How to perform Umrah

Those things, which are Makruh (Undesirable) in Ihram and there is no expiation/atonement for them are:

1.  Cleaning the body of dirt/filth.

2.  Unbraiding the hair (for women)

3.  Combing the hair or beard.

4.  Scratching the hair or beard in such a way that there is no danger of killing lice or of hair being broken.

5.  Tying the chador of the Ihram on the neck.

6.  Covering the face or head with the cloth of the Ka’aba (Ghilaaf-e-Ka’aba) in such a way that it touches the face.

7.  To tie either end or both ends of the chador of Ihram and tie them with a thorn, needle or a piece of thread.  To join the 2 flaps of the chador of the lower garment or the upper garment, either by sewing or patches, and draping it around the body.

8.  Of women, wearing non-fragrant, black, yellow or blue clothes.  Smelling a fragrance or touching it, provided it does not rub into the hand itself or smelling fragrant flowers, fruits, etc.  Visiting or sitting a perfumer’s shop/place for the sake of fragrance.

9.  Tying a cloth on any part of the body excepting the face/head without the need for it or covering the nose or chin with a cloth, but covering with the hand is not Makruh.

10.  If any scented food item like spices, etc. are cooked and its smell has become weak, then even though the smell is there, eating it is Makruh.

11.  Having spices (cloves, Elaichi, etc.) or scented tobacco in Paan, etc.

Recite the Talbiya and Durud profusely.  When entering Masjid Haram, become a model of humility, and recite the following Du’a:

Bismillahi Walhamdulillahi Was Salaatu Wassalamu ‘Ala Rasulillah.  Allahummaf Tahali Abwaba Rahmatika Wad Khilnee Fiha.  Allahumma Innee Asaluka Fi Maqamee Hadha An Tusallee ‘Ala Sayyidina Muhammadin ‘Abdika Wa Rasulika Wa An Tarhamnee Wa Tuqeela Atharatee Wa Taghfir Dhunubee Wa Tadha’a ‘Anee Vizree.