How to Perform Umrah for Women
Performing Umrah is a significant pilgrimage in Islam that offers numerous spiritual benefits. While both men and women can perform this ritual, there are specific guidelines and practices unique to female pilgrims. This article will guide you through the steps involved in performing Umrah for women, highlighting key differences from male rituals while also discussing options for umrah packages and cheap umrah packages.
Understanding Ihram for Women
Before embarking on any form of Hajj or Umrah, individuals must enter into a state known as ihram. For women, entering into ihram involves wearing modest clothing without perfume or jewelry. Unlike men who wear specific garments such as the izar and rida, women may choose their own permissible attire provided it meets the criteria of modesty2. It’s essential to note that during ihram, women should avoid applying perfumes or adorning themselves with accessories like jewelry2.
Preparing for Tawaf
One of the primary rituals performed during Umrah packages is Tawaf—circumambulating around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise. Here are some important points specifically relevant to female pilgrims:
Reciting Talbiyah
The talbiyah is recited by all pilgrims before starting Tawaf. However, unlike men who invoke it loudly, females only need to recite it so that they hear it audibly themselves2. The talbiyah prayer goes thusly: “Labbayk Allahuma ‘Umran” (“Here I come O Allah for ‘Umra”), followed by similar invocations emphasizing devotion and unity with God1.
Performing Ablutions
It is crucial for female pilgrims to ensure proper ablution has been completed before beginning Tawaf. This includes washing hands thoroughly under running water three times each hand separately then wiping face once over forehead nose chin mouth throat ears neck shoulders chest abdomen hips thighs knees ankles feet toes etc., ensuring no impurities remain visible upon completion