Step by Step explanation on how to perform Umrah

Umrah, also referred to as the "lesser hajj," carries great importance for Muslims globally. This sacred expedition comprises four fundamental elements that act as guiding principles leading the pilgrims to a deep spiritual bond with their religion and the Almighty Allah.

1. Ihram: This is the state of purity and consecration in which pilgrims enter before starting the rites of Umrah. It involves specific rituals and wearing special garments.

2. Tawaf: Pilgrims perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction as a symbol of unity and devotion to Allah.

3. Masaa: After Tawaf, pilgrims walk back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il.

4. Halq or Taqsir: This is the final step of Umrah, where men either shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir) to symbolize humility and the completion of the pilgrimage.

Each of these parts holds deep spiritual significance and serves as a reminder of the faith, dedication, and submission required of every pilgrim undertaking the journey of Umrah.\

IHRAM

Prior to donning the Ihram attire, attend to your personal cleanliness by trimming your nails, removing underarm and pubic hair, and then performing ghusl (ritual bath). This is a highly recommended practice for those preparing to enter the state of Ihram. If ghusl is not feasible, performing wudhu (ablution) is acceptable. Men may apply attar or perfume to their heads and beards, being careful not to get any on the Ihram garments. These preparations should be completed at your place of residence before embarking on your journey to Makkah.

Subsequently, change into your Ihram attire, which, for men, comprises two plain white seamless pieces of cloth. The lower body wrap is called the izar, while the upper body shawl is known as the rida. Sandals should not cover the heels or ankles.

Ensure that you wear your Ihram clothing before passing the designated Miqat point. The specific location for donning the garments depends on your departure point and final destination.

If you are flying to Makkah via Jeddah, it is recommended to put on your Ihram either at home, at the airport before departure, or during a layover if applicable. At the airport, you can check in first and change in the prayer room or restroom. Alternatively, you can change into your Ihram during the flight, keeping in mind the limited space in airplane lavatories and the potential rush as the Miqat (boundary) approaches. If opting to change on the plane, do so at least an hour before reaching the Miqat. Changing mid-flight is the least advisable option.

If you are visiting Madinah before Makkah, there is no need to enter Ihram and you can wear regular clothing during your stay. Before departing for Makkah, wear the Ihram at your Madinah hotel or at the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. The taxi or bus will stop at the mosque en route, allowing you to enter Ihram if necessary. If traveling by train to Makkah, put on the Ihram at the hotel or train station before departure.

You can delay your intention until close to the Miqat. Just before crossing, remove any clothing items that violate Ihram conditions, such as socks, headgear, and undergarments. Announcements regarding the upcoming Miqat will be made on planes, trains, and buses as you approach the designated point.

Women are not required to adhere to a specific dress code. They should wear modest Islamic attire with a head covering of any color. Hands and faces must be visible, while socks are permitted.

The intention for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or close to it as you move in its direction. Ideally, you should delay making the intention until the last moment so you aren’t restricted by its prohibitions for longer than need be. It is recommended that you make the intention verbally, as well as reiterating it internally by altering in Arabic:

لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً ❁

Labbayka ALlāhumma ʿUmrah.

O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

Upon establishing your intention, it is necessary to recite the Talbiyah to confirm your intention and enter the state of Ihram. The recitation of the Talbiyah is obligatory in the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools regard it as a recommended practice.

لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ – ❁

Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.

At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

Once you have recited the Talbiyah, you will enter the state of Ihram and be referred to as a Muhrim. It is crucial to understand the restrictions of Ihram and avoid any violations. In case a prohibition of Ihram is breached, expiation in the form of sacrifice, fasting or feeding the poor will be obligatory.

It is advised to recite Salawat on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after saying the Talbiyah and to supplicate for yourself and others. Keep reciting the Talbiyah throughout your journey until you arrive at one of the entrances of Masjid al-Haram before starting the Tawaf ritual.

