Fiqh of Umrah

FIQH OF HAJJ & UMRAH

Source:Learn Islam(Short Courses)

Defination of Umrah

Linguistically: to visit

Juridically: Umrah is a way of worshipping Allah by making Tawaf of the Ka’bah and Sayi between Mount Safa and Marwa and shaving or cutting Hair.

Islamic Ruling on Umrah

It Is Obligatory atleast once in a lifetime as found in this Hadeeth ‘Aa’ishah said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, do women have to engage in jihad?’ He said, ‘Yes, they must do jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and ‘Umrah,’ Ibn Maajah (2901)

 

Virtues of Umrah

Umrah is known to be the ‘minor Hajj’ and is a Sunnah act performed at any time of the year except for the five days of Hajj, in which it is makrooh, or disliked, to perform Umrah. One who steps out in the path of Umrah is considered a pilgrim until he reaches back home. In a hadith found in the book of Ibne Maajah, The Prophet (S) said: “The performers of Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah (SWT). If they call Him, He answers them and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” This hadeeth clearly shows the great significance of Umrah and how much Allah (SWT) loves those who sacrifice their time and wealth for His cause. In another hadeeth, the Prophet (SWS) says:

One Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and another Umrah. (Bukhari, Muslim)

The above hadeeth implies that Umrah is not something we perform just once, but rather one should strive to perform Umrah multiple times in their lives. Unfortunately, now-a-days, some people go for Umrah without even knowing the great virtues and blessings of the many actions we perform on this journey. It is extremely critical and important that a person who intends to perform Umrah learn the basics of this act of worship including the obligatory actions and what makes Umrah null and what should be done in case there is a chance to compensate for mistakes. As is the case for Hajj, there are many people who perform Umrah and it will be accepted from them by Allah (swt), but there are others who do not just perform Umrah as a duty and leave, but they also cease this great opportunity to get a lot of reward from Allah (swt) and have their sins forgiven. And the best way to get reward is by following the best pilgrim and the best worshipper of Allah, Muhammad (S).

Let us start with the virtues of Umrah in order to truly understand the immense amount of impact the journey has on one’s spiritual state. The Prophet (S) has related various ahadeeth about the great blessings and rewards of performing Umrah throughout one’s life.

1. The act of Umrah is known to cleanse one’s soul from past committed sins. It is advised to do Umrah more than once in your lifetime so that it can act as a washing of the sins from the last time one performed Umrah. Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that the Prophet(S.A.W.) said, ‘An Umrah to another Umrah will be redemption of sins for whatever (minor) occurs between them.’ (Bukhari, Muslim).
2. Performing Umrah also protects one from poverty since they are there solely for the sake of Allah (SWT) spending their wealth and time in completing the deed. Ibn Mas’ood (R) said that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, ‘Follow up the Hajj and Umrah, because they certainly remove poverty and sins as fire separates the impurities from iron, gold and silver.’ (Tirmidhi). Also Umar bin Khattab (R) said that Prophet (S.A.W.) said, ‘Follow up between the Hajj and Umrah, because certainly succession between the two of them increases the life span and dispels poverty and sins as fire removes impurities.’ (Baihaqi)
3. Like Hajj, the act of Umrah is amongst the best deeds one can perform when pleasing Allah (swt). Allah (SWT) loves those who strive in his path in hopes of pleasing Him alone and Umrah is an act in which Allah (SWT) considers the pilgrim to be answering His call. Ibn Umar (R) narrates that Prophet (S.A.W.) said, ‘The warrior in the cause of Allah, the pilgrim and the one who is performing Umrah are all the delegation of Allah. He called them and they responded and they will ask of His bestowals and He will give it to them.’ (Ibn Majah)
4. In the blessed month of Ramadan, the reward of performing Umrah is equal to that of performing Hajj with the Prophet (S.A.W.). On many different occasions, the Prophet (S.A.W.) has told his companions that performing Umrah in the blessed month of Ramadan has rewards which are equal to performing Hajj with the Prophet (S.A.W.) himself. In one Hadith, a woman heard that the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) was going for Hajj and had asked her husband to allow for her to go with the Prophet (S.A.W.). Her husband said to her, ‘I do not possess a conveyance with which I can carry you upon.’ She said, ‘Take me on such and such a camel of yours.’ The husband said, ‘that is held up in the path of Allah.’ The man then went to Prophet (SAW) and said, ‘My wife conveys her Greetings to you and she has asked me to carry her on hajj with you.’ I told her, ‘I do not have something to carry her upon.’ She then told me to carry her upon such and such a camel of mine.’ I told her that it is kept in the path of Allah.’ Prophet (SAW) told him, ‘If you carried her upon it for Hajj, it will still be in the path of Allah.’She also told me to ask you (SAW), ‘What equals a Hajj with you O Messenger of Allah? Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Convey my greetings to her and inform her that Umrah performed in the month of Ramadhaan is equal to Hajj performed with me.’ (Abu Dawood). And finally, amongst the strongest hadith in this regard is the one related again by Ibn Abbas in which he said he heard the Prophet (S.A.W.) say ‘Umrah performed in the month of Ramadan will equal (in rewards) to that of Hajj or Hajj performed with Me (SAW).’ (Bukhari, Muslim)

