Shia Umrah Guide: A Comprehensive Overview

What is Umrah?

Umrah, also known as the “lesser pilgrimage,” is a journey that takes Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Though distinct from Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime (if financially and physically capable), Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. While Hajj is time-bound to specific dates during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah holds no such time restrictions and is open to Muslims throughout the year. Despite its optional nature, Umrah is considered a highly spiritual journey, often carried out to seek forgiveness, cleanse oneself of sins, and experience proximity to Allah.

The rites of Umrah include entering a state of spiritual purity (Ihram), performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and concluding with the cutting or shaving of hair (Taqsir). As simple as these acts may seem, they carry deep spiritual significance and are replete with history and meaning.

The Historical Context of Umrah

To understand the significance of Umrah, it’s essential to trace it back to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The tradition of pilgrimage to the Kaaba, a sacred site in the Islamic faith, predates Islam itself. The Kaaba, known as the “House of Allah,” was originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a place dedicated to monotheistic worship (Esposito, 2002). Over time, however, polytheistic practices took hold, and the Kaaba became surrounded by idols. The Prophet Muhammad restored the Kaaba to its original monotheistic purpose during the conquest of Mecca in 630 CE, a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

The significance of Umrah and Hajj lies in their capacity to reinforce the believer’s relationship with Allah, while simultaneously connecting them to Islamic history, particularly the lives of Ibrahim, Ismail, and Hajar (Hagar). Ibrahim’s devotion, Hajar’s perseverance in seeking water for her son Ismail, and Ismail’s obedience serve as timeless examples of faith, sacrifice, and reliance on Allah.

How Does Shia Umrah Differ from Sunni Umrah?

While both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the foundational principles of Islam, the differences in how Umrah is performed reflect the broader differences in jurisprudential, theological, and historical perspectives between the two sects. These variations, however, do not negate the shared essence of Umrah as a profound spiritual journey.

1. **Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba):**

– Both Sunni and Shia Muslims perform *Tawaf*, the ritual of circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. However, in Shia Islam, *Tawaf* is not only viewed as a physical act of worship but also as a symbolic representation of the soul’s journey towards Allah. Shia pilgrims may recite specific prayers invoking the names of the Prophet’s family, the Ahlul Bayt (House of the Prophet), during Tawaf (Momen, 1985). This reflects the sect’s strong attachment to the Prophet’s lineage, particularly the Imams, who are seen as spiritual guides.

2. **Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah):**

– The act of Sa’i commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son, Ismail. In both Shia and Sunni practices, pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, a distance of approximately 450 meters. Shia scholars, however, encourage pilgrims to reflect on the spiritual struggle and resilience demonstrated by Hajar. Shia pilgrims often reflect on their own struggles in life, drawing parallels to Hajar’s perseverance (Tabatabai, 1975).

3. **Talbiyah (Supplication during Ihram):**

– The Talbiyah is a prayer recited during the state of Ihram, declaring the pilgrim’s intent to perform Umrah and submitting to Allah’s will. While the traditional Talbiyah is universally recited — “*Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk*” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am; You have no partner, here I am) — Shia pilgrims often add “*Labbayka ya Hussain*” (Here I am, O Hussain) as a way to honor Imam Hussain and express their reverence for the Ahlul Bayt (Cole, 2002). This is a distinct practice in Shia Islam, reflecting the sect’s deep connection to the Prophet’s family, particularly the martyrs of Karbala.

4. **Visitation to Holy Shrines:**

– For many Shia pilgrims, Umrah is not just about completing the ritual in Mecca; it is also an opportunity to visit the holy shrines of the Ahlul Bayt. These sites, particularly in Medina and Karbala, hold significant spiritual value for Shia Muslims. Visits to the graves of Imam Hassan, Fatimah Zahra, and other members of the Prophet’s family are considered acts of devotion. Though not a formal part of the Umrah rites, these visitations highlight the importance of the Ahlul Bayt in Shia spirituality (Nasr, 2002).