Upon reaching your lodging in Makkah, you may wish to freshen up or rest before heading to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If you opt for a shower, be mindful not to use any forbidden items in the state of Ihram, such as scented soap or shampoo. It is advisable to promptly make your way to Masjid al-Haram. Once prepared, carefully choose the belongings you intend to bring, considering the presence of thieves in the mosque.

Entering the Haram

Upon reaching the boundaries of the Haram, make sure to continuously recite the Talbiyah, engage in dhikr, and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. It is advised to recite the following supplication when entering the Haram:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ ❁ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ ❁ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ ❁

Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ʿala n-nār, wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak, wa jʿalnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭāʿatik.

O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to the hellfire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

Entering The Masjid

Entering Masjid al-Haram through Bab al-Salam is a recommended practice. However, due to designated entrances for Umrah pilgrims, you may need to enter through one of these entrances instead. Remember to step in with your right foot first and recite the prayer for entering a mosque. You can choose to recite either or both of these prayers:

بِسْمِ اللهِ ❁ اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ ❁

Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.

In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ ❁ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ ❁ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ❁

Aʿūdhu bi-Llāhi l-aẓīm, wa bi-wajhihi l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi l-qadīm, mina sh-shayṭāni r-rajīm.

I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Shaytan the rejected.

TAWAF

Once you enter the mosque, it is advised to lower your gaze until you reach the mataf area, where the Tawaf ritual is performed. When you feel prepared, lift your gaze with humility, reverence, and awe to behold the magnificent sight of the Holy Kaaba. Engage in remembrance, supplication, and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ abundantly in this sacred space. Take full advantage of this moment before commencing your Tawaf, especially if it is your first time witnessing the Kaaba.

The Kaaba

In order for the Tawaf to be valid, the following criteria must be met:

Pilgrims undertaking Tawaf

1. Performing the Tawaf personally.

2. Making an intention, whether spoken or not.

3. Completing the Tawaf at Masjid al-Haram.

4. Being in a state of wudhu and free from impurities requiring ghusl, such as menstruation.

5. Concealing the awrah.

6. Commencing the Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad.

7. Moving in an anti-clockwise direction.

8. Avoiding the Hatim (the semi-circle area outside the Kaaba).

9. Performing the Tawaf on foot, if physically able.

10. Completing seven circuits of Tawaf.

11. Performing two rak’ahs of salah after the Tawaf.

The starting point

Stand aligned with the corner of the Kaaba housing the Black Stone. Look out for a green light on the Masjid wall across from the Kaaba, marking the beginning of the Tawaf. This marks the commencement of each circuit. Position yourself just before this starting point, facing the Kaaba.

Performing Istilam at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) through Kissing, Touching, or Saluting

• Kissing – Upon reaching the Black Stone, place your hands on it, position your face between your hands, say "Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)," and lightly kiss it. Some scholars recommend kissing it three times if possible.

• Touching – If you are close enough to touch but cannot kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and then kiss your hand(s).

• Saluting – If reaching the stone is not feasible, which is often the case, perform a symbolic Istilam from a distance by facing the Black Stone directly, raising your hands up to your earlobes (similar to the start of salah), with your palms facing it. Say "Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar (بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)" as if your face and hands are touching the Black Stone. You may kiss your palms afterward if you choose.

Please note: While kissing the Black Stone is considered highly virtuous, it is also quite challenging to reach. It is advised to avoid causing harm to others in the vicinity while attempting to approach it. If you choose to try to kiss or touch the Hajar al-Aswad, keep in mind that the process can be intense. The area is usually crowded, resulting in pushing and shoving that may result in injuries. It is extremely difficult to reach the Hajar al-Aswad without having to push through the crowd. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize your safety and perform Istilam by simply greeting the stone.

