Umrah & Ziyarah

All you need to know about Rituals to perform in Umrah and Ziyarah Al Masjid An Nabawi

Entrance to Umrah
Travel and Access
Miqat
Ihram
Access to Sanctuary
Tawaf
Sa'i

Going for Umrah is not just a journey, but a pledge – an intense pledge towards making oneself spiritually cleaner, and more sublime in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Ihram is the initial status that individuals take when they embark on this holy spiritual journey. Al Maqam Travel offers this guide to help explain Ihram for Umrah trips.
Here, you will acquire a deeper understanding of Ihram, its importance during your Umrah journey, and the procedures related to its performance. We will also learn the fundamental prohibitions that are implemented when being in the state of Ihram, so you will not encounter any problem in practicing them.

Ihram and its Significance:

Ihram is known as the change from your worldly or earthly state to a state of worship of Allah (SWT). It is a period of cleansing, both the external and internal, where global concerns can be eliminated and your primary concentration is on the relationship between you and God. Putting on Ihram is the process of starting the pilgrimage to Umrah.

Entering the State of Ihram:

To get to Ihram, you are required to do certain activities at the recognized Miqat station.
Niyyah (Intention): For Umrah, one must say a short prayer declaring the intention like: " I intend to perform Umrah, so please grant me its successful completion, Allah"
Talbiyah: Say the Talbiyah with deep devotion: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaika La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wl Mulku” (Here am I, O Allah, Here am I. Here am I, You have no partner, Here am I. Praise and blessings belong to You, and the Kingdom too). You should recite the Talbiyah throughout your journey until you exit Ihram.
Ihram Garments: Ihram is a simple, unstitched white material for men, equivalent to two sheets, and for women, they can wear any gown that covers their entire body. Please make sure that the garments are clean and do not contain any prints or sewing.

Restrictions of Ihram

Going into ihram has its own certain restrictions that reflect the reverence and cleanliness of the body and heart. These restrictions include:
Marital relations: Chastity must be practiced; therefore, do not engage in any marital contact.
Fragrances: Do not wear any perfumes or scented oils (except musk or very dainty fragrances).
Hunting and harming: Do not kill or capture any living thing, unless it is harmful to you and you need it for food.
Profane language and arguments: It is also important to avoid using abusive language or arguing or quarreling.
Head covering (men): It is unlawful for men to cover their heads during Ihram and they are not supposed to cover their heads at all during Ihram.
Gloves: This means that both men and women cannot wear gloves.
Sewn garments and excessive jewelry: Do not wear articles of stitched clothes or flashy accessories. As for men, they should not put on anything other than the two pieces of cloth known as ‘Ihram. ’ Women should wear simple clothes that fully conceal their bodies.
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Al Maqam Travel: Your Companion Throughout Your Ihram states

Ihram is one of the most profound stages of the pilgrimage therefore, at Al Maqam Travel we ensure a perfect transition into the stage.
Pre-Departure Guidance: First, we present various aspects of Ihram such as rites, prohibitions, and necessary procedures with their descriptions.
Miqat Station Assistance: We can also arrange the means of transport to your preferred Miqat if the need arises.
Support During Ihram: Members of our team are always ready to help with any questions or concerns that you might have at the Ihram state.

Additional Tips for a Fulfilling Ihram Experience:

Before arriving at your specified Miqat station make sure to perform Ghusl or wudu which is a partial wash.
It may be necessary to pack Ihram garments in your luggage so you can easily access them when the need arises.
Before entering the state of Ihram, one should familiarize oneself with the prohibited acts to avoid making a mistake.
Stay pure and free from distracting thoughts when on your path of spiritual awakening.
If any confusion arises, consult the right authorities for advice.

What You Should Know Regarding Ihram:

In the state of Ihram, if one commits a breach of any of the above restrictions inadvertently, you would have to sacrifice a Dam when you are in Makkah. The severity of the consequence depends on the nature of the violation made. 
In times of Ihram, the pilgrims are allowed to reduce the four-unit prayers like Zuhr, Asr, and Isha to just two units of prayers. Thus, four units are retained for Fajr (dawn prayer) and Maghrib (sunset prayer) prayers.
Once in ihram, carry on reciting the Talbiyah and devote yourself to your prayers and invocations. Do not pay attention to materialistic things and rather focus on spiritual development. Go to Makkah, and around Al Kaaba when you get there, is the beginning of your Umrah rites done by Tawaf.
Donning the Ihram marks the change of state for the pilgrim. Thus, by embracing its importance, making a sincere approach to the rituals, and observing the restrictions, one opens the way to a fruitful Umrah. Al Maqam Travel remains the companion of your journey and assists you in any way you are in the Ihram state.

FAQS:

What is Rawdah in Umrah?

In Umrah, the Rawdah (also known as the “Garden”), is another sacred zone in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Also said to reside in Paradise in the next world, it is situated between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit. It is a place people go to pray and seek for their wishes to be granted, in this sacred place. It has a green carpet and is significant in that it provides an opportunity of spirituality throughout your Umrah trip.

Umrah and Ziyarah

Makkah

Madinah