These are just some of the virtues mentioned about Umrah. Indeed the virtues of Umrah are priceless to any Muslim and it is therefore referred to as a minor Hajj.

Conditions for Umrah

1. Islam
2. Puberty
3. Sanity
4. Freedom
5. Capability (Physically & Financially)
6. Mahram companion for Women.

UMRAH

Pillars of Umrah:

1. Ihraam (Intention to enter the state of Umrah).
2. Tawaaff.
3. Sa’iy.

Note: If one leaves a Pillar he/she must return & make the missed pillar, if not, then his/her Umrah is invalidated.

Obligations of Umrah:

1. Ihraam at the Miqaat.
2. Shaving or Cutting the Hair.

Note: If one leaves an obligation a Fidiyah (Compensation) is needed by sacrificing in Makkah, A sheep, or 1/7 of a Cow or 1/7 of a Camel and distributing it to the poor in Makkah.

MIQAAT (Specified Time & Place of Worship):

1. Miqaat in terms of Time:

• For Hajj: The Months of Hajj
• For Umrah: At any time of the Year.

2. Miqaat in terms of Place:

• DHUL-HULAIFAH (Abbyar Ali): is for those coming from/through Madinah.
• AL-JUHFAH (Near Rabigh): is for those coming from/through Syria, Egypt, Morrocco.
• YALAMLAM (Sa’adiyah): is for those coming from/through Yemen, India, Pakistan.
• QARN AL-MANAZIL (As-Sail Al-Kabeer): is for those coming from/through Najd or Taif.
• THAT-IRQ: is for those coming from/through Iraq.

Note:

1. Those who live within the Radius of the Miqat can make Ihraam from their homes.
2. People living in Makkah need to go out of the boundaries of Makkah to make Ihram.
3. As nowadays people come by flights from all parts of the world, they need should either get into Ihram before boarding the flight or just before flying over the Miqaat. (There is an announcement made in Saudi Airlines before of approaching the Miqaat).

IHRAAM:

Definition: Ihram is the intention to perform either Hajj or ‘Umrah, or to make intention of performing both. (In this state certain lawful things become forbidden to do).

Mustahab (Desirable) & Preferred things to do for Ihram:

• Ghusl (Mustahab)
• Putting on Perfume on Head & Beard. (Mustahab)
• Clipping finger & toe nails. (Preferred)
• Trimming Moustache. (Preferred)
• Shaving Pubic & under arm hair. (Preferred)

Clothes of Ihram:

For Men:

Two towels/sheets (Preferably white), one wrapped around the lower part of the body & the other around the upper part of the body and to wear Sandals.

Note: IDHTIBA’A (Uncovering the Right shoulder is only done during Tawaaff).

