Performing Umrah for the first time is a special moment in a Muslim’s life. Standing before the Ka'bah, making du'a, and completing the rituals of Umrah are experiences that many Muslims look forward to for years.
But if you are preparing for your first Umrah, you may have questions. When should you enter Ihram? How many times should you walk around the Ka'bah? What is the correct way to perform Sa'i? And when is your Umrah complete?
The good news is that the main steps are straightforward. With a little preparation and an understanding of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ guidance, you can perform Umrah with confidence and focus on your worship.
This guide explains each step in simple language.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worship performed in Makkah. It involves entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Ka'bah, completing Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or shortening the hair.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
The purpose of Umrah is to worship Allah, seek His forgiveness, and draw closer to Him. As with every act of worship, it should be performed sincerely for Allah and according to the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Step 1Prepare Before Your Journey
A little preparation can make your Umrah journey much easier.
Before travelling, take time to:
- Learn the basic steps of Umrah.
- Understand the rules of Ihram and its restrictions.
- Check your travel documents, visa requirements, and any applicable permits.
- Arrange comfortable footwear for walking.
- Keep essential medicines and personal items with you.
- Learn the Talbiyah and the basic words of remembrance used during Umrah.
You do not need to memorise a long list of supplications to perform Umrah. You can remember Allah and make personal du'a throughout the journey.
Step 2Enter the State of Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a Muslim enters to begin Umrah. It is not simply the clothing worn during the pilgrimage; it begins with the intention to perform the ritual.
Before reaching the Miqat, the designated boundary for entering Ihram, prepare yourself.
Before entering Ihram:
- Perform Ghusl (a complete ritual bath).
- Men may apply perfume to their bodies before entering Ihram, but not to their Ihram garments.
- Men should wear the prescribed Ihram garments, consisting of two plain, unstitched cloths.
- Women wear their normal modest Islamic clothing. There is no special Ihram uniform for women.
When you reach the Miqat, make the intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.
The Talbiyah:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.
Meaning:
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner; here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
Continue reciting the Talbiyah until you begin Tawaf.
If you are travelling by air, make sure you enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat. You can put on the Ihram garments before boarding or during the flight, but the intention must be made before crossing the Miqat.
Step 3Perform Tawaf Around the Ka'bah
Once you reach Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, you are ready to perform Tawaf.
Tawaf means walking around the Ka'bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
Follow these steps:
- Begin Tawaf from the corner of the Ka'bah where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is located.
- Keep the Ka'bah on your left as you walk.
- When you are aligned with the Black Stone, gesture towards it with your right hand and say, "Allahu Akbar", if you cannot touch it.
- Complete seven circuits around the Ka'bah.
- Remember Allah and make du'a during Tawaf.
Men are encouraged to walk briskly during the first three circuits, when possible, and to uncover their right shoulder during Tawaf. These are specific Sunnah practices for men, not women.
A common question: Do you need to recite a different du'a during every circuit?
No. There is no authentic evidence requiring a specific supplication for each round. You can make any permissible du'a, remember Allah, and recite the Qur'an.
After completing seven circuits, pray two Rak'ahs if possible behind Maqam Ibrahim. If the area is crowded, you can pray elsewhere in the mosque.
You may also drink Zamzam water.
Step 4Perform Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, the next step is Sa'i.
Sa'i commemorates the struggle of Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her), who searched for water for her infant son, Ismail (peace be upon him).
Allah mentions Safa and Marwah in the Qur'an:
"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah."
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158
Sa'i involves walking seven lengths between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
How to perform Sa'i:
- Begin at Safa.
- Face the direction of the Ka'bah, praise Allah, and make du'a.
- Walk towards Marwah.
- Men should jog between the two green markers, while women continue walking.
- When you reach Marwah, you have completed one length.
- Return to Safa for the second length.
- Continue until you have completed seven lengths, ending at Marwah.
Remember that one journey from Safa to Marwah counts as one, and the return journey counts as another.
You can remember Allah and make personal supplications throughout Sa'i. There is no requirement to recite a different fixed du'a for every length.
Step 5Shave or Shorten Your Hair
Once you have completed Sa'i, the final step is to shave or shorten your hair.
For men:
Men can either shave their entire head or shorten their hair. Shaving the head is more virtuous, as mentioned in the authentic Sunnah.
For women:
Women should shorten their hair by cutting a small amount from the ends. They do not shave their heads.
Once you have completed this step, your Umrah is complete, and you leave the state of Ihram. The restrictions of Ihram no longer apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
Knowing what to do is important, but knowing what to avoid is equally helpful.
Here are some common mistakes to be aware of:
- Pushing people to reach the Black Stone: Do not harm or push others to touch or kiss it. You can simply gesture towards it from a distance.
- Believing every round requires a specific du'a: There are no prescribed individual supplications for each circuit of Tawaf or length of Sa'i.
- Following others without knowing the steps: Learn the correct order of the rituals rather than relying entirely on what others are doing.
- Forgetting the Miqat: You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat if you intend to perform Umrah.
- Rushing through the rituals: Perform each step calmly and give yourself enough time.
- Taking pictures throughout the rituals: Avoid allowing photographs and phone use to distract you from worship.
A Simple Umrah Checklist
Use this checklist to remember the main steps:
- Prepare and learn the rituals before travelling.
- Perform Ghusl and prepare for Ihram.
- Enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat.
- Recite the Talbiyah.
- Perform seven circuits of Tawaf.
- Pray two Rak'ahs after Tawaf, if possible.
- Perform seven lengths of Sa'i between Safa and Marwah.
- Shave or shorten your hair.
- Leave the state of Ihram.
Make Your Umrah a Journey of Worship
Your first Umrah is not simply a journey to Makkah. It is an opportunity to turn towards Allah, seek His forgiveness, remember Him, and renew your commitment to Islam.
Take time to learn the rituals before you travel. Be patient with other pilgrims, avoid unnecessary distractions, and follow the authentic guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Most importantly, ask Allah to accept your worship and make your journey easy and beneficial.
May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, and grant you a safe and blessed journey. Ameen.