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I am a strong advocate for celebrating religious milestones! Just like with our dunya, (worldly) milestones and achievements, such as graduations, work-related recognition, baby showers, birthdays and so on, our deen (religion) is an integral part of our life as Muslims and should be celebrated. Performing Hajj, 

, memorizing Quran, and starting to pray are all Islamic milestones that are worth celebrating.

(Planning a celebration of any sort can be overwhelming. To help you with the basics, read my post on 

 narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) on ordering our children to practice praying at seven years old. While this hadith is 

, meaning that the chain of narrators is not as well established as sahih, it is still credible to use as supporting evidence. Turning seven is a big step, and by this age many Muslim children have begun their Quran reading or memorizing journey and may even have started to fast some hours of the day in Ramadan.

I think it is a great age to introduce the concept of salah as well. It’s important to note that every child is at a different stage in their upbringing and willingness to learn and practice. The Prophet Muhamad (saw) is known to have been kind, gentle and practical, especially when it comes to implementing fundamental aspects of our 

part of our everyday life as Muslims, it is one of the five pillars of Islam, which makes highlighting this milestone all the more important and necessary. It’s hard to believe my own daughter embarked on her seventh year of life last October. Her father and I talked about planning a salah party as she begins to practice praying and making wudu. I’m excited to do this!

Whether you decide to revolve your child’s birthday party (if you celebrate birthdays) around salah or dedicate another special day for the festivities, let’s plan a 

While the main purpose is to get our little Muslims excited about salah, we can always incorporate their favorite characters, colors and activities to make a customized theme that is unique to your child. I love 

 Tea Party Salah-bration and all the little details.

Centering your party around a specific theme will help you better plan the type of food, dessert and activities you want to prepare. With Ramadan closely approaching, it would be a great idea to incorporate a 

 with salah for the ultimate spiritual boosting party as we prepare ourselves for the month of worship and prayer.

Since this is a salah party after all, take the time to think about what type of lessons you want your child and their friends to take away from this celebration. The goal is to introduce the concept of salah and to hopefully instill a love for this obligation that they will carry with them as they grow and mature.

Here’s some ways to build upon the salah theme, starting with 

 great post with bite sized information on salah, its importance and reward, that you can incorporate into your party.

 When thinking of party games, be sure to keep in mind the age group you are hosting. Islamic Jeopardy is always a fun and easy game to customize to your age group. For young children around 5-7 years old, some categories you can include are Salah, Prophets, Islam, Quran and Miscellaneous. Check out 

video for some examples of simple questions for each.

 Having a wudu demonstration is a great way to practice the steps of wudu while also discussing the concept and importance of cleanliness in Islam. Make it an activity by having your child demonstrate in front of their friends the steps they would do if they were in the bathroom. Afterwards, have a wudu chart making station, where everyone can write down and decorate their very own wudu chart to hang in their bathrooms at home to help them practice!

 out visuals that align with each step, lay out some construction paper, add stickers to match your theme, and finally provide a protective sheet cover to keep the chart from getting wet. You can also print 

step by step wudu chart, laminate and gift to your guests as part of their party favors. A salah tracker is another great take home goodie to include as part of the kids’ favors or activity they can make at the party.

 It’s always a good idea to sprinkle some functional favors and crafts while keeping things exciting and fun. Adding a kid-friendly hijab, kufi or prayer rug is another great gift option for your guests and will allow your child to receive endless 

(good deeds) every time their friends use them for prayer.

 Keep the atmosphere alive and fun with some of your favorite Islamic nasheeds playing in the background throughout your activities and while your guests are munching on all the yummy food and treats. My kids and I are huge fans of 

 Don’t forget to include salah time in your activities! Plan your party time around one of the five prayers that best suits your schedule, and encourage your child to lead their friends in congregation after they’ve all learned and made their wudu. If your child is shy, that’s ok! Ask if any of the other guests would like to lead, or you lead them! It would be the perfect ending to your salah-bration and a beautiful way to instill the value of praying together versus alone whenever possible. Touch on this and talk about the multitude of rewards Muslims receive for praying together.

