Umrah is a blessed act of worship in Islam. Many Muslims perform Umrah to seek forgiveness, peace, and closeness to Allah.
To perform Umrah the right way, it is important to follow its rules. In this blog, I’ll explain all the rules. These rules cover spiritual, physical, and practical steps. Knowing them makes the journey easy and accepted.
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Conditions for Performing Umrah
Umrah has some conditions before a person can perform it:
- Being Muslim: Only Muslims are allowed to enter Makkah and perform Umrah.
- Maturity: A person must reach puberty. Children can go, but it is not an obligation for them.
- Sanity: The person should be of sound mind.
- Ability: A person must have the physical and financial means. This includes travel costs and caring for the family left behind.
- Safety of travel: The path to Makkah should be safe and possible.
- Visa and documents: A valid passport and Umrah visa are required for international travelers.
Ihram Rules Before Entering
Ihram is the sacred state for Umrah. A pilgrim cannot begin Umrah without entering Ihram.
- Preparation: Before Ihram, it is Sunnah to trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and take a bath.
- Clothing for men: Two unstitched white sheets are worn. One is tied around the waist, and the other is draped over the shoulder.
- Clothing for women: Normal modest clothing is worn. Face and hands must stay uncovered.
- Intention: At the miqat (specific place), the pilgrim makes the intention for Umrah. Then they recite “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah.”
Forbidden Acts During Ihram
When a pilgrim is in Ihram, some acts are not allowed:
- Cutting nails or hair.
- Using perfume or scented products.
- Men wearing stitched clothes or covering their heads.
- Women covering their faces or hands with gloves.
- Sexual relations or actions leading to them.
- Hunting animals.
- Fighting, arguing, or using bad language.
Rules for Women
Women have special rules for Umrah:
- Purity: Women cannot perform Tawaf during menstruation or postnatal bleeding. They must wait until they are clean.
- Dress: Women wear loose, modest clothes that cover the whole body except the face and hands.
- Mahram: Some scholars say a woman must travel with a mahram (male guardian). Others allow women to travel with safe groups. Women should follow their school of thought and local visa rules.
- No perfume or makeup: Women must avoid these while in Ihram.
Age and Travel Rules
Different rules apply for children, minors, and elderly pilgrims.
- Children: Children can perform Umrah if their parents take them. But it is not required for them.
- Minors: Parents can help children with the Ihram and rituals.
- Elderly or disabled: If a person cannot walk, a wheelchair or support can be used. Helpers may assist them in completing rituals.
Rules for Ending Ihram
Once the Umrah steps are complete, Ihram ends. This is called Tahallul.
- Men shave or trim their hair. Shaving (Halq) is best.
- Women cut a small part of their hair, about a fingertip length.
- After this, the Ihram restrictions are lifted. Normal activities like using perfume, wearing stitched clothes, or cutting nails are allowed again.
Etiquette and Recommended Actions
Besides rules, Umrah also has etiquette:
- Keep patience in crowds.
- Avoid harming others.
- Stay clean and pure.
- Keep reciting the dua and dhikr often.
- Stay humble and avoid pride.
- Respect the holy places and follow local rules.
What happens if rules are broken?
If a rule is broken by mistake, forgiveness can be asked from Allah. If done on purpose, a penalty (called fidya or dam) may apply.
Examples:
- Cutting nails or hair in Ihram may require sacrificing an animal or fasting.
- Wearing perfume or stitched clothes may also require compensation.
- Serious violations like sexual relations can cancel the Umrah.