How to Perform Umrah

What is Umrah?

Umrah is the 'minor pilgrimage' in Islam, a voluntary act of worship that holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. Unlike Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and obligatory upon every Muslim who is physically and financially able, Umrah is a highly recommended Sunnah but not compulsory. While Hajj is confined to specific days during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah may be performed at any time of year, making it accessible to millions of pilgrims across every season.

To learn more about these two pilgrimages, read our dedicated guide: What is the Difference between Hajj and Umrah?

The virtues of Umrah are profound. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (pilgrimage accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise." (Bukhari). Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur'an: "You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and Umrah for God." This divine instruction underscores the importance of approaching each rite with full sincerity, preparation, and devotion.

For many Muslims, performing Umrah is a life-changing spiritual experience, an opportunity to stand before the House of Allah, seek forgiveness, and renew one's faith.

How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

Umrah consists of four sequential rites. Each one carries its own spiritual depth, and together they form a complete act of worship. Below is your step-by-step guide to performing Umrah correctly.

Step 1: Ihram (The Sacred State)

Ihram is the state of ritual purity and spiritual consecration that every pilgrim must enter before performing Umrah. It begins at the Miqat, the designated boundary points surrounding Makkah, beyond which no pilgrim may pass without being in the state of Ihram.

Physical preparation: Men change into two pieces of unstitched white cloth: one wrapped around the lower body (izar) and one draped over the upper body (rida). Women wear their regular modest clothing that covers the entire body. Before entering Ihram, pilgrims are encouraged to perform Ghusl (a full ritual bath), trim nails, and remove unwanted hair, as these acts will be prohibited once Ihram is assumed. Men should apply no perfume after this point.

Niyyah (Intention): The Niyyah is made at or before the Miqat, declaring the intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah alone. A common intention is: "O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."

The Talbiyah: Immediately after making the Niyyah, pilgrims begin reciting the Talbiyah, a declaration of answering Allah's call:

"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal-Mulk. Laa Shareeka Lak."

("Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.")

Men recite this aloud, while women recite it quietly. Continue the Talbiyah throughout the journey to Makkah, stopping once you begin Tawaf.

Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation)

Upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims proceed to the Ka'bah to perform Tawaf, the act of circling the House of Allah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Tawaf begins and ends at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), which is located in the eastern corner of the Ka'bah.

The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): If possible, pilgrims should touch or kiss the Black Stone at the start of each circuit. If the crowds make this impossible, which is common, simply face the Black Stone from a distance, raise your right hand towards it, and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" to mark the beginning of each circuit. This is equally valid.

Idtiba (for men): Before beginning Tawaf, men should perform Idtiba, placing the Ihram cloth under the right arm and over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare. This is maintained throughout all seven circuits of Tawaf.

Raml (for men): During the first three circuits, men are encouraged to perform Raml, walking briskly with short steps, similar to a light jog. The remaining four circuits are completed at a normal walking pace. Women walk at a normal pace throughout all seven circuits.

During Tawaf, there is no set prescribed du'a for each circuit. Pilgrims should engage in personal supplication, dhikr, and recitation of Qur'an. The area of Tawaf is a sacred space for heartfelt connection with Allah.

Upon completing all seven circuits, pilgrims perform two Rak'ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) if possible, or elsewhere in the mosque. This is followed by drinking Zamzam water.

Step 3: Sa'i (Safa and Marwa)

After Tawaf, pilgrims proceed to perform Sa'i, walking seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwa. This rite commemorates the remarkable actions of Hajar (RA), the wife of Ibrahim (AS), who ran between these two hills in search of water for her infant son Ismail (AS). Her legendary perseverance and trust in Allah is still honoured and re-enacted by every pilgrim to this day.

Sa'i begins at Safa and ends at Marwa. Each walk from Safa to Marwa, or from Marwa to Safa, counts as one circuit. Seven circuits in total are required, meaning you finish at Marwa.

Before beginning, it is recommended to face the Ka'bah at Safa, recite Takbir, and make du'a.

The green light section: Within the Sa'i walkway, there is a stretch marked by green lights. Men are encouraged to walk briskly or jog between these green markers, following the example of Hajar (RA). Women should walk at their normal pace throughout the entirety of Sa'i, including the green light section.

Throughout Sa'i, pilgrims should engage in supplication, dhikr, and personal prayer. There are no compulsory words prescribed for each circuit, and this is a time for sincere communication with Allah.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (The Completion)

The final rite of Umrah is the cutting or shaving of the hair, symbolising the end of the state of Ihram and the completion of the pilgrimage.