With Ramadan closely approaching, and our little ones growing up too fast, let’s build a loving foundation for one of the pillars of our faith that is our key to Jannah! Salah is a special time to connect with Allah (S). May He make our little ones of His righteous servants and of those who perform their salah on time. 

5 Fun Activities to Do When Planning a 'Salah-bration' for Your Child!

Who’s already ready for winter to end? This time of year always feels odd to me, as though we are in limbo and waiting out the remaining chilly months while patiently anticipating the warmth of spring. Sometimes, we need a kick of color in our lives to keep us moving and motivated. And so, in honor of 

, I wanted to share a taste of Palestinian dress while also showcasing some of our new woven hijab collection.

 will surely wake up your hijab game, and add a splash of technicolor to your outfits. What I love most about these colors is that you can cozy them up while we wait out the remaining of winter, and can also style them in the light and airy breezes of the upcoming spring and summer.

These new Woven colors are sure to become a staple in your hijab wardrobe. The styling possibilities are endless!

Black maxi dresses are super handy and easy piece to style with numerous hijabs. No matter the season, you can always benefit from this versatile capsule piece. For cooler weather, pair it with a thick coat or colorful bomber jacket. I love the pink and purple contrast against the black. It's the perfect blank canvas to experiment with all of our new Woven colors. The 

 bamboo woven hijab pairs beautifully with the intricate Palestinian embroidery known as 

 In tatreez, there are countless motifs and designs that were once created by Palestinian women inspired by their surroundings in nature, symbols portraying their beliefs, their season of life and what they were going through. Tatreez was also a reflection of one’s socioeconomic and marital status, depending on the color, placement, intricacy and use of fabrics.

We’re sticking with the all black theme, because nothing screams technicolor hijab more than a black canvas with which to pair it! A wide leg jean pants with a soft turtleneck are both fall and winter capsule pieces that I make sure to have. You can go so many ways with this look by adding chunky cardigans, sweaters, jackets, shawls or my personal pick – a keffiyeh! 

Simply fold the keffiyeh into a triangle and use a belt to secure the waist. Add a pop of color with one of our new Wovens to the black and white pattern for a bold statement.

 is an iconic black-and-white or red-and-white scarf adopted by many countries in the Middle East and is part of Arab culture. Men usually wear this headscarf as part of their cultural dress. In Palestine, it has historically become a symbol of Palestinian culture and is deeply rooted in the Palestinian identity of resistance to cultural erasure and our right to exist in our homeland.

Just like with tatreez, the different symbols on the keffiyeh represent various aspects of Palestinian life. The fishnet pattern symbolizes the importance of the fishing trade and the fishermen who have historically played an integral part of the economy and livelihood of Palestine. The bold black lines represent historical trade routes that pass through Palestine. The leaf design symbolizes the leaves of the olive trees, a significant agricultural, economic and cultural symbol.

Learn more about the history and significance of the keffiyeh and its symbolism 

No matter the season, a denim jacket is a must have in your modest fashion wardrobe. It is a capsule item that can go with a variety of different pieces depending on the weather or occasion. Growing up, I loved pairing my summer dresses with a cropped or hip-length jean jacket, in more recent years the oversized, baggy look is my preference. You can also play around with your look and add some character by mixing and matching your denim washes.

A maxi denim skirt is another go-to staple piece that can work in so many different ways. It is a trend that is making a comeback, and I am all here for it. It brings back memories of my teenage hijab years! I love the look of the jacket with a straight cut denim skirt, although you can always pair your jacket with a maxi dress or jeans.

You can’t go wrong topping off this ensemble with any of our 

 hijab that perfectly complements the embroidery on the back. I love the application of tatreez on 

denim jacket. I have seen many stitchers take on similar projects and stitch on the back of their jean jackets, which I personally have added to my tatreez project idea list!

