Umrah is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offering immense spiritual rewards. While scholars differ on whether it’s obligatory, its virtues are undeniable:

• Expiation of Sins: “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between, and Hajj Al-Mabrur brings no reward less than Paradise.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 2630)
• Removal of Poverty: “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 2631)
• Equivalent to Jihad: For the elderly, young, weak, or women, Umrah is akin to Jihad. (Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 2627)
• Guests of Allah: Pilgrims performing Umrah are considered Allah’s guests, and their supplications are accepted. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 2893)

To perform Umrah, you must meet the following conditions based on the Qur’anic verse:

Qur’an:
وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ

“And Hajj to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey. And whoever disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alamin.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 97)

• Financial Capability: You must afford the journey without financial strain.
• Physical Fitness: You should be healthy enough to undertake the pilgrimage, though assistance is allowed for the elderly or sick.
• Debt-Free: Clear all debts before traveling; Umrah cannot be funded by borrowed money unless willingly sponsored.
• Halal Wealth: Use lawful earnings, as Allah accepts only what is pure.
• Mahram for Women: Women must travel with a Mahram (e.g., husband, father, brother). (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 3260)

• Any Time of Year: Umrah can be performed year-round, day or night, unlike Hajj.
• Ramadan Umrah: Performing Umrah in Ramadan equals the reward of Hajj, though it doesn’t replace the obligation of Hajj. (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 939)
• Frequency: Ideally, perform Umrah four times in a lifetime, following the Prophet’s (PBUH) example, but there’s no limit. (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 815)

Umrah consists of four key steps, as outlined by the Prophet (PBUH):

• Ihram (Intention): Enter the state of Ihram at the Meeqat, pronouncing the Niyyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” and reciting Talbiyah. Wear Ihram garments and adhere to its restrictions.
• Tawaf: Perform seven anti-clockwise circumambulations of the Ka’bah, starting and ending at the Black Stone. Pray two Rakaat near Maqam-e-Ibrahim (or elsewhere in Masjid Al-Haram if crowded).
• Sa’ee: Walk seven times between As-Safa and Al-Marwa, starting at As-Safa.
• Hair Cutting: Men may shave or trim their hair (shaving is preferred); women trim a finger’s width of hair. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 3144; Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 1985)

After these steps, exit Ihram, and all restrictions are lifted.