Many people like to perform Umrah because it is a blessed act for Muslims. It is made with several rites, among which are the most prominent, Tawaf and Sa’i. They are both obligatory for Umrah and hold a very religious significance. First-time pilgrims may find some rituals challenging, but they can execute them without stress if they know what he has to do.
Below is a guide to help those experiencing Tawaf and Sa’i while on Umrah.
What is Tawaf?
Tawaf, called Circles, is the ritual of moving around the Kaaba seven times clockwise in Masjid al-Haram. This is supposed to represent the Muslims in the worship of Allah as people worldwide move around the Kaaba in one direction. For those planning this spiritual journey, cheap Umrah packages all-inclusive make it more affordable. Such packages enable you to get the feel of this crucial act of worship without even thinking of the costs.
Steps to Perform Tawaf
a. Prepare Yourself
However, when beginning the Tawaf, one must ensure they are clean. This means to make Wudu. It is also necessary to perform a small prayer, which would help to pray to Allah and finish the procedure easily.
b. Start at the Black Stone
Tawaf Starts by lining up with the Black Stand (Hajr al-Aswad) at the corner of Kaaba. You don’t have to touch or kiss the Black Stone, especially if it’s crowded. You wave your hand in its direction and start your Tawaf by saying Bismillah Allahu Akbar (In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest).
c. Walk Around the Kaaba Seven Times
Now, walk around the Kaaba in a clockwise direction based on the sun. As every circuit seems to indicate, prayers, making of supplications (Dua), or reading of the Noble Quran should be said. No particular dua has to be recited during the Tawaf, so you may say anything you want or any prayer you know by heart. Be patient and not push others, especially if many people are there. It is relaxing since you don’t have to rush through the course to leave that place as soon as possible.
d. Completing the Seven Circuits
Once you finish your seventh round, go to the Maqam Ibrahim station. If this place does not have enough crowd, you can pray two Rakats there. If you feel congested, you may shift to a different area where you can offer your prayers. Some individuals trust their travel agent and book All Inclusive December Umrah Packages so all the arrangements will be taken care of and they’ll be able to concentrate on their prayers.
e. Drinking Zamzam Water
Once the pilgrims have done Tawaf, many drink Zamzam water, which you can get in many places in the Haramain. It is considered as blessed water and a Sunnah to drink after Tawaf.
What is Sa’i?
Another minor ritual of Umrah is Sa’i. It is walking between Safa and Marwah hills situated inside the Masjid al-Haram. The ceremony at this place is related to Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who was looking for water for her son Ismail when she ran between these two hills.
Steps to Perform Sa’i
- Begin at Safa
Once you are done with Tawaf, proceed to Safa Hill, where you will start Sa’i. Turn your face toward the Kaaba, bow down, and prostrate yourself before Allah. You can lift your hands and say, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. Pease make sure you go for the All-inclusive December Umrah packages so that you may face no hassle all along the way.
b. Walking from Safa to Marwah
Begin here, walking from Safa to Marwah. The second exercise consists of running slightly between the two green signs, determining a part of the path. Female candidates should also keep on walking at their normal speed. During walking, it is Sunnah to read some of the Quran, recite some prayer or dua, and think of the suffering of the Hajar.
c. Reaching Marwah
The distance of one round can be covered when you reach Marwah Hill, where you start this trail. You must return to Safa to finish the second round once you reach the third station. Altogether, you must make seven trips, the final being the last at Marwah.
d. Reflection During Sa’i
Sa’i is indeed a period in which you realize the sufferings of Hajar and the lessons of trust in and patience with Allah. Unlike Tawaf, there is no specific prayer you should recite, so anyone can say any form of Duas or any prayer that one may know.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair
After Tawaf and Sa’i, the next act is to shave or trim one’s hair. It is suggested that men shave off their hair but may choose to cut them if they want to. Women must shave a portion of their hair about the same size as a fingertip.
Cutting hair shows humbleness and the completion of all the rites associated with Umrah. After this, your Umrah is complete, and you can change your Ihram clothes. Most of the pilgrims go for Cheap umrah packages all-inclusive so that the trip is easier. It assists the participants to map their journey on spiritual aspects without being bogged down by other aspects.
Final Thoughts
Tawaf and Sa’i are two very special and spiritual activities performed in Umrah. They also help Muslims to remember their relation to Allah and the sufferings and perseverance of many Islamic people. When performing these rituals, one need not perform them carelessly, without much care, or hurriedly, but slowly and concerningly make your Umrah journey worthwhile.
If you are doing it for the first time, stress less about this and that being wrong or not right. Thus, Allah is most forgiving, and what is most important is your intention behind the act. I hope Allah accepts your Umrah and makes your Tawaf and Sa’i easy.