What is Umrah?
Umrah Rules – Umrah is often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims. It involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Makkah; where the revered Kaaba stands as the epicenter of Islamic faith and the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals.
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere du’a and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) encouraged us to perform Umrah at least once in our lifetime. He, himself (PBUH) performed it four times.
Find out more about Umrah here.
Rules of Umrah
In order to be eligible to perform Umrah, one must adhere to certain conditions, or rules.
These include:
- Islam – It is necessary to be Muslim.
- Maturity – You must have reached puberty (Baligh). You can perform Umrah before this age, but it is only accepted after the age of puberty.
- Sanity – You should be mentally sound and in control of your mental faculties.
- Financially able – You must have enough funds to cover the expenses of travel, accommodation, and other requirements during your Umrah. You should also be able to support your dependents while you are away. Being debt-free is not mandatory, but arrangements for debt repayment should be made beforehand.
- Physical ability – You must be physically capable of travelling to Makkah and performing the rituals of Umrah, either on foot or in a wheelchair.
- Transportation – You should have access to transportation and be able to afford the costs of travelling to Makkah for Umrah. It is also important that the journey is safe, without any foreseeable danger.
These conditions ensure that individuals are ready and capable of fulfilling the rites of Umrah.
Umrah cutting hair and nails rules
It is recommended, but not mandatory, to cut your nails and remove any unwanted hair from your body before entering into the state of Ihram.
A time limit has been prescribed for us for clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, that it should not be neglected far more than forty nights.
However, once entering the state of Ihram, it is forbidden to cut your hair or nails.
If a nail breaks, one is permitted to cut the broken portion.
After one has completed Umrah, they must either cut or shave their hair in order to break from the state of Ihram.
Men must shave their head after completing Umrah (Halq), while women are required to cut their hair equal to the length of their fingertip (Taqsir).
The significance of this ritual is based on the fact that hair on one’s head is a worldly attachment which one must detach from it in order to show submission to Allah Almighty.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved.” The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! And (invoke Allah for) those who get their hair cut short.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved.” The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! And those who get their hair cut short.” The Prophet said (the third time), “And to those who get their hair cut short.” Nafi said that the Prophet had said once or twice, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who get their head shaved,” and on the fourth time he added, “And to those who have their hair cut short.
Umrah rules for ladies
Women performing umrah must be in a state of purity (not menstruating).
They must also ensure they wear hijab and dress modestly, ensuring that everything except their face, hands and feet are covered.
In addition, women must refrain from wearing perfume, tight-fitted clothing, gloves, make-up or henna during the state of Ihram.
As well as men, ladies performing umrah must refrain from chasing or killing insects/ animals, swearing, fighting or backbiting. They must also refrain from establishing intimacy with their spouse, or getting married.
If a woman is in her Iddah period ( three months after being widowed or divorced), she is not allowed to perform Umrah.
Umrah mahram rules
In order to obtain a Saudi Tourist Visa (which can be used to perform Umrah), women are no longer required to be accompanied by a Mahram (close male relative). They are now able to perform Umrah accompanied by close women, such as their mother, sister, aunt or close friends.
However, from an Islamic perspective, if a woman wishes to perform Hajj or Umrah, she must travel with her Mahram according to the majority of scholars.
Some scholars believe that women who wish to perform Umrah or Hajj without a Mahram may do so if she is in the trusted company of a group or if the travelling routes are safe.
However, there are differences in opinion regarding the ruling on the requirement of a mahram. You are encouraged to consult your Madhaab (school of thought), teacher to help inform your decision.
Umrah age rules
If travelling alone, you must be at least 18 years old in order to obtain a visa to perform Umrah. Travellers under the age of 18 may enter only if accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling (over 18 years old).
What is forbidden during Umrah?
When you enter the state of Ihram, the following acts become prohibited:
- Applying perfume and perfumed cosmetics
- Women covering their face or wearing hand gloves
- Men covering their head with a cap, or wearing stitched clothing
- Trimming nails
- Cutting hair
- Getting married
- Engaging in sexual activity
- Hunting an animal
- Cutting down a tree
- Killing an insect (unless it poses a threat to you)
- Smoking or taking drugs
- Engaging in a quarrel or fight
- Swearing and backbiting
What rules to follow after Umrah?
In Umrah, the restrictions of Ihram are lifted after you perform Sa’ee and shave your head. All the restrictions associated with the state of Ihram are then lifted.
Men must shave their head completely after completing Umrah (Halq), while women are required to cut their hair equal to the length of their fingertip (Taqsir).
Although the restrictions of Ihram are lifted after completing Umrah, it’s still important to maintain good manners and etiquettes and to remove sinful actions and speech. Performing Umrah is an opportunity from Allah to upgrade our status and closeness to Him, and a means for spiritual purification. Therefore, we should be mindful of correcting and improving our character and in behaving in a dignified and noble way in accordance with the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Mufti Billal Omarjee.
