Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah

• Entering the State of Ihram

  After preparing physically and wearing the garments of Ihram at the miqat, the pilgrim now formally enters the sacred state of worship. This step transforms a person from an ordinary traveler into a pilgrim devoted solely to Allah.

  Salah Before Ihram

  Before making the intention, it is recommended to pray two rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer. In the first rak‘ah, Surah al-Kafirun may be recited, and in the second rak‘ah, Surah al-Ikhlas. These chapters emphasize sincerity and pure devotion to Allah alone.
  This salah is not obligatory, but it is a Sunnah act that reminds the pilgrim of their purpose: worshipping Allah sincerely without associating anything with Him.

  Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah

  Once the pilgrim has prayed, they must declare their intention. The niyyah is made in the heart, but it is also recommended to say it aloud:

  لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
  

  "Labbaik Allahumma Umrah"
  (Here I am, O Allah, intending to perform Umrah.)
  With this declaration, the pilgrim enters into the state of Ihram. From this moment, certain restrictions apply, such as not cutting hair or nails, avoiding perfume, refraining from marital relations, and maintaining humility.
  Reciting the Talbiyah The Talbiyah is the pilgrim’s response to the call of Allah. It is a continuous declaration of devotion, recited throughout the journey until Tawaf begins:
  لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
  “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik. Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak."
  (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
  Men recite the Talbiyah aloud, while women recite it softly. Its repetition keeps the pilgrim’s heart connected to Allah during the journey toward Makkah.

• Arrival in Makkah and Masjid al-Haram

  Entering Makkah with Respect 

  As the pilgrim approaches Makkah, their heart fills with awe. This is the holiest city on earth, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the home of the Kaaba. Pilgrims should enter Makkah with humility, making dua for safety, blessings, and acceptance of their worship.
  It is Sunnah to enter the city from the direction of Thaniyyat Kadha (upper entrance), but today most pilgrims arrive through modern routes. Regardless of the entrance, one should remain mindful of the sanctity of the city.

  Duas When Entering Masjid al-Haram

  Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, the pilgrim should step inside with the right foot and recite the dua taught for entering any mosque:
  اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لي أَبْوابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
  “Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.”
  (O Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me.)
  Inside this mosque lies the most sacred place on earth. Every step taken within its walls should be filled with reverence.

  First Sight of the Kaaba

  The first sight of the Kaaba is a deeply emotional moment for every Muslim. For many, it is a lifelong dream fulfilled. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught that dua made at this moment is accepted. Pilgrims should stop, raise their hands, and sincerely pray for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
  There is no specific prescribed dua for this moment, but scholars recommend asking for whatever the heart desires, especially Allah’s mercy and acceptance of one’s worship.

  • Performing Tawaf

    Tawaf is the first major ritual of Umrah once the pilgrim enters Masjid al-Haram. It is an act of circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping it on one’s left side throughout. This act is both physical and spiritual, symbolizing unity, devotion, and humility before Allah.

    Preparation Before Tawaf

    1. Wudhu (Ablution): A pilgrim must be in a state of purity. If wudhu is lost, Tawaf must be paused until purity is restored.
    2. Awrah: Modest dress is essential. Men should wear their Ihram properly, and women should observe Islamic covering.
    3. Idtiba (for men): During Tawaf al-Umrah, men uncover their right shoulder by passing the Ihram cloth under the right arm and letting it rest on the left shoulder. This remains until Tawaf is completed.

    Starting Point of Tawaf

    The Tawaf begins at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), located at one corner of the Kaaba. A green light on the opposite wall of the Masjid indicates its position.
    Standing in line with the Black Stone, the pilgrim faces it, raises both hands like in salah, and says:
    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
    “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”
    (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.)
    If possible, the pilgrim may kiss or touch the Black Stone. However, due to crowds, this is often difficult. In such cases, one may simply gesture toward it with the right hand and continue.

    Circling the Kaaba

    • The pilgrim begins walking around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.
    • The Kaaba must always remain on the left side.
    • Cutting through the semicircle known as Hijr Ismail is not allowed, as it is part of the Kaaba’s original foundation.

