Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere du’a and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.

In summary, the rituals of Umrah include the following steps:

1. Entering the state of Ihram (a sacred state of purity and dedication).
2. Passing the Miqat (the boundary from where it becomes necessary for pilgrims to enter Ihram).
3. Entering the Masjid al-Haram and performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka’aba.
4. Performing two Rak’ah at the Maqam Ibrahim and to drink Zamzam water.
5. Carrying out Sa’i (walking/running between the hills of Safa and Marwa).
6. Finally, either shaving the head (Halq) or trimming the hair (Taqsir).

See below for a more in-depth breakdown on each of the steps of Umrah.

What are the steps of performing Umrah?

Assuming Ihram and making niyyah

1. Before assuming Ihram, it’s a highly recommended Sunnah to perform Ghusl. It’s also recommended to clip your nails and remove excess body hair. As you’ll be travelling on an international flight, this should be performed before leaving your home. Men may also wish to apply Attar/perfume to their heads/beards, ensuring not to get any on the Ihram garments.

2. Change into your Ihram. Men should wear two white sheets: One is wrapped around the waist, while the other is used to cover the top half of the body. Sandals may be worn that do not cover the ankle, and it is not permissible to wear a hat or turban.
Women are to wear their normal dress, but should not wear gloves or cover their face.
Ensure you change into your Ihram attire before crossing the Miqat. You will likely be travelling to Saudi Arabia via plane, so you should change into your Ihram at the airport prior to departure or during a stopover if you have one.

3. Pray Salah al-Ihram. It’s Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be performed after getting changed at the airport or in-flight before crossing the Miqat, providing there are prayer facilities on-board. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two Rakahs Nafl for Ihram. It is recommended to recite Sural al-Kafirun (109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, although other Surahs may be read.

4. Make the intention for Umrah.If You Travel By bus – Bus Wait miqat sail kabir/ qarn al manazel for ihram

By Air For those flying from the QATAR abroad, the Miqaat is passed 20-30 minutes before landing. This is the point at which one must make the intention for Umrah, by reciting the following:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

Transliteration: Labbayk Allahumma bi-Umrah.
Translation:Here I am O Allah making Umrah.

5. Recite the Talbiyyah from this point onwards. Men should recite this in a loud voice without disturbing others, while women should recite this softly.

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ

Transliteration: Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.
Translation: At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

Entering the Masjid al-Haram

6. It’s recommended to enter the Masjid from Baab Bani Shaibah (or known as Baab Salam) and the Sunnah is to enter the Masjid with the right foot forward and it is recommended to recite the following dua:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ، وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ.

Transliteration: Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ‘ala-n-Nār, wa amminnī min ‘adhābika yawma tab’athu ‘ibādak, wa j‘alnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭā’atik.
Translation: Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

7. Upon seeing the Holy Ka’aba, raise your hands and make any dua with sincerity, as this is one of the places that dua’s are accepted.

It is recommended to recite the following du’as upon seeing the Holy Ka’aba:

اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ أَهْلَ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً.

Transliteration: Allāhumma zid hādhā-l-Bayta tashrīfan wa ta’ẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu awi-’tamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa ta’ẓīman wa birrā.
Translation: Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah—in honour, respect, esteem and piety.

اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ

Transliteration: Allāhumma Anta-s-Salāmu wa minka-s-salām, ḥayyinā Rabbanā bi-s-salām.
Translation: O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.

Do Dhikr, make Dua and send Salawat upon the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) in abundance.

Performing Tawaf

8. One must be in a state of Wudu before performing Tawaf.

9. Make the intention for performing the Tawaf for the sake of Allah, either verbally or silently.

10. If possible, try to touch the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) face, while reciting ‘Allahu Akbar’, kiss it and place your forehead upon it (Istilam) – this is to be repeated at the beginning of each circuit of tawaf.

11. If you are unable to touch the Hajar al-Aswad, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by directly facing the Hajar al-Aswad and raising your hands up to your earlobes (as you would do when starting Salah). Ensure your palms are also facing it, as though your face and hands are on the Hajar al-Aswad and say ‘Allahu Akbar’.

12. Begin your Tawaf at the Black Stone, circling the Ka’aba, with the Ka’aba on your left. Seven circuits are to be completed in total.

