Previously on the Imancipation Umrah series, we reviewed the importance of making a true intention for Umrah no matter what stage of life you’re in, we’ve provided sisters practical preparation tips including which books to take and what to pack, as well as ideas for spiritual and mental preparation. Then, we began the journey on the plane…
So now the time is nearing for you to adopt the ihraam. Today you’ll learn the conditions of ihraam specifically for women.
- The rights of Umrah begin by entering into the state of Ihraam.
- Wearing the Ihraam doesn’t mean that you are in a state of ihraam. The state of ihraam means to be in a state of ritual devotion. This is normally done at a specific area called the Meeqat (boundaries that were defined by the Prophet (saw)).
The Prophet (saw) said: They (i.e., the Mawaqit) are for those who come from them and those coming from beyond them who intend Hajj or Umrah” (Bukhari: 1524 and Muslim: 1181)
- A person is in the state of ihraam only once the Niyah (intention) has been uttered.
The first step is to prepare to be in this state. One should trim finger nails and toe nails if needed, shave under arms and pubic hair if needed, and to perform ghusl (shower) is Sunnah.
Next, you wear your Ihraam clothes. Women may wear any normal clothes of any colour, assuming it conforms to the Islamic guidelines. Although some women insist on wearing white or green, there is no authentic basis in the Sunnah for this action. Feet should be covered, therefore, women can wear socks. It is acceptable to adopt the ihraam clothes prior to the Meqaat if it’s more convenient.
The next important step to enter into the state of Ihraam is making Niyah for Umrah. This is the ONLY instance where one’s Niyah is made aloud. All other times the Niyah is to be done by heart only, and not the tongue. Your Niyah should be uttered at the meqaat or close to it after your transport has started moving towards it.
The Niyah is made by stating: “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Oh Allah, here I am performing Umrah). (Muslim: 1251).
There is no special Salah (2 Ra’kat) established in the Sunnah to be performed after adopting or related to the Ihraam.
It is preferred that the Niyah is done after a Salah, if possible. The Prophet (saw) pronounced his Niyah after having performed a Fardh Salah.
An important note for women who are menstruating: Menstruating or post-natal bleeding women MUST wear their clothing, make their Niyah, proceed to Makkah and wait until they are able to perform Ghusl. After completing their Ghusl they perform their Umrah.
(The Guidelines Above are excerpts from the book: The Ultimate Guide to Umrah by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids)
Now again, you may not be at this stage of your Umrah preparation yet. You may still be eagerly dreaming, praying, and hoping for it. But we know that along with our Duah, we must also begin to educate ourselves on what Umrah entails and this act of preparation is what fills you with the true thirst and desire to actively take steps to pursue your journey!
To refresh your memory on the previous Umrah Series Post, use the following blog link: https://nym.ink/…/imancipation-sisters-umrah-series-a-journ…/
