Preparation for Umrah
Before donning the Ihram, the pilgrim should have previously cut his nails, and unwanted hairs. He should take bath and ablution. He will then remove his usual clothes to don two white cloths of Ihram without seam. The first will serve as loincloth (Lungi) and be wound round the waist. The second is to cover the whole torso. One can put a small quantity of scent or perfume before putting on the Ihram in a manner that it does not leave any spot on the body.
The pilgrim then offers two units (Rakat) of optional prayer and seek God’s forgiveness of his sins and salvation. Next he should offer another two optional units (Rakat) of prayer as salutation of Ihram, preferably reciting in first unit Surah-al-Kafiroon after the ritual Surah-e-Fatiha. In the second unit of prayer the pilgrim should recite surah-al-Ikhlas after Surah-e-Fateha. The pilgrim should offer these prayers with covered head.
The pilgrim should then declare his intent (Niyah) wether he wish to perform Umrah or Hajj or both at the same time.
The Niyah of Umrah
The Niyah can be pronounced in voice or can be read silently. Once the rites of Ihram and intent has been performed the pilgrim has only to pronounce the Talbiyah (the formula prayer)
To make the sacred state of Ihram effective a pilgrim has to pronounce Talbiyah at least once after the intent (Niyah) of Umrah. It is good, rather, to pronounce the Talbiyah at least three times followed by Darood-e-Sharif. Then read the following prayer.
other links
How to apply for Hajj
There are two types of Hajj travel facilities available in Pakistan.
More...
Learn the issues ralated Hajj
Having submitted the application for Hajj an intending Haji should familiarise and try to know each and every thing.
More...
Duties towards Fellow Humans
Every Haji should know and understand his duties owed to God (Huqooq Allah), his duties and responsibilities towards fellow human beings (Huqooq-ul-Ibad). God forgives things which is owed to him by his servants, if He please, provided the sinner repents and affirms not to repeat such acts..
More...
Important Things to Know
- Every pilgrim should have well acquaintance with his group leader and other members of the group.
Essential items to be carried by an Haji are: More...
-
Circumambulation (Tawaf)
- (A) The Excellence of Tawaf
- (B) Kinds of Tawaf
- (C) Rules and Etiquettes of Tawaf
- Meeqat
- Ehram for travelers by air