13. In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, which is the practice of walking briskly, lifting the legs forcefully and sticking out the chest. However, only perform this Sunnah if you’re sure you won’t harm or inconvenience others.

14. Each time one passes the Yemeni corner of the Ka’aba (the corner before the corner of the Hajar al-Aswad), try to touch it with your hand if possible.

15. Recite the following supplication between the Yemeni corner and the Hajar al-Aswad:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba n-nār.
Translation: O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.

16. The Tawaf should be completed in a continuous manner with no interruptions between circuits. However, if a prayer is due to start, you must join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from the position that you stopped. The circuit need not be repeated. These rules also apply if you need to repeat your Wudhu.

17. Make sincere dua while performing Tawaf. If you are able to, cling to the area between the Hajar al-Aswad and make dua here.

After Tawaf

18. After performing Tawaf, proceed to the Maqam Ibrahim and recite the following verse (men should cover both of their shoulders at this point):

وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى

Transliteration: Wattakhidhu min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.
Translation: And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.

19. Perform two Ra’akah between the Maqam Ibrahim and the Ka’aba. It is Sunnah to recite Surah Kafirun in the first Rak’ah, and Surah Ikhlas in the second Rak’ah.

20. Drink Zamzam water which is available around the Tawaf area. Make an intention for what you are drinking Zamzam water for. For example, to be cured from an illness.

21. After you have finished drinking Zamzam water, you may proceed (if you wish to, or after you have finished the rituals of the Umrah) to the Multazam which is the area between Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Ka’aba if you are able to reach it. Raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall and press your chest and cheeks against it. This is yet another station where supplications are accepted.

22. If you can’t reach the Multazam due to the crowds, you may face it and supplicate from a distance.

23. It is Sunnah to return to the Hajar al-Aswad from the Maqam Ibrahim and perform Istilam again if possible.

Sa’i

24. The next stage of performing Umrah involves walking to Safa which is located inside Masjid al-Haram in line with the Hajar al-Aswad, and to recite the following verse:

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

Transliteration: Inna ṣ-ṣafā wa l-marwata min sha’ā’iri llāh(i).

Translation: Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.

Followed by: 

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ

Transliteration: Abda’u bimā bad’allahu bihi.

Translation: I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

25. Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Your view of the Kaaba may be obscured so make an educated guess about its location and face this direction. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH).

It is Sunnah to recite the following Dua:

اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ

Transliteration: Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi l-ḥamd.
Translation: Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest; Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Transliteration: Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah(u), lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumīt(u), wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.
Translation: There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death and He has power over everything.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اَللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

Transliteration: Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah(u), anjaza wa’dahu wa naṣara ‘abdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.
Translation: There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the confederates alone.

After reciting this Dua, you may recite your own supplications. Read the Dua a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).

26. Walk towards Marwa, and men should run between the fluorescent green lights. Upon reaching Marwa, climb upon it and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safa. This completes one circuit. 

27. Return back to Safa and repeat step 25- this completes two circuits.

28. Complete seven circuits between Safa and Marwa in total, ending the last one on Marwa. 

29. Cutting hair: Men should shave their hair, while women should cut the length of one fingertip in order to break from the state of Ihram. 

30. Your Umrah is now complete – Mubarak! 

How do you perform Umrah for the first time?

If you’re performing Umrah for the first time, you will complete the steps of Umrah as described above. There are no differences in how to perform Umrah whether it’s your first time, or if you’ve performed Umrah in the past.

However, if you’re performing Umrah for the first time, you may be a little unsure of where to start with preparing for your trip and what to expect.

We’ve put together a checklist on how to prepare and what to pack.

You can also find everything you need to know about how to book your Umrah trip here, as well as the rules of performing umrah here.

How to perform Umrah for ladies?

The steps of performing Umrah are almost the same as for men, as listed above. However, there are some differences for women when it comes to women performing Umrah, such as whether a woman can travel without a mahram to perform Umrah, if she is able to perform Umrah while menstruating, and what to wear once assuming Ihram.

