Question 575) - What is 'Umrah linguistically and in Shari'ah? What are its Fard and Waiib actions? How is it penformed?

A: Linguistically 'Umrah means to visit. in Shari'ah it encompasses the following four:
1. Ihram
2. Tawaf of the Ka'bah
3. Sa'y between as-Safa and al-Marwah
4. Shaving or cutting the head.

The first two are Fard and the second two are Wajib. When one wants to perform 'Umrah then one will enter Ihram at the Miqat. First perform Wudu or Ghusl and then two Rak'at. Then say the intention of 'Umrah, "O Allaah i intend 'Umrah. Ease it for me and accept it from me." Then recite Talbiyah as we mentioned in the Ihram of Hajj. Once the Talbiyah is recited then Ihram has been entered. Upon entering Makkah he will circle the Ka'bah seven times and then make Sa'y between as-Safa and al-Marwah. He will then shave or clip hair off the head. Upon doing that the 'Umrah is complete and he has emerged from the Ihram as well.

~ al-Quduri ~