Umrah, in Islamic terms, is a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in a state of ihram, involving specific rituals such as tawaf, sa’i, and the cutting or shaving of hair as an act of devotion to Allah. It is differentiated into obligatory (wajib) and recommended (sunah) Umrah. The conditions, pillars, and obligations of Umrah are outlined as follows:
Conditions of Umrah:
- Being a Muslim: Only Muslims are permitted to perform Umrah.
- Reaching the age of maturity (baligh): The individual must have reached the age of maturity.
- Having sound intellect (aqil): The person should be of sound mind.
- Being free (not a slave): Umrah is for those who are not enslaved.
- Financial capability (istitha’ah): The individual must be financially able to undertake the journey.
Pillars of Umrah:
- Ihram (intention): The pilgrim must enter into the state of ihram with the intention of performing Umrah.
- Tawaf (circumambulation): Going around the Kaaba in a specific manner.
- Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah): The act of walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Shaving or cutting the hair: After completing the rituals, the pilgrim shaves their head or cuts a portion of their hair.
- Sequence (performing the acts in the prescribed order): The rituals must be performed in the specified order.
Obligations of Umrah:
- Entering into the state of ihram from the miqat: Pilgrims must make the intention for Umrah from the designated boundary known as the miqat. Violating this obligation incurs a penalty (dam), though the Umrah remains valid.
Miqat Locations for Umrah:
- Pilgrims from outside Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Share the same miqat as Hajj pilgrims.
- Pilgrims from the Haram region: Their miqat is where they reside in the Haram region.
- Those already in Makkah: Whether residents or visitors, their miqat is Makkah itself. To enter ihram, they must leave the Haram region, enter the Halal region, and initiate ihram from that place. Miqats include Tan’im, Hudaibiyah, and Ji’ranah.
Timing of Performing Umrah:
Umrah can be performed at any time, except during discouraged times for Hajj pilgrims, such as during the standing at Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice, and the days of Tashriq.
Understanding and adhering to these principles ensures that Umrah is performed correctly and in accordance with Islamic teachings.