For Women:

Wearing the clothes she usually wears when leaving the houce, except for Gloves & Niqaab (Type of veil that reveals the eyes)

Note: During Umrah a woman should (if possible) uncover her face if she is not in the presence of non-mahram men. But since in present times it is not possible as the Haram is always so full it is desirable that the sisters who think can attract men should cover their faces but not with Niqaab rather make the scarf of the head to come on the face.

Making Talbiyah:

1. Talbiyah starts just after Ihraam.

2. Begin with the intended act of worship by saying once,

“Labayk Allaahumma bi-‘Umrah”

(O Allah, here I am responding to you to make Umrah)

If one fears that they are likely to be subjected to illness or anything else that might obstruct their Umrah, one may add the following, by doing so if one can not complete the Umrah for whatever reason; then they simply cut their hair and do not have to pay the ransom.

“Allaahumma mahillee haithu habastanee” 

(I come out of the state of Ihraam from the place You prevent me from continuing). 

Then repeatedly say until you start Tawaaff:

“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak”

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partner.) 

Restrictions if violated that requires compensation (fidyah):

a. Men: –

Wearing regular or any sewn clothes including shoes

Covering the head (even with the Ihram cloth)

b. Women: –

Wearing gloves

Wearing Niqab

c. Men and Women: –

Cutting plucking hair from any part of the body

Clipping fingernails or toenails

Putting perfume while in the state of Ihram.

Sexual activity

Sexual intercourse (requires Major Fidyah)

Hunting/ catching animals (even for Non- muhrims while in the boundaries of haram)

(requires Equal fidiyah)

We are also restricted to make a Marriage contract or have an engagement or cut trees/ plants in the Haram area (cutting trees is restricted even for Non- muhrims while in the boundaries of Haram). But we do not have to pay a fidiyah rather it is a sin.

Types of Fidyah: –

a. Athaa (ailment) Fidiyah:

Allah says in the Quran: And whosoever of you is ill or has an Athaa (Ailment) in his scalp, he must give a Fidyah by either making Siyam or Sadaqah or Nusuk. (Al Baqarah 2 : 196)

• Fasting 3 days (or)
• Feeding 6 poor Muslims in Makkah (1/2 Sa’a) (or)
• Sacrificing a Sheep or 1/7 of Cow or 1/7 of Camel in Makkah and distributing it to the poor in Makkah.

b. Equivalent Fidiyah:

• Sacrificing a LIKE animal in Makkah (Camel/Cow/Sheep) and distributing it to the poor in Makkah. (or)
• Feed poor Muslims in Makkah (1/4 Sa’a) with equivalent money value. (or)
• Fasting a day for every poor Muslim, if you were to feed.

c. Major Fidiyah:

• Committed a sin and should repent (Tawbah)
• The umrah is invalidated
• Sacrificing in Makkah, a sheep or 1/7 of a cow or 1/7 of a camel and distributing it to the poor in Makkah
• Complete the rites of Umrah
• Make-up Umrah at a later date

Important Rule: There is no Fidiyah if a person was

1. Ignorant of Islamic ruling
2. Forgetful / unintentional
3. Under- compulsion

TAWAAFF (circling the Ka’bah in worship)

Entering Masjid Al Haram – (in Makkah, Saudia Arabia)

• Enter with your right foot
• Make duaa of the Masjid

BISMILLAHI, ALLAHUMMA SALLI ‘ALAA MUHAMMADIN WA SALLIM – ALLAAHUMA AFTAH LEE ABWAABA RAHMATIK

(In the name of Allaah! O Allaah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allaah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).

Conditions of Tawaaff:

1. Neeyah (intention)
2. One must be in a state of Tahaarah.
3. Circling the Ka’bah seven continual times, having the Ka’bah on the Left.

TAWAFF

1. Make Idtiba’a: Men to leave their right shoulder bare ONLY during the entire Tawaf, after the tawaf men need to cover both shoulders.

Note: A person can do Tawwaaf in his regular clothes if he is not doing Umrah.