The design on the back of this denim jacket is derived and reimagined from an iconic chest design of the Gaza region thobe, Palestinian dress. The motifs and placement mimic historical architecture of the region. Here, the triangles resemble the shapes found on historical homes that were known for jagged triangular designs around their doorways. The color scheme of the Gazan dress is also famous for incorporating bright vibrant colors such as purples, blues and pinks. These colors were extracted from snails and hand dyed. Because Gaza is a coastal region and had an abundance of snails, these colors became popular and widely used in Gaza’s embroidery.

Dress To Preserve Indigenous Traditions & Culture

While we are still in the thick of winter, I couldn’t help but include a good maxi dress option for all of us who are anticipating warmer days to come. When I find a good maxi, long sleeve dress on the market, I make sure to snag it for an easy, put-together look.

What I love about maxi full sleeve dresses is that depending on the hijab style and fabric, you can go casual with one of our woven flowy hijabs or dress up your look with one of our Everyday Chiffons. I love the bold contrast of bright colors that the electric blue and Viva Magenta woven offer. This will be one of my go to outfits in the spring and summer, for sure!

I added tatreez to this linen dress after visiting The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in the summer of 2022. I was in awe of all the thobes on display that were indigenous to the North Sinai, Egypt region, which shares its border with South of Gaza. Naturally and prior to occupation, the dwellers of both regions would mingle and share customs and traditions, hence the overlap in tatreez dress designs, patterns and colors between the Sinai region and Gaza.

The thobes of the Sinai region, similar to those of Gaza, are known for their bright, bold use of colors such as hot pink, orange, red and blue that reflects the bright and bold spirit of Egyptian culture.

Which of our new Bamboo Woven colors will you rock? Be sure to tag us @hautehijab. We love to see your style!I hope this post has inspired you to think outside the box and add a splash of color to your outfit while continuing to stand up for justice, stand against oppression, and amplify the voices of those being silenced.



Honoring Palestine Through Fashion By Styling Our New Bamboo Woven Colors

This feels all too familiar, but yet it is so very different. When my grandparents and mother-in-law passed away, I felt the same feeling as I do now. A feeling that weighs heavy on the heart and has the ability to disable you from finding peace and purpose, at least for some time. This is how the past two months have been as a Palestinian grappling with the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

With the natural passing of loved ones, we learn to accept, find our new normal, and are reminded that this is the way of life. “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return” [2:156] But this is different. This hits different. To witness the mass murder, genocide, and ethnic cleansing of my people, this is a grief that penetrates deeper.

It is one thing to lose loved ones to the natural causes of life, sickness, accidents and so on. But losing entire family lineages because of an intentional, targeted genocide is beyond human comprehension. I think I can speak for the vast majority of Palestinians, we never thought we would live to see the remaking of another 

How does one live? How does one function halfway around the world?

This is the type of grief that will forever weigh heavy and never be mended or healed. It will never make sense. But still we know, and we are certain, and we believe, “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.'' This 

, life, is a test and with it come trials and tribulations that will surely rock us to our core. But still we remind ourselves that “We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life and crops. But give glad tidings to those who are patient and steadfast.” [2:155]

A protest for Gaza and Palestine in Charlotte, N.C.; photo credit: Deda Photography

The initial weeks of this war felt like an everlasting funeral at home. I found it hard to carry on with my day-to-day tasks. My two young children’s needs were the only thing pulling me to go through the motions of our daily routine. My mind, heart and soul were in a different space than my body. I couldn’t comprehend or understand what was happening, what is still happening, so I held on to the only thing I knew to be true.

One thing that I know will never fail me. Only one thing mattered to me in that phase of processing my grief, and that was to turn to the promise and reassurance of the only one who has full control over all affairs, Allah (S). In my despair, confusion and heartache, the words of Allah (S), 

“Verily in the remembrance of Allah (S) do hearts find rest.” [13:28]

“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” [3:173]

I have to make an intentional effort to remind myself that some things in this life, we were never meant to understand. Allah’s hikmah, His wisdom, is there in all that He facilitates. But sometimes we were just not meant to understand it, not yet. Not now. Maybe not here, in this life. But also - we are human, and Allah (S) created us with feelings and curiosity, and it is our right to feel the way we feel.

