How to Perform Umrah — Step by Step

Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage and can be performed at any time of the year. It takes only a few hours, but preparing well makes it calm and meaningful. Here are the four main parts of Umrah in the order you will perform them.

1. Ihram at the Miqat

Before you pass the Miqat (the boundary for pilgrims) you enter the state of Ihram. Take a bath (ghusl), men wear the two white unstitched sheets, women wear normal modest clothing, and make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah. If you are flying, you can change into Ihram at home or at the airport and make the intention when the pilot announces the Miqat.

After the intention, recite the Talbiyah often: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…

2. Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba

• Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner, facing it and saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.
• Walk anti-clockwise around the Kaaba seven times, making dua and dhikr in any language.
• Men uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba) during this Tawaf.
• After seven circuits, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque.
• Drink Zamzam water.

3. Sa’i — between Safa and Marwah

Go to the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba and make dua. Then walk to Marwah — that is one round. Walking back to Safa is the second. Complete seven rounds, finishing at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green lights. The whole Sa’i area is air-conditioned and wheelchairs are available.

4. Halq or Taqsir — cutting the hair

Men shave the head (Halq) or shorten the hair (Taqsir); women cut a fingertip length from the end of their hair. With this your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. Alhamdulillah!

Tips from our team

• Perform Tawaf late at night or after Fajr when it is less crowded.
• Keep your shoes in a small bag — shoe racks are easy to forget.
• Elderly pilgrims can use wheelchairs or electric carts on the upper floors.
• Stay together as a family and agree a meeting point (for example a numbered gate).

Please note: This guide is a simple overview to help you prepare. For detailed rulings please follow your scholar or our group scholar, and always check the latest Saudi travel rules — our team confirms everything before you travel.