Guides · Rituals · 10 min read

How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Umrah is a beloved act of worship that can be performed at almost any time of year. It is made up of a small number of clear steps, and once you understand the order and the meaning behind each one, the journey feels far less daunting. This guide walks you through every stage, from entering the sacred state of ihram to trimming your hair at the end.

Please read this as a general overview rather than a substitute for scholarly instruction. The core acts of Umrah are agreed upon, but there are minor differences between the recognised schools of thought on some details. Always follow the guidance of a qualified scholar and your group's guide, and never hesitate to ask questions before and during your trip.

In this guide

Step 1: Entering Ihram
Step 2: The Talbiyah
Step 3: Tawaf
Step 4: Sa'i
Step 5: Halq or Taqsir
After Your Umrah
An Important Note

Step 1: Entering Ihram

Ihram is the sacred state you enter before beginning Umrah. It is a state of the heart and body, not only a set of garments. You must enter ihram before crossing the Miqat, which is the boundary point set for pilgrims. If you are flying, your group will usually tell you when the aircraft is approaching the Miqat, so prepare in advance.

The preparation for ihram includes several recommended acts:

Perform ghusl, a full-body ritual wash, or at least wudu if a full wash is not possible.
Men wear two plain, unstitched white cloths: one wrapped around the lower body and one over the upper body. Footwear should leave the ankles visible.
Women wear ordinary modest clothing. There is no special garment for women, and the face and hands are usually left uncovered in ihram, following scholarly guidance.
Apply perfume to the body before entering ihram if you wish, but not to the ihram cloths, and avoid perfume once you are in the sacred state.
Pray two rak'ah if it is a permitted time to pray.

You then make your niyyah, the intention to perform Umrah, in your heart. Many pilgrims also say a short phrase expressing the intention. From this moment, certain actions are restricted: no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no intimate relations, no arguing or harsh speech, and men do not cover the head. Keeping calm and gentle is part of the spirit of ihram.

Step 2: The Talbiyah

Once you have entered ihram and made your intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah. This is the call of the pilgrim, repeated often on the way to Makkah:

"Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak."

The meaning is a response to God's call: "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner." Men recite it aloud, and women say it softly. Keep repeating it as you travel and until you begin Tawaf. It settles the heart and reminds you why you have come.

Step 3: Tawaf

When you reach the Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot and with a calm, humble heart. Tawaf is the act of circling the Ka'bah seven times.

Begin at the corner of the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Face or gesture towards it and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar." If it is crowded, do not push or harm anyone. A gesture from a distance is enough.
Keep the Ka'bah on your left and move counter-clockwise.
Complete seven full circuits, each beginning and ending at the Black Stone.
Men who are performing a Tawaf followed by Sa'i may do ramal, a brisk walk with small quick steps, in the first three circuits, and may keep the right shoulder uncovered (idtiba) during this Tawaf.
Throughout Tawaf you may make du'a and dhikr in your own words and language. There is no fixed script you must recite.

After completing seven circuits, cover both shoulders again and, if space allows, pray two rak'ah near Maqam Ibrahim, or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Many pilgrims then drink Zamzam water, which is freely available.

Step 4: Sa'i

Sa'i is walking seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. The path is now enclosed within the mosque and is smooth and well lit.

Begin at Safa. You may recite a verse mentioning Safa and Marwah, then face the Ka'bah and make du'a.
Walk to Marwah. This counts as one circuit. Walking back to Safa is the second, and so on, until you complete seven, ending at Marwah.
Men may jog lightly between the two clearly marked green lights. Women walk at a normal pace throughout.
There is no obligatory du'a for Sa'i, so make sincere supplication in your own words.

Sa'i can be tiring, especially in busy periods, so pace yourself and use the wheelchair or buggy services if you need them.

Step 5: Halq or Taqsir

The final step is cutting the hair, which brings you out of ihram.

Men may either shave the head completely (halq) or trim the hair evenly (taqsir). Shaving carries a greater reward, but trimming is valid.
Women trim a small amount, about a fingertip's length, from the ends of their hair. Women do not shave.

Once you have cut your hair, the restrictions of ihram are lifted and your Umrah is complete. It is a simple act, but many pilgrims feel a wave of relief and gratitude at this moment.

After Your Umrah

With Umrah complete you can change back into everyday clothes and rest. Many pilgrims spend the remaining days praying in the Haram, drinking Zamzam, making du'a, and, if their itinerary includes it, travelling to Madinah to visit the Prophet's Mosque. You may perform Umrah again for family members or loved ones by returning to a Miqat point to re-enter ihram, though this is optional.

If your trip includes Madinah, remember that visiting the Prophet's Mosque is not part of the Umrah rituals themselves, but it is a cherished part of many pilgrims' journeys. There you can send salutations upon the Prophet and pray in the mosque, and you may book a permit through the official platform to visit the Rawdah. Keep the same gentle manners you practised during Umrah, since the honour of the place calls for calm and respect.

Take time to reflect. The value of the journey is not only in completing the steps correctly but in the sincerity and change of heart you carry home. Try to hold on to the good habits you built, such as regular prayer, patience, and remembrance of God, so the effect of the journey lasts long after you return.

An Important Note

This article is a general guide to help you understand the flow of Umrah. It is not a fatwa or a replacement for learning from a knowledgeable teacher. The essential pillars of Umrah are agreed upon, but scholars differ on some finer points, such as specific du'as, the details of ihram restrictions, and what to do if a step is missed or performed out of order. Before you travel, study with a qualified scholar, attend any pre-departure sessions your operator offers, and keep your group guide close during the rituals. If you make an honest mistake, stay calm and ask; there is usually a straightforward remedy.

A note: this guide is general information for planning. For religious rulings, follow a qualified scholar and your group's guide. For official visa, permit and booking steps, the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) is the authority.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to perform Umrah?

The core rituals of Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting the hair often take two to four hours, though this varies with crowd levels. Very busy seasons such as Ramadan can take considerably longer, so allow plenty of time and do not rush.

Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?

Yes. Many scholars permit performing Umrah for a deceased parent or someone unable to travel, provided you have already performed it for yourself first. You re-enter ihram at a Miqat and make the intention on their behalf.

What breaks the state of ihram?

Ihram involves specific restrictions such as avoiding perfume, cutting hair or nails, and covering the head for men. Umrah is completed and ihram is lifted after you cut or trim your hair following Sa'i. If you break a restriction by mistake, consult a scholar about any expiation.

Do women perform Umrah differently from men?

The steps are the same, but women wear ordinary modest clothing rather than the two white cloths, recite the Talbiyah softly, do not jog during Sa'i, do not do ramal in Tawaf, and only trim their hair rather than shave.

What if I lose my group during Tawaf?

Stay calm and continue your rituals at your own pace, since the acts are personal. Agree on a clear meeting point beforehand, keep your hotel details and a charged phone, and note that the Haram has help desks and staff who can assist.

Is a specific du'a required during Tawaf and Sa'i?

No. There is no fixed obligatory supplication for Tawaf or Sa'i. You are free to make du'a and dhikr in any language and in your own words, which many pilgrims find deeply meaningful.