My feelings are valid, your feelings are valid. Allow yourself to go through the emotions, because what we are witnessing is not normal. Let’s not normalize it and become numb to the images, the videos and the noise.

During these times of confusion and rocking of faith, many of us turn to circles of knowledge, our favorite religious speakers, or own teachers for guidance and words of reassurance and calm. With that being said, something I have found interesting and a constant trend, especially during this specific war on Gaza, is that the views of those in religious circles and scholars of faith are often seen through rose-colored glasses.

As a global community, we are looking at the images and videos, the strengths, weaknesses, suffering and calamity in Gaza while on a spiritual high, approaching the suffering as a way to reassure ourselves that Allah (S) will take care of it. And while Allah (S) will take care of it, we tend to romanticize their pain and idolize the Gazans who have stepped up to be heroes in their own right, but against their own will.

Instead, our approach should always first and foremost be in the 

, “I want the world to see us as humans.”

The press, civilians, journalists, photographers - they did not ask to be heroes. They did not ask to be looked up to in the way we are doing.

“We are a people of dignity, not accustomed to this disgrace.” 

Somewhere between the dehumanization and the glorification, we are losing their humanity. And that, that is an injustice to the people of Gaza. To the people of Palestine. “We are not superheroes like the media makes us to be. Our children are hungry, our men are lost. We have nothing in our power to do but move from place to place to seek shelter. We are not able to do anything for ourselves, this is our situation.” says 

(While this list is limited, it highlights some of the

 who are working selflessly and courageously every day to show us what is unfolding. Follow them, amplify their voices, and share their content.)

The things we are witnessing were never meant to be broadcasted to the world. The fact that you are seeing such suffering circulating is humiliating. The fact that this is what they have to resort to in order to show the world the atrocities being committed against them is desensitizing. Do not put a melody over it and romanticize it. We Palestinians take pride in ourselves, the way we present ourselves, the way we dress, the food we eat, the culture we work so hard to preserve as to not be erased and ethnically cleansed!

Nothing epitomizes this agony of having to display one's suffering when dignity needs to be protected then 

, where a Gazan woman declared, "The entire world is looking at us, we are not an exhibit or show on display. We are the most dignified people on Earth! We don’t want anyone to record us, we have Allah (S) with us! We don’t want anyone to sympathize with us. We have Allah (S)!“

Don’t Forget The Reality Behind The Lens

Allah (S) chose the people of Palestine to serve their purpose, and that is to defend the Holy Land and fight to their death. Allah (S) has planted in them a seed of faith that is unwavering and will withstand the test of time until the promised day of victory, Insha’Allah.We see it in the videos and in their words and actions. The words “I am still alive.” introducing every daily update video from 

 will forever ring in our ears as a reminder for an unanswered cry for help.

We will never un-see the photos taken by 

, “I never thought I’d be documenting my people’s genocide, ceasefire now.” But do not for a second forget that despite their strength and heroism, they are still human and are breaking. Do not for a second forget that before and after every video of strength you see from them, there is a disastrous reality that extends beyond the artistic doodles and characters made in their honor.

Do not forget that there are those who are not on display, because they are truly suffering and lost. They don’t have an inspirational video or moment of strength to display for you; they are lost being human in this inhumane reality.

Ornaments with Palestinian tatreez embroidery created by Danah and her daughter to give to friends. Image source: Danah Shuli

I take a moment to pause and reflect and I see that still, amidst the disparity, tragedy and suffering, I find myself inspired by my people’s strength and resilience in their most vulnerable state. Videos of children comforting each other and sharing the little food they have. Seamstresses inventing makeshift sewing machines out of bike wheels and gear to cover and dress those who have been exposed. Women refusing to leave orphaned babies and taking them in as their own. 

Men who have lost their entire families, lending their hands out to other survivors. Communities sharing meals they managed to cook with scarce ingredients and out of the mud made ovens they built. Youth singing songs of faith, hope and victory to muddle the noise of bombs falling from the sky.

It is hard to fathom we are surpassing over 70 days of war. Recently, I found myself entering a new stage in processing what is happening. I am able to think more clearly about how I can channel all my grief and anger into positive action. After my interview with Jumana from 

 I was inspired to take on small projects to raise money for donation. I took advantage of my latest baking hobby and made a small “Cake Jar for Gaza” campaign where we raised a thousand dollars, 

This week I am partnering with my sister-in-law to teach a 

, Palestinian cross - stitch, class for charity to our local community. My daughter and I have been busy making Tatreez Christmas ornaments that we gifted her teachers, our neighbors and loved ones for the holidays. This was especially new to me as I usually only gift during Muslim holidays. But this year, gifting during Christmas time was necessary. Actually, it was a duty.

Cake jars that Danah created and sold as a fundraiser for Pious Projects in Gaza.

Jesus was Palestinian. Bethlehem is in Palestine. We work hard to preserve our culture, our traditions, our existence. Through our actions, the world will learn to see the truth.

The world is listening, the tide is shifting. Palestine is not a foreign word anymore. We did this. Not the war, not the politicians, not the leaders, but US. The people. Palestinians who have been fighting for their voice, freedom, and right to exist for over 75 years. 

Keep doing, keep talking. Free Palestine.



'Somewhere Between the Dehumanization and the Glorification, We Lost Their Humanity'

Have you ever performed Umrah? If you’ve never performed Umrah or Hajj, the steps and rituals can seem confusing. Umrah, however, it isn’t as complicated as you may think. Think of Umrah as a mini Hajj! 

Many Muslims strive to perform Umrah at least once. And while Hajj is 

(obligatory) for all physically and financially-abled Muslims once in their lifetime, Umrah is not fard, depending on what school of thought you ascribe to.

In the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, Umrah is not fard (obligatory), it is considered a 

 (emphasized sunnah). The other two schools of thought, Shafi’i and Hanbali, consider it obligatory like Hajj. Learn more about whether Umrah is obligatory here.

And, as with many things regarding faith, you can find a variety of opinions from scholars on this. We’re not here to advise you on if it’s obligatory or not. We’re here to breakdown how to perform Umrah into digestible bites of info. So, let’s get into it!

Regardless of the school of thought you follow, there are endless benefits and blessings to performing Umrah.

Abu Hurairah narrates: Allah’s (S) Messenger (saw) said, “(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.”
[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari

It was also narrated from Abu Hurairah, that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah (S). 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]

And the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the furnace removes impurity from iron.
[Narrated in Sunan al-Nasa’i]

There are two types of Umrah that can be performed.

This type of Umrah is performed at any point throughout the year and is independent of Hajj. This type of Umrah cannot be performed during the days of Hajj. And although it can be performed at any time, Umrah during the month of Ramadan is highly recommended. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said to a woman from among the Ansar, “When it is Ramadan, perform Umrah then, for Umrah during it is equivalent to Hajj.”
[Narrated in Sunan an-Nasa’i]

This type of Umrah is performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah just before the beginning of Hajj. It is the most common type of Umrah during the Hajj season. 

 is the name of the Hajj that is performed in this fashion.

In order to perform both Hajj and Umrah, there are certain criteria that need to be met for the pilgrimage to be accepted. These conditions are the same for Hajj and Umrah.

 These spiritual obligations are only permissible for Muslims to fulfill.

Children can perform Umrah, but it isn’t incumbent upon them, like fasting or prayer isn’t incumbent upon them. Certainly it’s great to take children and show them the beauty of Umrah, Makkah and Madinah. But the reward you receive and the obligations you fulfill for doing Umrah happen when you reach and pass the age of puberty.