2. Start at the Black Stone, by either

Kiss it if you can, if not

Touch it with your right hand, if not

Face the Black Stone and point at it with your right hand

And say

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللَّهُمَّ إِيمَانًا بِكَ، وَتَصْدِيقًا بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعًا لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

BISMILLAH WALLAHU AKBAR, ALLAHUMMA IMANAN BIKA, WA TASDIQAN BI KITABIKA, WA WAFAA’AN BU ‘AHDIKA, WAT-TIBAA’AN LI SUNNATI NABIYIKA MUHAMMADIN SALLAHU ‘ALAIHI WA SALAM

“In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. Oh, Allah, with faith in you, belief in Your book, loyalty to you, compliance to the way of your Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).”]

Note:

1. This is said only when starting the tawaaf. For the rest of the rounds when reaching  the Black Stone it is enough to say:  “ﺍﻛﱪ ﺍﷲ” “ALLAHU AKBAR”  (Allah is the most great).
2. For men, it is preferred to make ramal (fast walk) during the first three rounds and to walk (normally) between the Yamaani Corner and the Black Stone.

3. Du’aa’ during tawaaf:   During tawaaf one can make du’aa’, tasbeeh, tahleel, etc. There is no specific du’aa’ for each round.

4. The Yamaani Corner: When you reach the Yamaani Corner, touch with right hand. If not possible, do not kiss or  point.

Between the Yamaani Corner and the Black Stone say:

“RABBANA AATINA FIDDUNYA HASANATAN WA FIL-AAKHIRATI HASANTAN WA QINA ‘ADHAABAN-NAAR”

“Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the fire)’.

5. The Maqaam of Ibraheem:

After finishing tawaaf, cover both arms; and while going to Maqaam of Ibraheem say:

“WATAKHITHU MIN-MAQAMI-IBRAHEEMA MUSALLA”

“And take of the Maqaam  of Ibraheem a place of prayer.” (Al-Baqarah: 125)

Pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible behind Maqaam-e Ibraheem. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque.

Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqaam of ibraheem:

Recite (preferably) Surat al-Kafiroon (109) in the 1st Rak’ah.

Recite (preferably) Surat al-Ikhlaas (112) in the 2nd Rak’ah.

6. Go to Zam Zam Wells (Preferable/Sunnah)

• Make duaa before drinking.*
• Drink Zam Zam water to your fill.
• Pour water over your head (Do not over do it rather take it in your palms and pour it on the head)

*The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3062; this is a hasan hadeeth. Scholars and righteous people have experienced this – they have drunk it with the intention of fulfilling some need such as healing from sickness or being freed from poverty and distress, and Allaah fulfilled these hopes).

Sa’iy (walking between as-Safa & al-Marwah in worship)

Conditions of Sa’iy:

1. Niyyah (intention).

2. To make tawaaf first.

3. To make seven continual trips, starting from as-Safa and ending at al-Marwah.

Note:

1. Walking from as-Safa to al-Marwah is considered one trip; and from al-Marwah back to as-Safa is another trip.
2. Having Wudoo is highly recommended but not obligatory.

As you leave the boundary of the Masjid, you can say (as prescribed for all Masaajid):

BISMILLAHI WAS-SALAATU WAS-SALAAMU ‘ALAA RASOOLILAAHI, ALLHUM-MA INNEE A’-ALUKA MIN FADHLIKA, ALLAHUM-MA A’SIMNEE MINASH-SHAITAN-R-RAJEEM

(In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allaah. O Allaah, I ask You from Your favour. O Allaah, guard from the accursed devil.) 

SA’IY

1. Start from as-Safa:

At the bottom of the hill of as-Safa say:

“INNAS-SAFA WAL-MARWATA MIN SHA’A;IRILLAH, ABDAU BUMA BADA ALLAHU BIH”

“Verily, As-Safa & Al-Marwah are among the rites of Allah.” (Al-Baqarah: 158) “I start with what Allah started with.”

Note: This is said only when starting the sa’iy, and should not be repeated.

