Performing Umrah is not just about completing the rituals but also about maintaining proper conduct and etiquette throughout the journey. As Umrah is a sacred act of worship, being mindful of your behavior inside Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and following the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet) are essential for making the experience more meaningful. Here is a guide on the appropriate behavior, recommended supplications, and the dos and don’ts during Umrah.
Behavior Inside Masjid al-Haram
Maintain Humility and Reverence:
Masjid al-Haram is the holiest site in Islam, and the presence of the Kaaba makes it even more significant. Pilgrims should enter the mosque with deep respect and humility, focusing entirely on worship and devotion to Allah.
Always enter the mosque with your right foot and recite the supplication:
"Bismillah, wassalatu wassalamu 'ala Rasulillah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunubi waftah li abwaba rahmatik"
(In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open the gates of Your mercy for me.)
Observe Silence and Focus on Worship:
Avoid unnecessary conversations and worldly distractions while in Masjid al-Haram. The mosque is a place of worship, so engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), prayer, and supplication.
Maintaining an atmosphere of peace and spirituality allows everyone to focus on their worship.
Respect the Sanctity of the Kaaba:
The Kaaba is the focal point of your worship, and your actions around it should reflect utmost respect. Refrain from pushing or causing disruptions to reach the Black Stone or other significant parts of the mosque.
Be patient and mindful of other pilgrims, as everyone is there to perform their religious duties.
Help Keep the Mosque Clean:
Masjid al-Haram is a sacred space, and it is important to contribute to its cleanliness. Dispose of any trash properly, and avoid actions that could disrupt the cleanliness or sanctity of the mosque.
Show Kindness and Patience:
With thousands of pilgrims present, the mosque can be crowded and chaotic at times. Demonstrating kindness, patience, and tolerance is vital to ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Avoid pushing, cutting in lines, or any actions that may disturb others’ worship.
Recommended Supplications
Throughout your Umrah, especially while performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and other rituals, it is recommended to make supplications (duas) and engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Here are some commonly recited supplications during Umrah:
Talbiyah:
As you enter into Ihram and throughout the journey to the Kaaba, recite the Talbiyah:
"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la shareeka lak"
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
Supplication Between Safa and Marwah:
During Sa’i, you may recite the Quranic verse:
"Inn-as safa wal-marwata min sha'airillah"
(Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.)
[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158]
General Dhikr During Tawaf and Sa’i:
"SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar"
(Glory be to Allah, All praise be to Allah, Allah is the Greatest.)
"La ilaha illallah"
(There is no deity but Allah.)
Recite any personal supplications for forgiveness, guidance, and mercy, and ask for the fulfillment of your wishes and the well-being of your family and the entire Muslim Ummah.
Supplication at the Multazam:
The area between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba is known as the Multazam, where supplications are believed to be accepted. Pray to Allah for your needs and wishes here.
Supplication after Tawaf:
After completing Tawaf, it is Sunnah to offer two units of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim), if possible. You may recite:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, waqina ‘adhaban nar"
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)
[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]
Dos and Don'ts During Umrah
To ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience during Umrah, it is important to observe certain dos and don'ts throughout your journey.
Dos:
Have a Pure Intention (Niyyah):
Make the intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah sincerely for the sake of Allah. Keep your mind focused on worship and devotion, avoiding any other worldly purposes.
Maintain Patience and Gratitude:
Umrah can be physically challenging and involves long hours of walking, waiting, and performing rituals. Be patient, grateful, and remember that every hardship faced during Umrah is a chance to earn rewards from Allah.
Respect Others:
Always be considerate of other pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with physical challenges. Help others when needed and avoid creating unnecessary obstacles.
Stay Clean:
As cleanliness is half of faith in Islam, ensure you maintain personal hygiene and respect the cleanliness of Masjid al-Haram and other sacred areas.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks:
Given the physical nature of Umrah and the hot climate in Mecca, make sure to drink water regularly (Zamzam water is readily available) and take breaks when necessary.
Don’ts:
Don’t Engage in Idle Talk:
Avoid unnecessary conversations, arguments, or worldly distractions, especially inside Masjid al-Haram. Focus entirely on the remembrance of Allah and performing your religious duties.
Don’t Push or Shove:
Crowds can become overwhelming, particularly near the Kaaba and while performing rituals. Avoid pushing or being aggressive, even if others around you are doing so. Patience and respect are key during Umrah.
Don’t Engage in Prohibited Actions in Ihram:
While in Ihram, avoid all actions that are prohibited, including using scented products, cutting your hair or nails, engaging in sexual relations, and wearing stitched clothing (for men).
Don’t Miss Prayers:
Ensure that you do not miss any obligatory prayers (Salah) while performing Umrah. Masjid al-Haram offers a serene environment for performing Salah, so take advantage of this blessed opportunity.
Don’t Take Photos or Videos Excessively:
While it may be tempting to capture memories, excessive photography or videography can distract from the spiritual experience. Focus on worship, and limit the use of cameras or mobile phones.
Conclusion
The etiquette during Umrah revolves around maintaining proper behavior, showing respect to others, and being mindful of the sacredness of Masjid al-Haram. By following the recommended supplications and adhering to the dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your Umrah experience is spiritually enriching and meaningful. With patience, devotion, and respect for fellow pilgrims, the journey to Mecca can bring about deep spiritual transformation and closeness to Allah.