Umrah for women includes the same steps as other pilgrims perform during Umrah. But the methods and actions for performance are definitely different for women’s Umrah. This difference majorly come in dress code, physical walking, voice, and some specific movements. So, if we see from a broad aspect, the main purpose of Umrah is the same for both men and women, but the way of performance may be different.
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage in Islam that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. Any Muslim, regardless of his age, gender, or status, can perform Umrah after purchasing the best Umrah package. So, if you are a woman and going for Umrah, then this helpful guide is especially for you. Here you will learn what modest clothes to wear as a female during Umrah, what safety protocols should be followed, and some essential tips.
Umrah Clothing for Women (Not Specific Unstitched Attire)
The specific dress of Umrah is the Ihram that every pilgrim has to wear before starting the rituals or entering Masjid al-Haram. Ihram for female pilgrims is different from that of men. Males aren’t allowed to wear stitched clothes, but women can. Females can wear an Abaya or any modest clothing to start Umrah. Their Ihram should cover the whole body, loose-fitted, modest, and stitched. Avoid colourful dresses except white, black, beige, or off-white colours.
When in Ihram, it’s not allowed for women to cover face and hands. So, don’t wear a veil and gloves; your hands should be exposed. You can wear socks to keep your feet covered and for protection, but make sure to consult a scholarly guidance before wearing. For footwear, use comfortable shoes, slippers, sandals, or sneakers. Pack footwear of good quality, as you will have to walk/run during Umrah.
Prioritise Your Safety During Umrah
A woman should prioritise her safety in every public gathering, even during Umrah. This is necessary because any wrong situation or unseen event can happen. According to Islamic guidance, women should travel with a Mahram, but now women can travel individually and perform Umrah comfortably once purchased the Umrah ticket. During the Tawaf and Sa’ee performance, crowds are intense inside Masjid al-Haram, so physical safety matters a lot. Keep yourself protected from being pushed by men, and while performing Tawaf and Sa’ee, walk according to the speed of the pilgrims around you. If you are an older woman, then you prefer the upper floors of the Mosque to avoid disruptions and mishappenings.
Safeguarding your personal items is also your responsibility. Pack your important documents and mobile phone in a cross-body bag. You can also use a shoulder or handbag, but it can be easily snatched. Keep an eye on your belongings while performing Wudu or going to the restroom. Don’t show carelessness even for a minute. Additionally, take care of your health and stay hydrated because of sweat, physical efforts, and due to crowds, you may feel dehydration frequently. Insidethe Haram Mosque, you can drink blessed Zamzam water.
Perform Umrah Rituals Correctly
Umrah rituals is same for every pilgrim, but the method of performance is different for both men and women. Almost all the steps are the same, but there are some things where gender-specific guidelines must be followed. For the very first, the Ihram attire, as we discussed above, is different for both men and women. Do Ghusl, ablution, cut nails, and other necessary preparations. You should ensure not to apply perfume directly on the Ihram attire. Your Ihram should be properly stitched and not be attractive.
The second step of Umrah is Tawaf, which is done around the Holy Kaaba. You have to perform Tawaf in an anticlockwise direction seven times. Start your Tawaf from Hajar-e-Aswad corner,and during the first three rounds, keep your walking speed at a normal pace. Do not be touched by men while performing Tawaf. After Tawaf, perform two Raka’hNafl prayers at the Station of Abraham.
The third step of Umrah for women is Sa’ee, performed between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This step is again done seven times, and one lap is considered from Safa to Marwah. While performing Sa’ee, men walk faster upon reaching green lights, and women walk at normal speed. Similarly, following that, complete the seven-time walking.
Cutting the Hair for Ending Ihram (Taqsir)
Taqsir is for women, which is only about shortening the head’s hair to complete the last ritual of Umrah. In contrast, men perform Halq, completely shaving the head. Women perform Taqsir outside the Grand Mosque of Makkah, at any private place. They can cut hair by themselves or with the help of any pilgrim, but not by any non-Mahram. The quantity of hair should be 1 to 2 cm in length; just the tips of small locks of hair equals to fingertip. You don’t need to cut every lock of hair from each side of your head.
You are still counted in Ihram attire until you perform Taqsir successfully. After performing Sa’ee, try to do the last rituals of hair cutting at your earliest convenience. You can buy a pair of scissors from any shop or pack them in your luggage before travelling. Make sure it’s small, sharp, and clean for better hygiene and privacy. Taqsir is very simple than Halq, and women can easily perform it to complete Umrah.
Some Specific Tips for Women’s Umrah
- If you are in your menstruation cycle, you are not allowed to conduct Tawaf and Sa’ee. Make yourself pure or wait to perform. Consult with a doctor or get guidance from scholars on the issue.
- Keep all the emergency medicines in your first aid, especially painkillers and pills to stop menstruation immediately.
- If you are a pregnant woman, take special care of yourself. Inside the Grand Mosque, you can get help from staff in case you require attention during your pregnancy.
- Older women may take time to perform Umrah. Choose off-peak hours to go inside the Haram and try to avoid travel in summer.
- When walking in crowds, always be with your group, family members, or Mahram. Although Makkah is a religious and safe city.
In conclusion, Umrah for women is a sacred journey that should be performed with devotion and sincerity. Intention is more than worship because Islam promotes pure heart intention. So, your Umrah should not be for show or any worldly purpose; it’s only for Allah SWT. So, show your modesty during pilgrimage. May Allah SWT accept your Umrah and grant you His endless blessings!