Start the Tawaf

Begin the first circuit of your Tawaf by turning to your right, making sure the Kaaba is to your left. Move in a counter-clockwise direction and steer clear of passing through the Hijr Ismail. If you accidentally walk through it, the circuit will not be valid, and you will need to start over.

During the initial three circuits, men are advised to engage in the practice of Raml, characterized by brisk walking, lifting the legs vigorously, and pushing out the chest. Nevertheless, if there is a crowd, especially near the Kaaba, only carry out this sunnah if you are confident it will not cause harm or inconvenience to others. It may be challenging to perform this action during busy periods.

Dhikr & Du’a

While performing Tawaf, feel free to recite prayers and supplications that resonate with you. Remember that your Du’as are heard during Tawaf, so take advantage of this opportunity to sincerely connect with Allah. It is recommended to avoid reading from a du’a book, especially if you are not familiar with the Arabic language.

Thus, feel free to make supplications in your preferred language and style. If you wish to recite Quranic and Prophetic supplications while performing Tawaf, try to memorize and understand their meanings. It is also advisable to recite the Quran and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ during Tawaf.

Rukn al-Yamani

Upon reaching the Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), which is the corner just before the Hajar al-Aswad, if you are able to approach it closely, touch it with your right hand or both hands and utter "Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)." In case of heavy crowds, which is probable, continue without reciting Takbir or making any gestures towards it.

It is a sunnah to recite the following du’a between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ❁

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.

O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:201]

Al-Multazam

Accessing the Multazam during the Hajj season is extremely challenging because of the massive crowds it attracts. Nevertheless, it may be more reachable at other times of the year.

Should you have the opportunity to approach the Multazam, extend your arms above your head, grasp the wall, and press your chest and cheeks against it. This practice follows the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and marks another significant location where prayers are answered, therefore it is recommended to prolong your supplications at this spot.

If you are unable to access the Multazam because of the crowds, you can still face it and offer supplications from afar.

End of Circuit at the Hajar al-Aswad

Upon returning to Hajar al-Aswad, one circuit is completed. To start the second circuit, perform Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad as explained earlier, uttering "Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)." Remember to say Allāhu akbar during Istilam in every following circuit. A total of eight Istilam should be performed during Tawaf - one before commencing Tawaf and one at the conclusion of each of the seven circuits.

During Tawaf

It is important to perform the Tawaf without any breaks between circuits. In case a congregational prayer is about to begin, you should join the congregation and then continue your Tawaf from where you left off, without starting the circuit over. The same guidelines apply if you have to redo your wudhu.

Completing the Tawaf

Continue following the same steps until you finish seven rounds. It is strongly recommended to perform Istilam at the beginning and end of Tawaf, while performing Istilam on the remaining six occasions is considered favorable.

Performing the two rakah Salah

After completing the Tawaf, it is recommended to offer two rak’ahs of salah with Maqam Ibrahim positioned between you and the Kaaba. However, bear in mind that as Maqam Ibrahim is located within the mataf, there is often limited space for pilgrims performing Tawaf to maneuver, leading to congestion around and near those praying close to Maqam Ibrahim. If it becomes impractical to pray in that area due to overcrowding, the prayer can be conducted anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.

Drinking the ZamZam Water

Once you finish your salah and supplications, make sure to drink plenty of Zamzam water, which can be found near the Tawaf area as well as at different water fountains and dispensers within Masjid al-Haram. The original well of Zamzam has been sealed off to create more space for performing Tawaf. The Prophet ﷺ said: 

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

Before drinking the Zamzam water, make an intention that it will serve as a means to fulfill your desires, such as good health, success in this life, or protection from the trials of the afterlife. While drinking the water, it is recommended to stand facing the Kaaba, say Bismillah, take three breaths, and conclude by saying Alhamdulillah. Additionally, you can apply it to your face and body.

SAI'I

Performing Sa’i right after Tawaf is recommended, but you can pause if needed. If you're exhausted or your feet hurt after Tawaf, it's okay to take a break until you're ready. Keep in mind that Sa’i involves walking over three kilometers, so make sure you're energized enough to finish the ritual before you begin.

