Umrah is one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in Islam. It is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj, which has specific dates. The Umrah involves performing a set of rituals, which include wearing the Ihram and performing Tawaf and Sa’i. Although Umrah is not as complicated as Hajj, there are still certain mistakes that pilgrims can make that can make their Umrah invalid. Before performing Umrah, it is crucial to choose a package that suits your needs and budget. One option is to opt for 5 star Umrah packages, which offer luxurious accommodation, transport, and other amenities.
Not Learning The Rituals
The first mistake that pilgrims make is not learning the Umrah rituals. Before embarking on the journey, learning the correct way of performing the Umrah rituals is essential. The best way to learn about the rituals is to read books or attend classes. There are also many videos available online that can help pilgrims learn about the rituals. If pilgrims do not know the proper way of performing the Umrah rituals, they may make mistakes that can invalidate their Umrah.
Not Wearing Ihram Properly
Ihram is the state of purity that pilgrims enter before starting the Umrah rituals. It involves wearing two white pieces of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder. Pilgrims must enter the Ihram state before they cross the Miqat, which is a boundary set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) around Makkah. The mistake that many pilgrims make is not wearing Ihram properly.
Rushing The Tawaf
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction. It is essential to the Umrah rituals, and pilgrims must perform it correctly. However, many pilgrims rush the Tawaf and do not give it the attention it deserves. Pilgrims must remember that Tawaf is a time to focus on Allah and ask for forgiveness for their sins. They should not rush the Tawaf and should take time to perform it correctly.
Not Covering The Right Shoulder During Tawaf
During Tawaf, men must cover their right shoulder with the Ihram cloth. This is known as Iztiba. It is a necessary part of the Tawaf, and if pilgrims do not cover their right shoulder, their Tawaf may not be valid. Many pilgrims are unaware of this requirement and do not cover their right shoulder during Tawaf. Therefore, learning about this requirement before embarking on the Umrah journey is essential.
Not Performing Sa’i Correctly
Sa’i is the act of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. It is essential to the Umrah rituals, and pilgrims must perform it correctly. However, many pilgrims do not perform Sa’i correctly. They may not walk between the hills seven times or may rush through the process. Pilgrims must remember that Sa’i is a time to remember the sacrifice of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Therefore, pilgrims should take their time and perform Sa’i correctly.
Neglecting the Sunnah Acts
Sunnah acts are the acts that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to do when performing Umrah. These acts are not mandatory but are highly recommended. Neglecting the Sunnah acts can result in losing rewards for the pilgrims. Some of the Sunnah acts of Umrah include reciting specific duas, performing Tawaf and Sa’i calmly and dignifiedly, and drinking Zamzam water. Therefore, pilgrims should not neglect these Sunnah acts and should try to perform them to gain maximum rewards.
Not Respecting The Sacred Sites
Makkah and Madinah are the two holiest sites in Islam. Pilgrims must respect these sites and avoid any actions that can disrespect them. For instance, pilgrims should not litter or spit in sacred sites and should avoid taking pictures or selfies. Any actions that disrespect the sacred sites can invalidate the Umrah and result in the loss of rewards.
Not Following The Rules And Regulations
There are specific rules and regulations that pilgrims must follow while performing Umrah. For instance, they must adhere to the dress code, maintain their purity, and avoid inappropriate behavior. If pilgrims do not follow these rules and regulations, their Umrah may not be valid, and they may not gain any rewards. Therefore, learning about these rules and regulations is essential before embarking on the Umrah journey.