For men: Men have the option of either Halq (complete shaving of the head) or Taqsir (shortening the hair all over the head). Halq is considered more virtuous, as the Prophet (PBUH) made du'a for those who shaved their heads three times before those who trimmed. However, Taqsir is entirely valid if shaving is not preferred.

For women: Women are not required to shave their heads. Instead, they complete their Umrah by cutting a small portion of their hair, roughly the length of a fingertip (approximately one centimetre), from the ends. This is known as the 'fingertip rule', and it applies to all women regardless of hair length or style.

Once the hair has been cut or shaved, the state of Ihram comes to an end, and all previously restricted acts become permissible once again. Umrah is now complete.

As you complete your rites and trim your hair, you are following a sacred tradition of submission. Carry that spirit forward by following in the footsteps of the Prophets. Provide a Prophetic Qurbani today.

How to Perform Umrah for Ladies

Women perform all the same rites of Umrah as men, Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir, but there are important differences and specific rulings that apply exclusively to women.

Ihram clothing: Unlike men, women do not wear the two white unstitched cloths. A woman's Ihram is her regular, modest Islamic clothing, an abaya or similar loose-fitting garment that covers the entire body, in any colour. Her clothing must be clean, modest, and worn with the intention of entering the state of Ihram.

Face and hands: While in the state of Ihram, women must not cover their faces with a niqab or face veil, and must not wear gloves. However, if a woman is in the presence of non-mahram men, she may draw the edge of her head-covering (such as her khimar or hijab) down over her face as a screen. This is a permissible act of modesty that does not invalidate the Ihram.

Menstruation: If a woman's period begins before or during her Umrah, this is a matter of Allah's mercy and should not cause distress or shame. A woman in a state of menstruation (hayd) or postnatal bleeding (nifas) may perform all acts of Umrah with the exception of Tawaf and the two Rak'ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. She should wait until she is in a state of purity before performing Tawaf. All other rites, including Sa'i and the cutting of hair, may be performed at the appropriate time. Women are advised to plan their travel with awareness of their cycle and to consult with a knowledgeable scholar if they have specific questions.

Sa'i, the green lights: During Sa'i, the green light section marks where Hajar (RA) is said to have run. Men are encouraged to walk briskly or jog in this section. Women, however, should not run between the green lights; they should maintain their normal, unhurried walking pace throughout the entire course of Sa'i.

Hair cutting, the fingertip rule: Women complete their Umrah through Taqsir rather than Halq. They should gather their hair and cut a small portion from the ends, approximately the length of a fingertip (about one centimetre). There is no requirement to cut from every strand; cutting from one section is sufficient. Head shaving is not required or recommended for women.

Rules of Ihram for Men and Ladies

Once the state of Ihram is assumed, a set of restrictions comes into effect for both men and women. These prohibitions are in place to help pilgrims maintain a state of purity, humility, and focus on worship.

What is prohibited while in Ihram:

• No perfume or fragrance: Applying perfume, scented lotions, or fragrant soaps to the body or clothing is not permitted. Unscented alternatives should be used.

• No cutting of hair or nails: Trimming, shaving, or removing any hair from the body, or cutting nails, is forbidden while in Ihram.

• No hunting: Hunting or killing any land animals while in Ihram is prohibited.

• No arguments or quarrels: Pilgrims must avoid disputes, arguments, and all forms of immoral speech or behaviour. The spirit of Umrah calls for patience, gentleness, and humility.

• No sexual relations: Intimate relations between spouses are prohibited during the state of Ihram.

• No marriage contracts: Entering into a marriage contract while in Ihram is not permitted.

Common questions:

Footwear: Pilgrims may wear sandals, flip-flops, or any shoes that leave the top of the foot exposed (for men). Socks are permissible for women at all times. Men should avoid shoes that cover the ankle and the top of the foot.

Clothing: Women may wear an abaya or loose modest clothing of any colour — there is no requirement to wear white. The garments should be clean, non-transparent, and free of perfume. Rings and simple accessories are permitted; however, wearing gloves is not permitted while in Ihram.

Eyeglasses and hearing aids: These are permitted for those who need them and do not affect the validity of Ihram.

Medication and sunscreen: Unscented medication and unscented sunscreen are permissible. Scented products should be avoided.

If any prohibition is violated unintentionally, a pilgrim should seek forgiveness from Allah and, where required, offer a fidyah (expiation). It is always best to consult a qualified scholar if you are unsure.

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