  • Each full circle is called a shawt. Seven shawts complete the Tawaf.

    Raml (Brisk Walking)

    In the first three circuits, men should walk briskly, lifting their legs energetically and showing strength. This Sunnah recalls the time when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions demonstrated their vigor during Tawaf to disprove the Quraysh’s doubts. Women, however, walk normally.

    Supplications During Tawaf

    There is no single fixed dua for Tawaf. Pilgrims are encouraged to remember Allah in any way they wish—reciting Quran, making dhikr, or supplicating for personal needs.

    However, between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم often recited this prayer:
    
    

    رَبَّنَا آتِنَا في الدُّنْيَا حسَنَةً وفي الآخِرَةِ حسَنةً وقِنَا عذَابَ النَّارِ

    
    “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”
    (Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)  

    Completing Seven Circuits

    Each time the pilgrim returns to the Black Stone, it marks the end of one circuit. By the seventh circuit, the Tawaf is complete.

    At the end of Tawaf, men cover their right shoulder again, ending Idtiba

    Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim

    After completing Tawaf, the Sunnah is to pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, the station of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). This small stone, enclosed in glass, bears the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim from when he built the Kaaba with his son Ismail.

    If the area near Maqam Ibrahim is crowded, the two rak‘ahs may be performed anywhere inside Masjid al-Haram.

    In the first rak‘ah, Surah al-Kafirun may be recited after al-Fatihah, and in the second, Surah al-Ikhlas

    Drinking Zamzam Water

    After prayer, pilgrims should drink from the blessed Zamzam water, located at fountains and dispensers around the mosque. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

    “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk.”

    Pilgrims should face the Kaaba, drink in three sips, and make dua for health, guidance, forgiveness, or any personal need. Many also rub the water on their face and body for blessings.

    The Multazam (Optional)

    If possible, pilgrims may go to the Multazam, the space between the Kaaba’s door and the Black Stone. Here, one may press their chest and hands against the wall and pour out heartfelt prayers. This is a place where duas are strongly accepted.

    However, due to large crowds, reaching the Multazam may not always be possible. In that case, one can supplicate from a distance.

    Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa

    After completing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water, the pilgrim proceeds to Sa’i — the walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual commemorates the struggle of Hajar (peace be upon her), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who ran between these two hills in search of water for her infant son, Prophet Ismail.Allah rewarded her patience by causing Zamzam to gush forth at her child’s feet.

    Sa’i is a powerful reminder of human helplessness, trust in Allah, and the mercy of Allah in answering prayers.

    Beginning Sa’i at Safa

    The pilgrim begins at the hill of Safa. Upon reaching Safa, one should face the Kaaba and recite the verse from the Quran(2:158):
    
    

    إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

    
    “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah—there is no blame upon him for walking between them.”

    Then, raise the hands in supplication and say:
    
    

    اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهْوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

    
    “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah. Lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”
    (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the kingdom, and to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over all things.)

    The pilgrim may repeat this three times, making personal supplications in between

    Walking Between Safa and Marwa

    • After supplicating at Safa, the pilgrim begins walking towards Marwa
    • The distance between Safa and Marwa is around 450 meters, making the total seven trips about 3.15 kilometers.
    • The pilgrim walks at a normal pace, remembering Allah, reciting Quran, or making personal duas.

The Green Markers (Raml for Men)

Between Safa and Marwa, there are two sets of green lights marking the valley where Hajar once ran in desperation.

• Men: At this point, men should run briskly between the markers, demonstrating energy and Sunnah.
• Women: Women continue walking normally without running.

This act revives the memory of Hajar’s struggle and her unwavering trust in Allah.

Supplications During Sa’i

There is no single fixed dua for Sa’i, but the pilgrim is encouraged to make plenty of personal prayers, glorify Allah, and ask for forgiveness.

Many repeat the dua:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ

“Rabbighfir warham, innaka anta al-A‘azzul-Akram.”
(My Lord, forgive and have mercy, indeed You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous.)

Reaching Marwa

When the pilgrim reaches Marwa, they face the Kaaba, raise their hands, and repeat the same supplications as on Safa.

This completes one round.

• From Safa to Marwa = one round.
• From Marwa back to Safa = second round.

Thus, the pilgrim continues until completing seven rounds, finishing finally at Marwa.

The Spiritual Essence of Sa’i

Sa’i is more than a ritual walk; it is a reminder of patience, faith, and struggle. Hajar’s story shows that when humans put in effort while trusting Allah, relief and blessings follow in unexpected ways. Just as Allah provided Zamzam for her and Ismail, He provides for His servants in times of difficulty.

For the pilgrim, every step in Sa’i is a prayer in motion — a silent plea for guidance, mercy, and provision.

Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming the Hair)

After finishing the Sa’i at Marwa, the pilgrim proceeds to the final step of Umrah: removing hair. This act symbolizes humility, renewal, and obedience to Allah. By shaving or trimming, the pilgrim ends the sacred state of Ihram and completes Umrah.

For Men

Men have two options:

Halq (Shaving the Head):

• The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم prayed three times for mercy upon those who shave their heads.
• Shaving completely is considered the most virtuous option for men. It shows full submission, as the pilgrim willingly sacrifices his hair in devotion.

Taqsir (Trimming the Hair):

• If a man does not wish to shave, he may trim his hair instead.
• The trimming should be done evenly across the entire head, not just one or two strands.
• At least a fingertip’s length of hair should be cut.

For Women

Women do not shave their heads. Instead, they cut a small portion of their hair about the length of a fingertip (approximately one inch) from the end of their hair. This symbolizes humility and renewal while maintaining dignity.

Completion of Umrah

Once Halq or Taqsir is performed, the state of Ihram ends. The pilgrim is now free from the restrictions of Ihram and has completed Umrah.

At this moment, pilgrims should:

• Thank Allah for granting them the ability to perform this sacred journey.
• Make dua for acceptance of their Umrah.
• Remember loved ones, the Muslim Ummah, and ask Allah for forgiveness and guidance.

Spiritual Lessons from Completing Umrah

Completing Umrah is more than performing rituals. It carries deep meanings and spiritual lessons:

1. Equality of Humanity: The Ihram clothing strips away social status, wealth, and worldly distinctions. All pilgrims stand equal before Allah.
2.Obedience to Allah: Each step in Umrah — from Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, to shaving — is done purely in obedience to Allah.
3. Renewal of Faith: Just as the pilgrim removes hair, they symbolically remove sins and emerge purified.
4. Hope for Forgiveness: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم promised that an Umrah wipes away sins committed between it and the previous one.

Umrah Checklist: Summary of Rituals 

To make it easy, here’s a step-by-step checklist of Umrah rituals:

1. Ihram

Wear garments, make intention, recite Talbiyah.

2. Tawaf

7 circuits around the Kaaba, starting at Black Stone.

3. Salah at Maqam Ibrahim

2 rak'ahs after Tawaaf.

4. Drink Zamzam

With dua for blessing and guidance.

5. Sa'i

7 rounds between Safa and Marwa.

6. Halq/Taqsir

Shave (men) or trim (men/women) hair.

7. Completion

Ihram ends, Umrah is complete.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims 

Performing Umrah is both a spiritual and physical journey. While the rituals themselves are simple, the environment of Makkah — with its large crowds, long walks, and emotional atmosphere — requires preparation. Below are practical tips to make the experience smoother and more rewarding.

Before Umrah: Preparing Yourself

1. Learn the Rituals in Advance

• Return flights from London Gatwick
• Keep a small guidebook or notes for quick reference.

2. Physical Preparation

• Start walking daily before your trip to build stamina, as Umrah involves several kilometers of walking.
• Wear comfortable shoes (outside Ihram) and keep your feet healthy.

3. Packing Essentials

• Light clothing suitable for the hot climate.
• Ihram garments (two sets recommended)
• A small bag for personal items (water bottle, tissues, prayer mat).
• Medicine for common issues like headaches, colds, or dehydration

4. Spiritual Preparation

• Purify your intentions — perform Umrah solely for Allah’s pleasure.
• Repent from past sins and seek forgiveness from people you may have wronged.
• Memorize important duas and strengthen your daily prayers.

During Umrah: Staying Focused and Healthy

1. Keep Your Intention Pure

• Focus on worship, not photography or distractions.
• Remember that every step is an act of devotion.

2. Stay Hydrated

• The climate of Makkah can be very hot. Drink Zamzam regularly and carry a water bottle.

3. Avoid Arguments or Negative Behavior

• Ihram requires patience and humility. Avoid anger, arguments, or pushing in crowds.

4. Follow Sunnah Manners

• Enter Masjid al-Haram with the right foot and make the proper dua
• Lower your gaze, keep your tongue busy with dhikr, and show respect to others

5. Be Mindful of Crowds

• During Tawaf and Sa’i, walk calmly. Don’t push or rush.
• If you’re unable to touch the Black Stone or Maqam Ibrahim due to crowds, gesture from a distance. Your reward remains the same.

After Completing Umrah

1. Continue in Worship

• Spend time in Masjid al-Haram praying, reciting Quran, and making dua.
• Perform voluntary Tawaf, which is allowed anytime and carries great reward

2. Pray in the Rawdah (if visiting Madinah)

• If your trip includes Madinah, visit Masjid an-Nabawi and pray in the Rawdah, the blessed area between the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم house and his pulpit

3. Keep Good Habits Alive

• After returning home, continue the spiritual practices you strengthened during Umrah.
• Let Umrah be a turning point in your life, not just a one-time journey

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah

Even with good intentions, some mistakes are common. Being aware of them helps pilgrims stay on the right path.

1. Neglecting Wudhu During Tawaf

• Tawaf requires purity. Always make sure you have wudhu before starting.

2. Pushing or Fighting to Touch the Black Stone

• The Sunnah is to kiss or touch the stone if possible, but pushing others is sinful. Gesturing from afar is enough.

3. Treating Umrah Like Tourism

• Some get distracted by taking pictures or sightseeing instead of focusing on worship.

4. Not Trimming Hair Properly

• Men should shave or trim all over the head, not just a small section. Women should cut a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair

5. Reciting Loudly and Disturbing Others 

• Dua and Quran recitation should be calm and personal, not shouted.

Recommended Duas During Umrah

Although there are no fixed duas for every step of Umrah (other than Talbiyah and the Quranic verse at Safa), scholars recommend making duas from the heart. Here are some helpful ones:

For forgiveness:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni.”
(O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.),

For guidance:

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي

“Allahumma ihdini wa saddidni.”
(O Allah, guide me and keep me firm.)

For parents:

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

“Rabbir-hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira.”
(My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small.)

For the Ummah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ أَحْوَالَ المُسْلِمِينَ

Allahumma aslih ahwalal-Muslimeen.”
(O Allah, improve the condition of the Muslims.)

Umrah is a journey of the heart as much as it is a physical pilgrimage. Every step — from donning the Ihram, circling the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa, to shaving or trimming hair — reflects humility, obedience, and closeness to Allah.

It is an opportunity for a believer to:  

• Cleanse past sins
• Renew faith and commitment
• Strengthen connection with Allah
• Experience the unity of the Muslim Ummah

For many, Umrah becomes a turning point in life — a chance to leave behind bad habits and begin a new chapter with stronger faith.

As you complete Umrah, carry its lessons back into your daily life: humility, patience, gratitude, and devotion. The true success of Umrah is not only in completing its rituals but in living by its message after returning home.

Final Advise

• Prepare yourself spiritually before the journey.
• Keep your heart focused on Allah throughout the rituals
• Avoid distractions and remember the purpose of Umrah.
• Let this journey inspire lifelong faith and righteous deeds.

May Allah accept the Umrah of all pilgrims, forgive their sins, and grant them strength to continue in His obedience. Ameen.

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