How to perform Umrah — the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. Unlike Hajj, it is not bound to specific dates. Umrah consists of four main rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq/Taqsir.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for whatever (sins) came between them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
He ﷺ also said: "Umrah in Ramadan equals (the reward of) a Hajj." (Bukhari & Muslim)
1. Valid Umrah Visa — Apply through your country's Saudi embassy or authorized travel agent.
2. Ihram Garments — Two white unstitched cloths for men; modest clothing for women.
3. Vaccinations — Meningitis vaccine is required; COVID-19 may be required.
4. Travel Insurance — Recommended for all pilgrims.
Before reaching the Miqat: Perform ghusl (full-body wash), trim nails, apply fragrance (before putting on Ihram, not after).
Men: Wear two white unstitched cloths — izār (waist) and ridā' (shoulder). Wear sandals that don't cover the ankles.
Women: Wear any modest clothing. No niqab during Ihram (but can cover face with a cloth hanging from above).
At the Miqat, make the intention for Umrah in your heart, and begin reciting the Talbiyah loudly (men) or quietly (women):
Dhul Hulayfah (from Madinah) · Al-Juhfah/Rabigh (from Egypt/Syria/West) · Qarn al-Manazil (from Najd/Riyadh) · Yalamlam (from Yemen/South) · Dhat Irq (from Iraq/East). If flying directly to Jeddah, enter Ihram on the plane before crossing the Miqat line.
Upon arriving at Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, stop reciting the Talbiyah when you see the Kaaba. Begin Tawaf from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) corner:
1. Face the Black Stone, point towards it with your right hand, and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar"
2. Walk counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, keeping it on your left
3. Complete 7 full circuits (Safa → end at the same corner each time)
4. Men: Perform Idtiba' (expose right shoulder) throughout Tawaf, and Raml (brisk walking) in the first 3 circuits
5. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite:
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the Fire." (Quran 2:201)
After completing Tawaf, proceed to Maqam Ibrahim and pray 2 raka'at. Then drink Zamzam water and make dua.
1. Start at Safa — climb the hill, face the Kaaba, raise your hands and make dua
2. Walk towards Marwah — this is one lap
3. At Marwah, face the Kaaba again and make dua
4. Walk back to Safa — this is the second lap
5. Continue until you complete 7 laps (ending at Marwah)
6. Men: Jog lightly between the two green-lit pillars
You may make any dua during Sa'i. This commemorates Hajar (عليها السلام) running between the hills searching for water for baby Isma'il, until Allah caused the Zamzam spring to gush forth.
After Sa'i, complete your Umrah by cutting your hair:
Men: Shaving the entire head (halq) is preferred (more reward) — or trimming the hair short (taqsir).
Women: Trim a fingertip's length from the ends of the hair (not shave).
After this, you are fully out of Ihram. All restrictions are lifted. Umrah is complete! 🎉
The Prophet ﷺ made dua three times for those who shave their heads and once for those who trim: "O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads." (Bukhari & Muslim)
❌ Cutting hair or nails
❌ Applying perfume (on body or clothes)
❌ Men: Wearing stitched/fitted clothing, covering the head
❌ Women: Wearing niqab or gloves (face veil and hand gloves specifically)
❌ Hunting land animals
❌ Getting married or proposing
❌ Sexual relations
✅ You can shower, use unscented soap, change your Ihram cloths, wear a belt, use a phone, and eat normally.
Ramadan Umrah earns the reward of Hajj (according to a hadith). But it's very crowded. For a calmer experience, try the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, or Rabi' al-Awwal.
You'll walk 5-10 km during Umrah. Wear comfortable sandals that are easy to remove. Avoid new shoes — break them in before traveling.
Makkah can be extremely hot. Drink lots of water and Zamzam. Carry a small spray bottle. Use an umbrella for shade.
Download the Muslim Friend app before your trip — use it for prayer times, Qibla direction, duas and Quran offline.
The rituals themselves take 2-4 hours. The total trip is usually 5-10 days, including travel and optional visits to Madinah.
Yes! Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time. However, during Hajj season (8th–13th Dhul Hijjah), it's not possible to do a standalone Umrah.
The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools consider it obligatory once in a lifetime. The Hanafi and Maliki schools consider it strongly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) but not obligatory.
Saudi Arabia now allows women of any age to perform Umrah without a mahram, provided they travel with a group or organized tour. Rules may vary — check with your embassy.
Yes. You can perform multiple Umrahs by going to Masjid Aisha (Tan'eem), entering Ihram from there, and returning to Al-Masjid al-Haram for another Umrah.
Costs vary. From Europe/USA: €1,500–€4,000+. From Southeast Asia: $800–$2,000. From Middle East: $300–$1,000. Prices rise during Ramadan and school holidays.
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