Detailed Steps of Shia Umrah

1. **Preparation: Entering the State of Ihram**

Before performing Umrah, pilgrims must enter a state of spiritual purity known as *Ihram*. This involves wearing two white seamless cloths (for men), while women must dress modestly, covering their entire body except for the face and hands. The clothing serves as a symbol of equality, stripping away all distinctions of wealth, status, and nationality.

Upon entering Ihram, Shia Muslims recite the Talbiyah and additional prayers, seeking to purify their intentions and focus entirely on Allah. The transition into Ihram signifies a renunciation of worldly concerns and a total dedication to the pilgrimage (Halm, 2004). Acts such as arguing, cutting hair, and wearing perfumes are forbidden during this period.

2. **Performing Tawaf**

The first major rite of Umrah is *Tawaf*. Pilgrims walk seven times around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone. Shia pilgrims may also touch or kiss the Black Stone, though this is not compulsory. The circumambulation is symbolic of the unity of Muslims around the world, as well as the believer’s desire to draw nearer to Allah.

According to Shia teachings, Tawaf should be done with mindfulness, remembering both Allah and the sacrifices made by the Ahlul Bayt. Shia scholars like Allama Tabatabai have commented on the spiritual nature of Tawaf, likening it to the orbit of celestial bodies around a divine center (Tabatabai, 1975).

3. **Performing Salat after Tawaf**

After completing the seven circuits around the Kaaba, Shia pilgrims perform two units of prayer (rakats) behind the *Maqam Ibrahim* (the Station of Ibrahim). This spot is believed to be where Ibrahim stood while building the Kaaba. The prayer serves as a moment of reflection, connecting the pilgrim with the legacy of Ibrahim, who is revered by Muslims as the patriarch of monotheism (Esposito, 1998).

4. **Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwah**

The next step in Umrah is the Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates Hajar’s desperate search for water for her son Ismail. Shia Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their own personal struggles during this walk, seeing it as an opportunity to cultivate patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah’s provision.

5. **Cutting Hair (Taqsir)**

The final act of Umrah is the cutting or shaving of the hair, known as *Taqsir*. For male pilgrims, this often involves shaving the head, while female pilgrims cut a small portion of their hair. This act symbolizes the pilgrim’s renewal and humility before Allah, marking the end of the sacred state of Ihram.

6. **Optional Visitations to Holy Sites**

For Shia pilgrims, a visit to Medina or other holy sites is often incorporated into the pilgrimage. Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, where the graves of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hassan, and Fatimah Zahra are located, is a common practice. While this is not part of the obligatory Umrah rites, it holds great spiritual significance in Shia Islam (Nasr, 2002).

Conclusion

Shia Umrah, like its Sunni counterpart, is a deeply spiritual journey designed to bring the believer closer to Allah. However, the unique aspects of Shia theology, particularly the veneration of the Ahlul Bayt, are reflected in the practices and supplications performed during the pilgrimage. Whether it is in the recitation of Talbiyah with added invocations to Imam Hussain, or the reflective nature of Sa’i, Shia pilgrims blend the traditional Umrah rituals with their devotion to the family of the Prophet.

Umrah remains a sacred opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and immerse themselves in the history of Islam, transcending sectarian differences while fostering a deeper connection to Allah. Choosing the right shia umrah package can help you focus on the spiritual aspect of umrah so you don’t have to worry about the hassles of the details of the trip.  

References

• Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press, 1998.
• Halm, Heinz. Shia Islam: From Religion to Revolution. Markus Wiener Publishers, 2004.
• Momen, Moojan. An Introduction to Shi’i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi’ism. Yale University Press, 1985.
• Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. HarperCollins, 2002.
• Tabatabai, Muhammad Husayn. Al-Mizan: An Exegesis of the Quran. The Islamic College for Advanced Studies Press, 1975.