Common Mistakes During Umrah and How to Avoid Them
Umrah is a great act of worship that many people experience only once in a lifetime. Small oversights can affect both the validity of the worship and its spiritual benefit. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Crossing the Miqat Without Ihram
Those coming for Umrah must cross the miqat boundary in a state of ihram. For air travellers the miqat is usually crossed in flight, so ihram should be entered at the airport or on the plane before reaching the miqat line. Crossing the miqat without ihram requires a compensation (dam).
2. Carelessness with Ihram Restrictions
- Using scented soap, perfume or creams,
- Cutting hair, beard or nails,
- Men wearing stitched garments or covering the head,
- Arguing or speaking harshly.
These restrictions remain until leaving ihram; violations may require compensation depending on the case.
3. Passing Through Hijr Ismail During Tawaf
Since Hijr Ismail is legally part of the Kaaba, a circuit that passes through it is invalid and must be repeated from outside.
4. Losing Count of the Circuits
Doubt about the number of circuits in tawaf and sa'y is common. Moving with your group, following your guide, or using a counter prevents this mistake.
5. Harming Others in the Crowd
Pushing others in order to kiss the Black Stone or to pray immediately behind Maqam Ibrahim means violating people's rights for the sake of a sunnah reward. In crowds, istilam from a distance is sufficient, and the tawaf prayer may be performed anywhere in the mosque.
6. Losing the Spirit of Worship
Being constantly busy with photos and phones, or absorbed in shopping, casts a shadow over the spirit of Umrah. Spending most of your time in Masjid al-Haram with tawaf, dhikr and the Quran is the best choice.
On Hisar Balkans tours, our experienced religious guides are with you at every step; you can ask them about anything you are unsure of.
