Umrah is a special journey, so you should try your best to do it right. Many people make simple mistakes that can affect the experience. You should know what to avoid so you can focus fully on worship. Let’s go through the most common mistakes, one by one.
1. Violations of the State of Ihram
When you enter Ihram—the sacred state that marks the beginning of Umrah—there are specific rules you must follow strictly:
- Using Perfume or Scented Products: Applying any form of perfume or fragranced cosmetics on Ihram clothes is forbidden. The Ihram garments are meant to be simple and free from any scent, reflecting humility and equality among pilgrims.
- Wearing Prohibited Clothing: Men must avoid any sewn or stitched garments that fit the body, such as shirts, pants, or underwear.
The Ihram dress for men consists of two unstitched white cloths. Men are also not allowed to cover their heads with caps, turbans, or hats during Ihram.
Women must avoid covering their faces with a niqab or wearing gloves, as their faces and hands should remain uncovered during Ihram. - Cutting Nails and Hair: Once in Ihram, cutting or trimming nails or toenails is prohibited. Similarly, you must not cut, pull, or remove any hair from your body, including shaving or plucking.
2. Getting Distracted from Worship
One of the biggest mistakes pilgrims make is letting their focus drift away from the spiritual essence of Umrah:
- Avoid Shopping and Tourism During Rituals: While in Makkah, it’s tempting to shop or explore tourist sites, but doing this during your Umrah journey can distract your heart and mind from worship.
- Maintain Patience and Calmness: You might encounter crowds, delays, or long queues. Avoid arguing or showing frustration. Keeping calm, especially during Tawaf and Sa’i, will enhance your spiritual experience.
3. Disrespecting Sacred Places and Fellow Pilgrims
Showing respect for the sacred sites and other pilgrims is essential:
- Avoid Touching or Wiping the Kaaba: Some pilgrims try to touch or wipe the Kaaba’s cloth (Kiswah) to gain blessings, but this practice is discouraged and can cause crowding and disrespect.
- Respect Personal Space: Makkah can be very crowded. Give fellow pilgrims enough space, be courteous, and avoid pushing or rushing others. This kindness helps maintain peace and harmony.
- Follow the Rules of the Masjid al-Haram: Do not litter, damage, or misuse the holy grounds or facilities. Treat the environment with care.
4. Rushing Through the Rituals
Umrah is not a race, every step is a spiritual act that requires mindfulness:
- Understand Each Ritual Before Performing It: Learn the correct procedures and meanings behind each act. This knowledge helps keep your worship sincere.
- Make Clear Intentions (Niyyah): Always renew your intention before starting any ritual to ensure your actions are accepted.
- Take Your Time: Don’t hurry through prayers, Tawaf, or Sa'i. Focus on your connection with Allah (SWT) and perform each act calmly and reverently.
- Avoid Distractions: Turn off your phone or put it aside, and keep your heart centered on worship rather than worldly concerns.
5. Neglecting Personal Cleanliness and Health
While in Ihram, maintaining cleanliness and health is important, but should be balanced with the restrictions:
- Avoid Using Strong Scents or Soaps: Use unscented and gentle cleansing products.
- Don’t Neglect Hygiene: Even though certain grooming acts like cutting nails and hair are prohibited, keep yourself as clean as possible with permitted methods.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Umrah can be physically demanding. Avoid pushing yourself too hard to prevent exhaustion.
Other Forbidden Acts during Umrah:
- Entering into or arranging marriages during Ihram is not allowed.
- Sexual relations or even speaking suggestively about them is strictly prohibited.
- Hunting, killing, or helping in the hunting of animals is forbidden.
- Damaging trees, plants, or the environment in the sacred precincts is prohibited.
- Killing insects is generally not allowed unless they pose a danger to you (e.g., poisonous insects).
- Smoking, consuming drugs, or using any intoxicating substances is strictly forbidden.
- Engaging in fights, aggressive behavior, foul language, gossip, or backbiting should be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
Umrah is a sacred opportunity to get closer to Allah (SWT). So, every part of it deserves your attention, respect, and sincerity. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure that your Umrah is both spiritually fulfilling and accepted by Allah (SWT). Remember, Umrah is not just about reaching Makkah, but about transforming yourself through the journey. May Allah (SWT) accept your efforts and grant you a blessed pilgrimage. Ameen.