2. Climb up the hill of as-Safa, face the Ka’bah, raise hands in du’aa’ and say 3 times:

“ALLAHU AKBAR, ALLAHU AKBAR, ALLAHU AKBAR” “LA LAAHA ILLAL-LAAHU WAHDAHU LA SHAREEKA LAH, LAHUL MULKU WA LAHUL HAMD WA HUWA ‘ALA KULLI SHAY’IN QADEER” “LA ILAAHA ILLAL-LAAHU WAHDAHU, ANJAZA WA’DAHU WA NASARA ‘ABDAHU WA HAZAMAL AHZAABA WAHDAH”

“Allah is the most great, Allah is the most great, Allah is the most great.” “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, without any partners, to him belongs the dominion, to him praise is due, and he has power over all things.” “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, He fulfilled his promise, and made his slave prevail, and he defeated the clans all alone.”

Note: Then you Praise Allah, Send Salaam upon Muhammad (sa) and then make as much personal Du’as as you like. Pray for anything from the goodness of this life and the next, pray for both yourself and others.

Du’aa’ during Sa’iy:

During sa’iy one can make du’aa’, tasbeeh, tahleel, etc.. 

Note: There is no specific du’aa’ while walking between as-Safa and al-Marwah.

3. Standing on the hill of al-Marwah:

Climb up the hill of al-Marwah, face the Ka’bah, raise hands in du’aa’ and say what was

said on the hill of as-Safa (Allahu akbar…)

Note: For males, it is preferred during Sa’iy to run between the two green signs.

4. Shaving / cutting hair:

• Men: Shaving the head is 3 times better than cutting the hair. They should trim all the way round and not just small pieces from each corner.
• Women: Cutting a small piece from their hair is sufficient.

Now all Ihraam rules are lifted,and your Umrah is completed!!!

Common Misconceptions & Mistakes for Ihram

• Do not pass the Miqat without being in the state of Ihram. If you are landing in Jeddah and going to Mecca to perform ‘Umrah directly, you must be in a state of Ihram before you land, as the plane shall enter the Miqat. Jeddah is inside the Miqat.
• If you are landing in Jeddah, you need your Ihram towels with you on the airplane in your carry-on bag.
• Women may wear anything Islamically permissible for Ihram.
• If someone is travelling to Jeddah for business or to meet his relatives mainly but also intend to make Umrah in that trip than he must either have his Ihram from meeqaat or go back to meeqaat when he wants to do Umrah. But if there was no intention of Umrah and the stay is prolonged for a reason and the person decides to perform umrah than inshaAllah he can resume Ihram from Jeddah.
• Some people think that it is essential to enter ihraam wearing shoes, and that if a person is not wearing shoes when he enters ihraam, then it is not permissible for him to put them on. This is a mistake because it is not essential to wear shoes when entering ihraam. Ihraam may be done without wearing shoes, and if a person enters ihraam without wearing shoes, that does not mean that he cannot put them on afterwards. He can put shoes on afterwards if he wasn’t wearing them when he entered ihraam – there is nothing wrong with that.
• Some of them believe that it is obligatory to pray two rak’ahs when entering ihraam. This is also a mistake; it is not obligatory to pray two rak’ahs when entering ihraam. Rather the correct view on this matter was that suggested by Abu’l-‘Abbaas Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him), who said that there is no specific prayer to be offered when entering ihraam, because that was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
• If a person does ghusl and puts on the ihraam garments, then he can pray the prayer for Tahiyatul Wudoo or if it is the time of prayer, such as if the time for an obligatory prayer has come or is approaching, and he wants to stay at the meeqaat until he has prayed. With regard to intending to pray a specific prayer in ihraam, the most correct opinion is that there is no specific prayer for entering ihraam.
• It is allowed to wear a belt in Ihram either stitched or not as the prohibition on Stiches is only for garments covering the limbs.