Below are some subtle differences in how women will perform Umrah compared to men:

• Men will repeat the Talbiyah loudly, while women should recite this quietly.
• In the first three rounds of Tawaf, the Sunnah for men is to run, which is called Raml. However, women do not follow this practice.
• During Sa’i, men should run between the fluorescent green lights, while women should walk throughout.
• Islamically, women should travel to Umrah accompanied by a mahram.
• In order to break from the state of Ihram, men shave their heads, while women cut the length of a fingertip.

Women performing umrah must be in a state of purity (not menstruating). Therefore, it’s important to plan the dates of your Umrah accordingly.

In order to assure Ihram, women do not have to wear specific clothing as is the case for men. However, women must also ensure they wear hijab and dress modestly, ensuring that everything except their face, hands and feet are covered.

In addition, women must refrain from wearing perfume, tight-fitted clothing, gloves, make-up or henna during the state of Ihram.

If a woman is in her Iddah period (three months after being widowed or divorced), she is not allowed to perform Umrah.

In order to obtain a Saudi Tourist Visa (which can be used to perform Umrah), women are no longer required to be accompanied by a Mahram (close male relative). They are now able to perform Umrah accompanied by close women, such as their mother, sister, aunt or close friends.

However, from an Islamic perspective, if a woman wishes to perform Hajj or Umrah, she must travel with her Mahram according to the majority of scholars.

Some scholars believe that women who wish to perform Umrah or Hajj without a Mahram may do so if she is in the trusted company of a group or if the travelling routes are safe.

However, you are encouraged to consult your Madhaab (school of thought), teacher to help inform your decision.

How many hours is Umrah performed?

It usually takes between 3-6 hours to perform Umrah. The time it takes varies depending on how busy it is, also your health, age and stamina levels.

It usually takes longer to perform Umrah for the first time as you are less familiar with the steps involved.

Although Umrah can be performed in less than one day, from when one enters the state of Ihram, to the cutting/ trimming of hair once Umrah is complete, most tour operators offer Umrah packages for the duration of 7 days, to 30 days at the maximum.

How long you wish to spend on your Umrah trip depends on your own personal circumstances and how you wish to spend your time on your trip to Umrah.

However, for most families, the experience of travelling to Umrah also includes spending time in the Haram Sharif, as well as spending some time in Madinah and visiting Islamic historical sites.

The conditions of performing Umrah

In order to be eligible to perform Umrah, one must adhere to certain conditions. These include:

• Islam: It is necessary to be a Muslim.
• Maturity: You must have reached puberty (Baligh). You can perform Umrah before this age, but it is only accepted after the age of puberty.
• Sanity: You should be mentally sound and in control of your mental faculties.
• Financially able: You must have enough funds to cover the expenses of travel, accommodation, and other requirements during your Umrah. You should also be able to support your dependents while you are away. Being debt-free is not mandatory, but arrangements for debt repayment should be made beforehand.
• Physical ability: You must be physically capable of travelling to Makkah and performing the rituals of Umrah, either on foot or in a wheelchair.
• Transportation: You should have access to transportation and be able to afford the costs of travelling to Makkah for Umrah. It is also important that the journey is safe, without any foreseeable danger.
• Visa rules: Certain conditions must be met to obtain an Umrah Visa from the UK, such as holding a valid passport for at least six months. Find out more here.

These conditions ensure that individuals are ready and capable of fulfilling the rites of Umrah.

Performing Umrah on behalf of relatives

You can perform Umrah on behalf of relatives. However, you can only do so if the relative is deceased, chronically unwell, or physically unable to perform Umrah. This means that they are too physically weak to travel to Umrah and take care of themselves throughout the journey.

In order to perform Umrah on behalf of a relative, one must make the intention of performing Umrah in their name when entering the state of Ihram. They should then perform all the rituals of Umrah on behalf of their family member. You do not need to repeat any rituals- making the intention of performing the Umrah on behalf of a relative is sufficient.

It’s important to note that you can only perform Umrah on behalf of one relative at a time. So if you’re intending to perform Umrah on behalf of multiple relatives, you will have to perform Umrah multiple times.

It’s permissible to perform Umrah on behalf of a relative who has passed away. When performing Umrah on behalf of someone else, start by saying “Labbayka Umrah’an (name of the person you intend to perform Umrah for).

What should be avoided during Umrah?