In order for the Sa’i to be considered valid, the following conditions must be met:

1. You must perform the Sa’i yourself.

2. You must have entered into Ihram before starting the Sa’i.

3. You must remain in Ihram until the completion of the Sa’i.

4. You must perform the Sa’i at the appropriate time.

5. You must start the Sa’i at Safa and end at Marwa.

6. You must perform the Sa’i after completing the Tawaf.

7. You must perform the Sa’i on foot unless you have a valid reason not to.

8. You must complete seven circuits.

9. You must cover the entire distance between Safa and Marwa.

Proceed to the mount of Safa

Before starting the Sa’i, it is recommended to perform the final Istilam (as explained above) of Hajar al-Aswad. This will be the ninth time, after having done it eight times during Tawaf.

In case you have forgotten to perform the Istilam or are unable to reach the Black Stone due to the crowd or fatigue, you may skip it. Nonetheless, you are allowed to perform the Istilam at any other location within the Masjid al-Haram, as long as you are facing the Black Stone.

Head towards the Safa hill, situated within Masjid al-Haram, aligned with the Black Stone.

Look for the signs that will guide you there.

When you reach Safa, it is recommended to recite the following:

ِِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ الله ❁

Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ ❁

Abda’u bimā badā’ Llāhu bih.

I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

These should only be recited once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.

Du’a at Safa

When you arrive at the hill of Safa, stand facing the Kaaba and lift your hands in prayer. Avoid raising your hands above your earlobes or pointing towards the Kaaba as you would during Tawaf. You can recite Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh), and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.

It is sunnah to recite the following du’a:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ❁ وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ ❁

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.

Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ❁ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ❁ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ ❁ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdahu la sharīka lah, lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamd, yuḥīī wa yumīt, wa huwa ʿalā kulli shay’in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.

لَآ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ ❁ اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ ❁

La ilāha illa Llāhu waḥdah, anjaza waʿdahu wa naṣara ʿabdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave and defeated the Confederates alone.

Once you have recited this du’a, feel free to make your own supplications. Repeat the du’a three times, pausing to make your own supplications after each repetition, following the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ.

Proceed to Marwa

While moving from Safa to Marwa, you will come across two pairs of green fluorescent lights spaced around 50 meters apart, marking the distance that Hajar covered to reach higher ground. These markers are referred to as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the Two Green Mileposts). It is recommended for men to run at a moderate pace between these lights, while women should walk at a normal speed.

Dhikr & Du’a

There is no specific dhikr or du’a designated for recitation during Sa’i, therefore, feel free to choose and recite any prayers or supplications you prefer, and remember to send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Make Du’a at Marwa

When you reach the hill of Marwa, turn towards the Kaaba, lift your hands in prayer, and recite the same supplications you made at Safa.

Finishing one round of Sa’i marks the end of the first lap. Going back to Safa is regarded as starting the second lap.

End of Sa’i

Continue following this process until you finish seven rounds, at which stage you should reach the hill of Marwa.

Exit the Haram

Upon exiting Masjid al-Haram, remember to place your left foot first and recite the following du’a, following the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ ❁ اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ ❁

Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.

In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.

HALQ OR TAQSIR

After Sa’i, you must have your hair shaved (Halq) or trimmed by at least an inch (Taqsir) in order to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. It is more virtuous for a man to have his head shaved completely.

As you conclude your umrah journey, you may feel a sense of spiritual fulfillment and closeness to Allah. Heading back to your hotel, you can reflect on the profound experiences you have had during this sacred pilgrimage. Removing your ihram cloth symbolizes the completion of this special ritual and the return to your everyday life with a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon you as you complete this journey. We sincerely hope that your umrah has been a spiritually enriching and transformative experience. May Allah accept your prayers and grant all your wishes, guiding you on the path of righteousness and blessings.