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The Complete Guide to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Journey of Faith

Perform Umrah – a deeply spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at any time of the year. This sacred journey, often called the “lesser pilgrimage,” is a profound act of worship that cleanses the soul and brings one closer to Allah. will walk you through every step, ensuring your pilgrimage is performed correctly, smoothly, and with deep reverence.

The Spiritual Rewards: Why We Perform Umrah

Before delving into the rituals, understanding the immense virtues of Umrah inspires the heart. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
“Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin just as the bellows remove impurities from iron.” (Tirmidhi, Nasai)
“Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent (in reward) to performing Hajj with me.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

These Hadiths highlight that to perform Umrah is to seek Allah’s forgiveness, purify one’s wealth, and gain immense spiritual rewards.

What is Umrah? The Pilgrimage in Brief

To perform Umrah is to devote oneself to Allah through a specific series of acts of worship:

Ihram: The sacred state of consecration.
Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Halq/Taqsir: Shaving or trimming the hair, marking the completion.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Umrah

Step 1: Entering Ihram – The Sacred State

Before crossing the Miqat (designated boundary), you must enter Ihram.

Purify Yourself: Perform Ghusl (full ablution), wear clean Ihram garments (two white sheets for men; modest Islamic dress for women).
Make Your Intention (Niyyah): Verbally state your intention to perform Umrah: “Labbayk Allāhumma bi ‘Umrah” (O Allah, I answer Your call by performing Umrah).
Recite the Talbiyah: Continuously recite: “Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna al-ḥamda, wa n-ni‘mata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak”.
Avoid Prohibitions: Refrain from cutting hair/nails, using perfume, hunting, and intimate relations.

Step 2: Performing Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, proceed to the Mataf (circumambulation area).

Start at the Black Stone: Face the Black Stone (Al-Hajar al-Aswad), point towards it, and say “Allāhu Akbar.” This marks the start of your first circuit (Shawt).
Circle Counter-Clockwise: Keep the Kaaba on your left. Men should perform Ramal (brisk walking with short steps) in the first three circuits if possible.
Make Supplication: Pray and make Du’a throughout. A recommended supplication between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
Complete Seven Circuits: Finish your seventh circuit back at the Black Stone.

Step 3: Praying Two Rak’ahs of Tawaf

After Tawaf, proceed to the area near Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) if accessible, or any place within the mosque.
Perform two short Rak’ahs. It is Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kafirun (109) in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) in the second.

Step 4: Performing Sa’i – Between Safa and Marwah

Locate Safa: Follow signs within the mosque to the hill of Safa.
Begin at Safa: Face the Kaaba, make Du’a, and begin walking towards Marwah. This is one trip.
Men Should Hasten: Between the two green pillars (marked today by lights), men should walk briskly (Sa’i).
Complete Seven Trips: Walking from Safa to Marwah is one trip, and from Marwah back to Safa is another. You will end your seventh trip at Marwah.

Step 5: Halq or Taqsir – Completing Your Umrah

After Sa’i, men must either shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair evenly all over (Taqsir). Shaving is preferred.
Women should only trim a fingertip’s length (approx. 1-2 cm) from the end of their hair.
Congratulations! This act completes your Umrah. All prohibitions of Ihram are now lifted.

Critical Preparations: Before You Perform Umrah

Transportation Planning: Private cars cannot enter central Makkah. You must park at designated lots (e.g., Al-Zaher, Haramain Train Station) and use the free shuttle buses to the Holy Mosque.
Know Your Location: Memorize your accommodation address and meeting points with your group.
Haramain High Speed Rail: This train connects Makkah and Madinah. Book tickets in advance via their official website for a comfortable journey.

Navigating the Holy Site: Pro Tips

Use Upper Floors: To avoid crowds, perform Tawaf and Sa’i on the upper floors of the mosque.
Electric Carts & Wheelchairs: Available for the elderly and those with needs. You can pre-book carts via the “Tanaqqul” app.
Official Barber Shops: Use only licensed barber shops around the Haram for hygiene and safety. Avoid street barbers.
Stay Hydrated: Drink freely from the abundant Zamzam water dispensers.

Health, Safety & Essential Contacts

Foot Care: Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid walking barefoot for long periods on hot surfaces.
Skin Protection: Maintain hygiene, use anti-chafing creams, and keep skin dry to prevent irritation.
Follow Security Guidance: Always adhere to instructions from security personnel and signs, especially on escalators and in crowded areas.

Key Emergency Numbers in Saudi Arabia:

General Emergencies: 911
Hajj & Umrah Ministry Inquiries: 1966
Medical Consultations: 920002814

By following this guide, you are well-equipped to perform Umrah with confidence, devotion, and peace of mind. May Allah accept your pilgrimage, forgive your sins, and grant you a safe return.

For more official guides and updates, visit the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website and follow them on Twitter @HajMinistry.

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