The following should be avoided during Umrah, specifically after assuming the state of Ihram:

• Applying perfume and perfumed cosmetics for men and women.
• Women covering their face, wearing tight-fitted clothing or wearing hand gloves.
• Men covering their head with a cap, or wearing stitched clothing.
• Trimming nails.
• Cutting hair.
• Getting married is not permissible according to most scholars, but the Hanafis allow it although it is not recommended to do so according to them too.
• Engaging in sexual activity.
• Hunting an animal.
• Cutting down a tree.
• Killing an insect (unless it poses a threat to you).
• Smoking or taking drugs.
• Engaging in a quarrel or fight.
• Swearing and backbiting.

Islamic sites to visit when going for Umrah

Many Umrah package providers include arrangements for an Islamic historical tour/ visit to Islamic landmarks (Ziyarat). You can also arrange to visit these sites if you are travelling without a package provider. We’ve put together a lost of the most noteworthy sites to visit near Makkah and Madinah outside of the Haramain Sharif, for when you go for Umrah:

Near Makkah:

• Jabal al-Nour: The ‘‘Mountain of Light’’ hosts Gar-e-Hira- the cave in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would go to for seclusion, contemplation and meditation. It is also the place where the first words of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel.
• Mount Arafat: Mount Arafat is a holy site of Hajj and considered to be a blessed place to visit.
• Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah: This is the holy birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is located in She’eb Banu Hashim in Makkah. Previously a mountain, this place has been converted into a national library.
• Jannat-al-Baqi: This is the most significant cemetery for Muslims, and is the resting place of many ancestors and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is located to the north of the Masjid al-Haram and is around 15 minutes walk.
• Masjid-e-Ayesha; The second-largest mosque in Makkah, Masjid-e-Aisha is one of the oldest establishments in the city. It is also a site where pilgrims can assure Ihram.

Near Madina:

• Masjid al-Quba: Situated on the outer area of Madina,
• Masjid al-Quba is known to be the first mosque in the history of Islam and is the second-largest mosque in Madina.
• Mount Uhud: This is the site of the Battle of Uhud, and is a blessed site, sanctified as the resting site for martyrs who gave their life for Islam.
• Dar Al-Madinah Museum: This museum hosts rare artefacts and archaeological collections from the holy city.
• Masjid al-Qiblatayn: This beautiful mosque is the site in which Allah commanded Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to change the direction of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Makkah.

Madina (history, facts, religious significance, travelling to Madina during Umrah trip)

Madina, also known as Madina al-Munawwarah (The Enlightened City), is the blessed city where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived, spread Islam and the resting place of His blessed tomb (Rawda Sharif).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madina from Makkah in 622 AD, also known as the Hijra Sharif.

It is home to the Masjid an-Nabawi- the Holy mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which was established by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent some of the most important years of his blessed life in Madina and many Quranic verses were revealed to him here (Madani Ayat’s).

The Prophet (PBUH)’s holy mosque is located next to his blessed home.

As the city of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Madina is a blessed and holy place. Although visiting Madina is not one of the rites of Umrah, visiting the city can bring great rewards and benefits if one has the correct adaab (manners).

The following Hadith demonstrate the benefits and rewards of visiting Madina:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said:

In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

As an enlightened city, millions of Muslims visit Madinah every year in order to attain purification, blessings and rewards. Almost everyone performing Umrah will choose to visit Madina as part of their trip.

Makkah (history, facts, religious significance)

Makkah is the holy birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was born on 12th Rabi al-Awwal in the year 570 CE.

It is also the city of the Holy Ka’aba, which is the religious centre (Qibla) for Muslims across the world to face for their five daily prayers. As the site for Hajj, it is an obligation and one of the five pillars of Islam to visit Makkah at least once in every Muslim’s lifetime.

Makkah is also the city in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) revealed his first revelations of the Holy Qur’an in the Cave of Hira located on Mount Nur.

Makkah is home to the Masjid al-Haram, the Great Mosque and Holy Site, which was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).

Steeped in religious and historical significance, Makkah is renowned as a blessed site for Muslims throughout the world, and it is a great honour for Muslims to visit this holy city.

The following Hadith describes the significance of Makkah:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: