Umrah Step by Step

A complete guide to performing Umrah correctly

Meaning of Umrah

Umrah is an Arabic word meaning "to visit a populated place". In Islam, it refers to a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, which can be performed at any time of the year — except during the days of Hajj (9th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

Unlike the obligatory pilgrimage of Hajj, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship. However, it is highly recommended and brings tremendous blessings. Umrah comprises: passing the Miqat in Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, doing Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and performing Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming of hair).

The 5 Pillars of Umrah

Ihram

Purification & intention

Miqat

Enter state of Ihram

Tawaf

7 circuits of the Kaaba

Sa'i

Safa to Marwah x 7

Halq/Taqsir

Shave or trim hair

Ihram

Physical Purity

Clip nails, remove hair under armpits and below the navel. Perform Ghusl (full bath) — if not possible, Wudhu suffices. Men may apply unscented attar to the beard/head only.

Ihram Clothing

Men wear two seamless white sheets — the Izar (lower) and Rida (upper). Sandals must not cover the heel or ankle. Women wear normal modest Islamic dress; face and hands remain exposed.

Tip: Put on your Ihram at the airport before departure. If changing on the plane, do so at least 1 hour before the Miqat.

Salah al-Ihram

Perform 2 Rakahs Nafl before entering Ihram. Surah al-Kafirun (109) in first Rakah, Surah al-Ikhlas (112) in second. Make Dua afterwards.

Niyyah (Intention)

لبّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

Labbayka llāhumma 'umratan.

O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

Talbiyah

لبّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لبّيْكَ

Labbayka llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni'mata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

At Your service, Allah, at Your service. You have no partner. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty is Yours.

Important: You must recite the Talbiyah at least once after making your intention. Failure to do so will invalidate your Umrah!

Miqat — Boundary Points

Miqats are the boundaries designated by the Prophet (saw) from which pilgrims must enter Ihram. When travelling by air you will cross the Miqat parallel — ensure you are in Ihram before the plane crosses it.

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Dhul Hulaifah

For travellers via Madinah — the most distant Miqat from Makkah.

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Al-Juhfah / Rabigh

For travellers from UK, Europe, North America, Egypt and Syria. (~182km NW of Makkah)

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Qarn al-Manazil

For travellers from UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Australia. (~80km E of Makkah)

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Yalamlam

For travellers from Yemen, South Africa and Nigeria. (~100km S of Makkah)

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Dhat Irq

For travellers from Iraq, Iran, Russia and China. (~90km NE of Makkah)

Tawaf al-Umrah

Tawaf consists of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting and ending at the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).

Conditions for Valid Tawaf

Be in state of Wudhu
Make intention (Niyyah)
Start from the Hajar al-Aswad
Move anti-clockwise (Kaaba on your left)
Avoid the Hatim
Complete 7 circuits
Perform 2 Rakahs Salah after Tawaf

Idtiba for Men: Uncover your right shoulder by passing the upper Ihram sheet under the right armpit throughout all 7 circuits. Cover it again after Tawaf.

Dua between Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā 'adhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us good in this world and the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.

After Tawaf

Perform 2 Rakahs Salah near Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the Masjid)
Drink Zamzam water and make Dua
Visit the Multazam if accessible (between Hajar al-Aswad and Kaaba door) and make Dua

Sa'i — Safa and Marwah

Sa'i is walking seven laps between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and finishing at Marwah. This commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.

Conditions for Valid Sa'i

Perform after Tawaf
Start at Safa, finish at Marwah
Complete 7 laps
Cover the full distance each lap
Perform on foot if able

Dua at Safa and Marwah (recite 3 times, make personal Dua in between)

Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, yuḥyī wa yumīt, wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah alone, no partner. To Him belongs dominion and all praise. He gives life and death and has power over everything.

For Men: Run at a medium pace between the two green fluorescent light markers (Milayn al-Akhdharayn). Women walk normally throughout.

Halq or Taqsir

After Sa'i, to leave Ihram and complete your Umrah, you must have your hair shaved (Halq) or trimmed by at least an inch all around (Taqsir).

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Halq (Full Shave)

Complete head shave. More virtuous for men. Not permitted for women.

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Taqsir (Trimming)

Trim at least one inch from all around. The only option for women.

Congratulations! Your Umrah is complete. You are now free from the restrictions of Ihram and may change into regular clothing. May Allah accept it from you. Ameen.

Learn More About Umrah

Obligation of Umrah

The Prophet (saw) performed Umrah four times. According to Hanafi and Maliki schools Umrah is Sunnah Mu'akkadah. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools consider it Fardh (obligatory), like Hajj.

Virtues of Umrah

The Prophet (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 is nothing except Paradise." [Bukhari]. He also said: "Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the furnace removes impurity from iron." [Nasa'i]

Types of Umrah

(1) Umrah al-Mufradah — performed independently, any time except Hajj days. (2) Umrah al-Tamattu — performed with Hajj in Dhul Hijjah as part of Hajj al-Tamattu.

Conditions of Umrah

Must be: Muslim, mature (Baligh), mentally sound, financially able, physically able. Women must be accompanied by a Mahram and be free from their Iddah period.

Best Time for Umrah

Umrah may be performed any time of year except the days of Hajj (9–13 Dhul Hijjah). Performing Umrah in Ramadan is especially virtuous — the Prophet (saw) said it is equivalent to Hajj.

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