The key Arabic words you need to know while performing Umrah

 Umrah brings together pilgrims from around the world who often speak different languages and arrive with very different levels of familiarity with Arabic.

Despite that cosmopolitanism, little is lost in translation. That is often because pilgrims arrive aware of what to expect, including the Arabic words and phrases that can make performing Umrah less arduous. Some describe the rituals themselves, others signal where you are in the journey, and a few are terms you may hear from guides, fellow pilgrims, airline crews or people working around the Grand Mosque.

With the cooler months traditionally bringing more pilgrims to Makkah, it is a useful time to understand the language of Umrah. Here are some of the key Arabic words that help to make sense of the journey, from entering ihram to completing the final rites.

Ihram

One of the most important words to know applies before you arrive at the holy site.

Ihram is deeper than the way the word is often used practically, to describe the two white pieces of cloth men wear during the ritual. The threads are there to amplify what is a deeper personal sacred state of ihram. More than simply not doing impermissible acts, it is about refraining from things that can disrupt your state of worship.

That means not getting into arguments or behaviour that interrupts your spiritual state. It does not mean reaching a higher plane. It is more about being in a state of awareness about why you are fulfilling a spiritual duty, which in turn affects your behaviour.

Once in ihram, there are also specific restrictions, such as not using perfume or cutting the hair and nails, while men also follow rules around clothing.

It is perfectly natural to hear someone in Makkah say they are still “in ihram”, sometimes to indicate they are still performing Umrah, or as a friendly plea not to engage in unnecessary banter or argument.

Niyyah

While a word used as a bedrock for all actions inspired by the faith, the Arabic word for intention – niyyah – is particularly relevant in the context of Umrah.

Often made silently, performing Umrah with intention focuses the pilgrim on understanding that the pilgrimage is more than the physical actions of fulfilling its pillars, but also how each can be carried out consciously and well.

If you are in an Umrah group, you may hear the guide declare that it's time to make your niyyah as you begin your journey to Makkah, more as a reminder that intention is paramount to fulfilling Umrah.

Miqat

You may hear the word miqat hundreds of kilometres from Makkah, whether travelling by road or air. Depending on the route, the designated points range from about 90km to more than 400km from the city.

Miqat is the geographical point that a pilgrim intending to perform Umrah should not cross without entering ihram. There are different miqat points depending on the direction of travel.

Those flying to Jeddah, the main air gateway for pilgrims travelling on to Makkah, may hear the word on the plane when the flight deck announces that the aircraft is approaching the relevant miqat, signalling pilgrims to be ready to enter ihram and make their intention before crossing it.

Those approaching Makkah by road can stop at designated miqat locations, many of which have mosques and facilities where pilgrims can prepare before continuing their journey.