 You must have full control of your mental abilities.

 You must be able to afford the journey and all that expenses that come with travel and stay without going into debt. You must also have sufficient funds to support any family members or people you are responsible for at home.

Muhsen helps disabled Muslims perform Umrah. Image source: Muhsen.

 You must be in good health to carry out the rites of Umrah.

 You must have access to travel to Makkah in a safe and affordable manner.

Women must be accompanied by their mahram. A mahram is a man in the family that is prohibited to marry the woman due to their blood relationship. A brother, father, son, brothers through breastfeeding, uncle, and father-in-law. A woman’s husband is also her Mahram. While the government of Saudi Arabia has 

lifted the rule on women needing a mahram to perform Umrah or Hajj

, this is an Islamic requirement upon which Islamic scholars have a variety of opinions.

(What should you pack for an Umrah trip? We’ve 

 after interviewing several women who recently performed Umrah and doing additional research!)

Ok, now let’s talk about what you need for Umrah and how to actually do it.

 Ihram refers to the state of purity that is required before entering the perimeter of Makkah. This state entails certain prohibitions that the pilgrim must abide by for the time they are performing Umrah. The state of Ihram is broken once the rituals of the minor pilgrimage is complete and the hair is clipped, the final pillar of Umrah. The two-piece unstitched white garment worn by men and the clothing women wear is also referred to as 

Before traveling, the pilgrim should perform 

, clip their nails, and remove one's underarm and pubic hair. The idea is to physically purify yourself before embarking on the journey of Umrah. Pilgrims will wear their Ihram garments before crossing the 

Male pilgrims wear their Ihram; image source: Pexels; photo by Mohammed Khawar Nazir.

before entering the state of Ihram. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rakah, and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second. Once you have approached the 

 (the boundary from which you need to be in a physical and mental state of Ihram for Umrah) or have gotten near the location, whether by plane or in person, renew and make your Umrah intention. It is recommended to make your 

, or intention, verbally and internally. You can say one of these versions of the intention:

“ Oh Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.”

“Oh Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.”

“Oh Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.”

For the transliteration and Arabic text, 

After announcing your niyyah, it is important to recite the 

. Failure to recite the Talbiyah will result in an invalid Umrah. Once the Talbiyah is recited, you are now in the state of Ihram and are referred to as a 

of the Ihram while being a Muhrim. If your Ihram is violated there are religious penalties that you must fulfill.

Recite the Talbiyah as much as possible as you head to the Ka’ba to make tawaf, but when you begin to make your tawaf and perform sa’i, you don’t recite the Talbiyah. More on that below.

Now you are ready to perform the steps of Umrah. As you approach Makkah, and 

, the limits of the masjid that extend beyond and around the Ka’ba, it is recommended to repeat the Talbiyah, do dhikr, and constantly send blessings and prayers upon the Prophet (saw). Once you enter Masjid Al-Haram, it is encouraged to recite the following du’a and enter with your right foot:

“Oh Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.”

“In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad (saw). Oh Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your mercy.”

“I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.” 

Making tawaf around the Ka'ba during COVID times; image source: Twitter.

When you see the Ka’ba for the first time, it is recommended to make sincere du’a. This is a special time and place where du’a is accepted. Don’t forget to send countless peace and blessings upon the Prophet as well. It is also encouraged to recite the following 

“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.”

“Allah, increase this House in honor, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honor and respect it, of those who perform Hajj or Umrah, in honor, respect, esteem and piety.”

“Oh Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.” For the transliteration and Arabic text, 


Allah, increase this House in honor, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honor and respect it – of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah – in honor, respect, esteem and piety.

 is the action of walking around the Kaaba seven times, counter clockwise. There are several conditions that need to be met in order for your tawaf to be valid. Please go over them 

. To start making tawaf, make sure you’re in a state of wudu, make your intention. “Oh Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of your Sacred House, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.” For the transliteration and Arabic text, 

Begin at the corner of the Ka’ba where the black rock, 

, is mounted. Make sure that the Ka’ba is to your left. Be cautious not to walk through 

as this will void your circuit. You will need to repeat that round if this happens. 

You can recite this du’a, “In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. Oh Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfillment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah.” 

You can also say any form du’a such as Tahlil

During your seven rounds of Tawaf, take advantage of making any and all of the du’a you ever wished to make. This is a sacred place and one in which du’a is answered, whether in this life or the next. Make sincere, heartfelt du’a in the language you are most comfortable with. Never underestimate the power of your du’a, and do not be shy in asking Allah (S) for anything your heart desires.

refers to the ritual of walking back and forth between the two hills of Safa and Marwa in honor of our mother, Hajar (ra), who did this while searching for water for her baby, Prophet Ismail (as). This is performed in seven rounds just like the Tawaf. Be sure to brace yourself and not over-tire yourself during this rite of Umrah. Taking breaks is encouraged if you feel tired. There are some conditions for the Sa’i to be valid, read them 

Image source: Pexels; photo by Taha Elahi.

Start by approaching the hill of Safa and say the following verse and intention once before you begin your seven laps of Sa’i. You do not need to repeat them before each lap:

“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.” [2:158]

“I begin with that which Allah has begun with.” 

When you reach Safa, face the Ka’ba and make du’a, 

), and send Salawat (peace and blessings) upon the Prophet (saw). It is sunnah to recite the following du’a a total of three times while making your own supplications in between each.

“Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.”

“There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.”

“There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the Confederates alone.” 

Make your way to Marwa, while continuing to make your own du’a. Once you have reached Marwa, you have completed your first lap. Continue walking back and forth between Safa and Marwa seven times. You will end your seventh lap in Marwa. This completes the end of Sa’i.

After completing your Sa’i, pray two rakah sunnah and leave Masjid Al-Haram. Leave the masjid with your left foot and recite the following du'a,

“In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah, I ask for Your bounty.” 

 After performing Tawaf, Sa;i and your two rakah sunnah, In order to end the state of Ihram, you must shave (

your hair by at least one inch. It is common and more virtuous for men to shave their head completely. Women should only trim their hair. You can do this step alone or go to a licensed barber in Makkah.

This concludes your Umrah, Mubarak! You are now free from the rules and restrictions of Umrah and are able to change into your usual clothing and attire. If you wish to perform another Umrah during the same visit, you must enter into the state of Ihram again from one of the designated locations of Miqat. 

, is the closest and most common place that is near Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah.

If you or anyone you know are planning to embark on their journey to Umrah, I hope that this guide was helpful and useful. While I covered the main steps and information, I encourage everyone to check out The Hajj and Umrah Planner 

. It is an excellent resource that goes into detailed step by step instructions on how to perform Umrah and Hajj.

May Allah (S) grant us all the opportunity to fulfill our religious obligation in the best health and security. Ameen.

Umrah 101 – A Guide to Everything You Want to Know About Performing Umrah

 All this month we are focusing on the stories of Muslim women working in charity, whether as the head of some charitable organization, doing volunteer work or anything in between. We are exploring what drives these women to give of themselves to others, how they balance that in their lives and what advice they have to encourage others to take up work to help those in need. To donate  to Pious Projects, click 

If you’re like me, it is always hard to sift through where my donations are going when deciding on a charity. A lot of relief aid organizations seem to spend a lot of time and money on PR, fundraising dinners and administration. Like many, I’ve been trying to zero in on organizations that are delivering aid to Palestine and, specifically, Gaza.

’ “100% impact with 0% admin fees” tagline immediately caught my eye, and just by a quick glance at their website and social media accounts (

) I could tell that this small organization operated differently than others I’ve seen in so many ways. I had to learn more, and spoke with Jumana El-Ammori, the Program Director at Pious Projects, about her work and journey.

Dedicating one’s time and energy to charitable work doesn’t come easy. Jumana shares with me how she started with Pious Projects, what motivates her, and where the work takes her.