How to Perform Umrah

1 What is Umrah?

Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. It can be performed at any time of the year. The main pillars are:

• Ihram — sacred state with intention (Niyyah)
• Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba
• Sa’i — seven trips between Safa and Marwah
• Halq or Qasr — shaving or shortening the hair

This guide follows the commonly taught order for first-time pilgrims. Always follow your Murshad if you are in a group.

2 Preparation before travel

• Learn the steps of Umrah and basic duas (see our Duas page).
• Men: prepare two white seamless Ihram sheets. Women: modest Islamic dress (no specific colour required).
• Trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and take a full bath (ghusl) if possible before Ihram.
• Pack comfortable sandals, a small bag for the Haram, and any prescribed medicines.
• Make sincere intention in your heart that this journey is solely for Allah.

3 Entering the state of Ihram

Where: At or before the Miqat (boundary). If flying to Jeddah/Madinah, follow your airline or Murshad’s advice — many put on Ihram on the plane before crossing Miqat.

How:

• Perform wudu (or ghusl if possible).
• Men wear the two Ihram sheets; women remain in their normal modest clothing.
• Pray two rak’ahs if time and place allow (optional but recommended).
• Make the Niyyah for Umrah and begin the Talbiyah.

“Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all praise, blessings and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

Continue Talbiyah often until you start Tawaf.

Restrictions in Ihram: No perfume, cutting hair/nails, hunting, or marital relations. Men should not cover the head with a fitted cap or wear stitched clothing. Women do not cover the face with a niqab that touches the face (they may use a slight screen if needed for modesty).

4 Entering Makkah & Masjid al-Haram

• Enter Makkah with humility and remember you are a guest of Allah.
• Enter Masjid al-Haram with the right foot and the dua for entering a mosque.
• When you first see the Kaaba, make any sincere personal dua — this is a special moment.

“O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”

5 Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba)

Start: At the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner. The Kaaba is on your left throughout.

• Face the Black Stone. If you can touch or kiss it without harming others, do so; otherwise raise your hand toward it and say Allahu Akbar.
• Walk anti-clockwise. One circuit = from Black Stone back to Black Stone.
• Complete seven circuits.
• Men may uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba’) and walk with a slightly stronger pace in the first three circuits (Raml) if it does not harm others; women walk normally.
• There is no fixed dua for each circuit — recite Quran, dhikr, or personal duas. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone many recite:

“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

After Tawaf: Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible (or anywhere in the Haram). Then drink Zamzam water.

6 Sa’i between Safa and Marwah

• Go to Safa. Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make dua. You may say the dhikr of Tawhid.
• Walk toward Marwah. Men may walk briskly between the two green lights; women walk normally.
• At Marwah, face the Kaaba and make dua again.
• Safa → Marwah = 1, Marwah → Safa = 2. Continue until you complete seven legs, finishing at Marwah.

“There is no god but Allah alone; He has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is over all things competent.”

7 Halq or Qasr (leaving Ihram)

• Men: Shave the head (Halq — more virtuous) or shorten the hair evenly (Qasr).
• Women: Cut a small amount from the end of the hair (about a fingertip’s length). Do not shave.
• After this, all Ihram restrictions end. Your Umrah is complete, insha’Allah.

“O Allah, accept my Umrah and forgive my sins.”

8 Summary checklist

• ✓ Ihram + Niyyah + Talbiyah at Miqat
• ✓ Enter Masjid al-Haram
• ✓ Tawaf × 7 (Kaaba on your left)
• ✓ Two rak’ahs + Zamzam
• ✓ Sa’i × 7 (Safa to Marwah)
• ✓ Halq / Qasr

For the duas at each stage, open our full Umrah Duas page. For Qibla direction anywhere, use the Qibla Finder.

9 Tips for first-time pilgrims

• Stay close to your group and Murshad in crowded times.
• Do not push for the Black Stone or Multazam — safety and not harming others comes first.
• Keep hydrated; rest between acts if you feel weak.
• Photography and phones: be respectful and avoid blocking pathways.
• Women who are menstruating should ask their Murshad for rulings on what they may delay or how to complete Umrah.

Need a guided group from the USA? View our Umrah packages or message us on WhatsApp.