Umrah as many times as you want. There is no restriction in submitting yourself to Allah (S.W.T.) and seeking His forgiveness. Apply for an umrah visa for uae residents 2023 and start a peaceful journey towards Allah (S.W.T.)