•  Do not take pictures of yourself in Ihram. You came to worship Allah and taking pictures for showing others later may contradict your sincerity of doing this for the sake of Allah.
•  Women in their menses must be in a state of Ihram when they pass the Miqat. They should shower and do Talbiyah like everyone else.
•  Do not uncover your right shoulder until you reach the Ka’bah and begin Tawaf. This is the time that the Messenger uncovered his shoulder and it is an act of Hajj, so we must follow when the Prophet did it.
•  You do not enter into Ihram by just wearing the towels. You must make the intention to begin.
•  Do not shave your beard, whether before, during or after Ihram
•  You should wear sandals, but if you do not have sandals, you do not have to walk barefoot. Wear what you have until you find a place to get sandals.
• When you hear that you are not allowed to wear stitches in Ihram, know that what is meant is that you cannot wear pieces of cloth that are sewn together to wrap your body, such as a T-Shirt or underwear.
• Both men and women may shower with unscented soap. Yes, for women and men, you may comb your hair, as the Prophet’s wives used to do when they were in Ihram.
• Some people think that it is essential for the pilgrim doing Hajj or ‘Umrah to enter through a specific gate of al-Masjid al-Haraam. So some people think that if they are doing ‘Umrah they must enter through the gate called Baab al-‘Umrah, and that this is essential and is prescribed in sharee’ah. Others think that they must enter through Baab al-Salaam, and that entering through any other gate is a sin or is makrooh. There is no basis for this. The pilgrim doing Hajj or ‘Umrah may enter through any gate, but when he enters the mosque he should enter with his right foot first and say what is narrated for entering all mosques,
• Some people have invented specific du’aa’s for when one enters the Mosque and sees the Ka’bah, and have introduced du’aa’s that were not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). This is a kind of bid’ah (innovation).
• A lot of men have thier lower towel too low which goes below the ankles or too high which goes above the knees. Both these cases are not right as it is Haram to have a garment below the ankles or above the knees displaying the Aurah.
• Also a lot of men have their lower garment tied up below their bellies which again is a part of Aurah and is haram to display.

Misconceptions/ Mistakes in Tawaf

• You do not have to say your intention out loud to begin Tawaf. Saying intentions out loud is something the Prophet (peace be upon him) never did except after Ihram when he said, (Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah wa Hajj).
• You do not have to touch the black stone for your Tawaf to be accepted. If it is crowded you may face your hand toward the stone and say Allahu Akbar.
•  Do not kiss the Yemeni corner. You may only touch it with your right hand.
• Do not worship the black stone. You are glorifying Allah by coming to this house and worshiping Him, following the Sunnah of the prophet of Allah (peace be upon him).
• The Black stone cannot benefit or harm anyone it is only a Sunnah to kiss it.
• It is not prescribed to push and shove when touching the Black Stone or the Yemeni Corner, rather if it is easy for you to do so in a calm and dignified manner, then you must do it, and if it is not easy for you to do it, then you should just point to the Black Stone.
•  Do not follow those Du’a books that make up Du’a for each time you go around the Ka’bah. Read Quran and make Du’a from your heart and glorify Allah.
•  Make Du’a by yourself, do not do it in a shouting group around the Ka’bah.
•  Do not wipe the walls of the Ka’bah during Tawaf. The prophet of Allah did not touch anything other than the black stone and the Yemeni corner.
•  Do not face your hand to the Yemeni corner and say Allahu Akbar. This is only for the black stone.
•  The Ka’bah should be to your left. Do not do Tawaf with your back to the Ka’bah.
•  Do not stand at the black stone line for a long time. Move on.
•  Do not lengthen your 2 Rak’ah of Tawaf.
• Sometimes the pilgrim while doing the tawaf just entertains a doubt about correctness of the round that he is doing that moment –it is just a doubt and he is not sure of having committed a mistake– and so he ignores that round and starts it again. This invalidates the tawaf, based on precaution, except when it is done out of ignorance.
• After having completed the seven rounds of the tawaf, sometimes the pilgrim adds one or more rounds on basis of precaution. This is incorrect and based on precaution it renders the entire tawaf invalid except if he was ignorant of this ruling.
• Sometimes the pilgrim entertains doubt in the number of rounds in a sunnat tawaf, and then he thinks that doubt in a sunnat tawaf invalidates his tawaf so he starts his tawaf anew. This is incorrect because he can always resolve the doubt by accepting the lesser number and then proceed with the rest of the rounds of tawaf.
• Sometimes jama‘at prayers is held in the Sacred Mosque while the pilgrim is doing his tawaf for ‘umrah, and that forces him to interrupt his tawaf and then he joins in the jama‘at. After the prayers, he starts the tawaf from the very beginning thinking that the prayer between the rounds of tawaf invalidated his tawaf.
• This is an incorrect notion because the gap in between the rounds of tawaf for sake of joining the jama‘at does not harm the validity of the tawaf. In such a case, he should continue his tawaf from wherever he had stopped for the jama‘at and there is no need for starting it from the beginning.
• Some pilgrims think that doing the salat of tawaf “behind the Maqam Ibrahim” means that doing it at a place closest to the Maqam. However, that is not the correct understanding; rather it is sufficient to say the salat at any place which is normally considered to be “behind the Maqam”.
• Uttering the intention out loud when wanting to do tawaaf, so you see the pilgrim standing facing the Black Stone when he wants to do tawaaf, saying, “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf for ‘Umrah” or “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf for Hajj,” or “O Allaah, I intend to do seven circuits of tawaaf in order to draw closer to You.”
• The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did tawaaf before you and he did not speak the intention out loud when he did tawaaf. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) did tawaaf before you and did not speak the intention out loud when they did tawaaf, or when doing any other act of worship, so this is a mistake.
• Some of those who do tawaaf push and shove too much when they touch the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, and they are disturbed by the overcrowding and disturb others. They may be pushing and shoving a woman, and the Shaytaan may tempt him and fill his heart with desire when he is crowding this woman in this narrow place. People are only human and may be overwhelmed by their souls that prompt them to do evil, so an evil action may take place in the shadow of the House of Allaah. This is a matter that becomes even worse in light of where it takes place, although it is a fitnah in any place it happens.

