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What is Umrah?
Umrah is a spiritually enriching pilgrimage offering Muslims an opportunity to renew their faith and draw closer to Allah. While men and women follow the same core rituals, there are specific differences in how they prepare for and perform Umrah, each adapted to enhance their individual experience. Below is a quick summary of these key distinctions to help you prepare for your journey.
5 Key Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Umrah:
- Clothing: Men wear two white sheets (Ihram), while women wear modest clothing without covering the face or hands.
- Talbiyah: Men recite the Talbiyah aloud, while women recite it softly.
- Walking During Tawaf: Men perform Raml (brisk walking) during certain rounds of Tawaf; women do not.
- Idhtiba: Men expose their right shoulder during Tawaf, a practice not required for women.
- Hair: Men shave or trim their heads after Umrah, while women trim only a small portion.
These distinctions reflect the thoughtful approach Islam provides to fulfil religious obligations with dignity and respect. Let’s delve into the details.
How Men & Women Prepare for Umrah? Key Differences
In the state of Ihram, men and women adopt specific dress codes and practices to symbolise humility and purity.
Clothing Requirements
Men wear two unstitched white sheets, symbolizing simplicity and equality. Women, however, wear their regular, modest clothing, leaving the face and hands uncovered to maintain both modesty and comfort.
Recitation of the Talbiyah
Upon entering Ihram, men are encouraged to recite the Talbiyah aloud as a proclamation of their intention, while women recite it softly to avoid disturbing others, preserving a sense of modesty.
Physical Preparation
Men often trim facial hair and nails as part of their preparation for Ihram. Women focus on modest grooming practices, maintaining cleanliness in line with the spiritual nature of the pilgrimage.
Once in the state of Ihram, men and women continue to observe the core rituals of Umrah with additional variations in certain practices, which add depth to their unique spiritual experiences.
How do Men & Women perform Umrah? Key Differences
Once in the state of Ihram, men and women observe the core rituals of Umrah, including Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah). Here’s how the rituals differ slightly.
Walking During Tawaf
Men perform Raml, a brisk walk, during the first three rounds of Tawaf, while women walk at a regular pace, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
Idhtiba: Exposing the Shoulder
As part of Idhtiba, men expose their right shoulder by adjusting the upper Ihram cloth during Tawaf, while women remain fully covered in modest attire.
Sa’i: Running Between Safa and Marwah
In Sa’i, men run between two green lights that mark where Hagar is believed to have run while searching for water for her son, Ismail. Women perform this part of the ritual by walking the entire distance.
Shaving and Trimming Hair
To mark the completion of Umrah, men either shave their heads or trim their hair as a symbol of renewal, while women trim a small portion of their hair, usually the length of a fingertip.
Understanding these differences helps pilgrims prepare for Umrah with confidence and respect. By following these guidelines, men and women can perform their pilgrimage with intention and spiritual focus, honoring the traditions of Umrah.
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