The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them. [Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah]

Types of Umrah

There are two types of Umrah:

• Umrah al-Mufradah – this type of Umrah is performed independently to Hajj and can be carried out at any point during the year, except during the days of Hajj.
• Umrah al-Tamattu – this type of Umrah is performed in conjunction with Hajj and is normally carried out in the month of Dhul Hijjah, just before the commencement of Hajj. This particular type of Hajj is known as Hajj al-Tamattu and is the most common and easiest type performed by pilgrims.

Conditions of Umrah

There are several conditions that need to be met in order to perform Umrah. These conditions are exactly the same as those for performing Hajj:

• Islam – you must be Muslim.
• Maturity – you must have reached puberty i.e., you are Baligh.
• Sanity – you must be mentally sound and in full control of your mental faculties.
• Financially able – you must have sufficient expenses to cover travel, accommodation, and all other requirements during the course of your Umrah. You must also have sufficient expenses to support your dependents during your absence. Being debt-free isn’t a prerequisite, although arrangements for debts to be fulfilled should be made prior to going on Umrah.
• Physically able – you must be physically capable of traveling to Makkah and performing the rites of Umrah. You should be free from any illnesses or diseases that would restrict you from doing so.
• Transport – you must have access to and can afford transport to travel to Makkah to perform Umrah. Traveling should also be safe i.e., you shouldn’t be in any danger of being harmed during your trip.
• The Necessity of a Mahram (women only) – females must be accompanied by a Mahram.
• Free from Iddah period (women only) – females must be from their Iddah period, if applicable.