Misconceptions/ Mistakes in Sa’i

• Although preferable, you do not have to have Wudu during Sa’i.
• You do not have to climb to the top of Safa or Marwah.
• You can take breaks in Sa’i to drink water or rest.
• You can take a break after Tawaf, before Sa’i.
• You do not have to jog the whole way, from Safa to Marwah. Only within the green lights, the valley of Safa and Marwah.
• Women do not have to run between the green lights.
• There is no specific Du’a to say between Safa and Marwah.
• Do not miss the Du’a that the prophet of Allah said when he stood on Safa. Then raise your hands and pray as he did (peace be upon him).
•  Do not say your intention out loud before making Sa’i.

When Shaving or Trimming

• Shave your complete head, do not leave parts unshaved.
• If you shall trim, take from all sides of your head.
• Do not take off your Ihram until you have shaved or trimmed. You are still in Ihram until you do so.
• Do not shave your beard.

Some people engage in worldly conversation with their fellow pilgrims during the Tawaaf or sa‘i. Although this does not harm them, it is better in such a place and such a time to recite the zikr of Almighty Allah, the du‘as which that have been recommended.

What the person who is doing tawaaf should do is always remain calm and dignified, so that he will have the proper presence of mind for worshipping Allaah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Tawaaf around the House and (Saa’i) between al-Safa and al-Marwah and the stoning of the Jamaar have only been prescribed so that remembrance of Allaah (dhikr) will be established.”

With regard to the mistakes commited, people are either:

• Completely ignorant and do not realize that what they are doing is haraam. In this case there is the hope that there will be no blame on such people.
• Or they know but they are deliberately going astray and leading others astray. Such a person is undoubtedly a sinner and will also bear the burden of the sins of those who follow his example.
• Or they are unaware and are negligent, not caring to ask people who know. There is the fear that these people may be sinning because of their carelessness and their failure to ask.

These are the errors that we have noticed during tawaaf & Sa’ii. We hope that Allaah will guide our Muslim Brothers & Sisters to put things right so that their Umrah will be in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), for the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Religion is not based on emotions and inclinations, rather it is to be based on what has been narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).