Discover 10 common mistakes pilgrims make during Umrah and learn practical tips to avoid them for a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Introduction How to Avoid Mistakes During Umrah
Umrah is the most transformative and spiritual journey for Muslims. It purifies your soul and enables you to have a fresh start at life. Even though this journey is profoundly spiritual and requires your utmost focus to do everything correctly, some people make many mistakes during the trip.
If you are planning the pilgrimage soon, you must know about the common mistakes pilgrims make during Umrah and how to avoid them. Only fortunate Muslims whom the Almighty invites get a chance to visit His home.
Therefore, if you want to be among the many UK Muslims going for pilgrimage soon, you must be grateful first and then prepare for the journey properly. Learning about all the Umrah rituals and rules will help you perform the pilgrimage correctly and do justice to this golden blessing that you have received from the Almighty. So, if you have started the search for Umrah packages from the UK, it is time that you learn about the common mistakes that you must avoid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
Let’s talk about some of the common mistakes that pilgrims make during Umrah to help you avoid them during your spiritual retreat.
Not Learning the Proper Way to Perform Umrah
You might think people arrive in Makkah knowing all the pilgrimage rituals. No doubt this is how it should be. But not everyone comes in fully prepared to perform the Umrah. Many of the pilgrims don’t even know the correct sequence of performing the Umrah rituals. This can cause confusion and errors while performing Umrah rituals.
How to Avoid it?
As soon as you decide to perform the pilgrimage, you should start learning about the rituals. You can go through a step-by-step Umrah guide or attend an Umrah preparation class.
Observing Ihram Incorrectly
Here is another common mistake made by the Umrah pilgrims. Either they don’t know how to wear the garment properly, or they fail to follow the rules associated with it. Some pilgrims forget to make their Niyyah before donning the Ihram or crossing the Miqat boundaries, thus entering the state of Ihram without it. Many pilgrims also use perfumes and scented products while they are in the state of Ihram. This is prohibited, so you should be mindful of it.
How to Avoid it?
Make sure that you purify yourself, wear the Ihram garment and make your Niyyah to perform the pilgrimage clear before you cross the Miqat points. Don’t use any perfume, deodorant, or scented products like soaps and lotions once you have entered the state of Ihram.
Forgetting or Mispronouncing the Talbiya
Talbiya (“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk…”) is your intention to perform the pilgrimage. All the pilgrims must recite this supplication as they enter the state of Ihram, which declares their purpose to arrive at the pilgrimage sites. Many pilgrims forget to recite the Talbiya or misquote it.
How to Avoid it?
Make sure to learn the Talbiya with Arabic text, transliteration, and translation for a better understanding. Keep repeating it before your Umrah journey to make it a habit to recite and memorise.
Rushing and Pushing During the Pilgrimage
Pilgrims get very eager during the Tawaf, trying to push others to reach the Black Stone. This is not permissible and is entirely immoral to push or disturb other pilgrims. It also disrupts the crowd flow. Also, you must not rush while performing the pilgrimage. Take breaks if necessary.
How to Avoid it?
Perform the pilgrimage rituals calmly and maintain a steady flow that matches the flow of the crowd. We must understand that Allah will recognise our patience and sincerity, even if we are not able to touch the Black Stone or get close to the Kaaba.
Taking Excessive Photos and Videos
This is the era of social media and cameras in every hand. People love to take photos and videos of everything and every place. Many pilgrims take excessive photos and videos of the sacred sites instead of focusing on duas, supplications, and various acts of worship. It is a big mistake; however, it is pretty common.
How to Avoid it?
Make sure your heart is focused on the spiritual purpose that you are here to fulfil. You can take photos and videos outside the Haram or after completing your pilgrimage rituals.
Neglecting Prayers in Haram – A Common Mistake to Avoid During Umrah
You should never miss out on the chance to pray congregational prayers at Haram. Many pilgrims forget about these prayers while performing the Umrah rituals. However, they have many blessings, and you should not neglect them.
How to Avoid it?
Make sure not to miss out on the exceptional rewards of praying in Haram by keeping track of the daily prayers. You can take a break between your rituals to pray in the mosque.
Lack of Patience With Crowds
Umrah crowds are some of the biggest ones. It can get really challenging to navigate these crowds and perform the rituals. Many pilgrims become impatient, get frustrated, and argue with fellow pilgrims. It deviates you from your Umrah purpose, which is meant to teach you humility.
How to Avoid it?
Keep reminding yourself that patience is a part of worship. Immerse yourself in dhikr to keep calm and focus on spiritual renewal.
Avoid Mistakes During Umrah: Improper Observance of Dress and Modesty
Some men make the mistake of letting their Ihram slip below the navel, which is inappropriate. Some women also wear tight or flashy clothes, which is not what the Ihram is about. Ihram is about simplicity and modesty.
How to Avoid it?
Focus on simplicity and humility. Follow the Islamic dress code and Ihram rules correctly.
Forgetting to Perform Halq or Taqsir Properly
Halq or Taqsir is the last Umrah ritual. Some pilgrims forget to cut their hair after Sa’i, while some cut insufficiently, that don’t meet the ritual’s requirements. Keep in mind that performing Halq or Taqsir properly is vital for Umrah completion.
How to Avoid it?
Men must shave their heads or trim their hair evenly. Women should also cut at least an inch off the ends of their hair.
Not Maintaining Cleanliness and Respect at the Holy Sites
Many people leave litter or raise their voices at the holy sites. This is disrespectful towards the sanctity of the pilgrimage sites, yet it is still quite common. Respecting the sacred sites should be your priority.
How to Avoid it?
Be humble and keep your surroundings clean. Don’t litter and speak softly with your fellow pilgrims.
Summing Up
Umrah is not just a physical pilgrimage that requires you to perform the rituals. It requires you to follow specific rules and respect them while you are at the pilgrimage sites. You must know about the common mistakes pilgrims make during Umrah and how to avoid them. It will help you have a more meaningful journey.