Umrah is a sacred journey that changes you forever. It is a soul-stirring experience, a muslim ever undertakes. There is nothing more beautiful than the first glance at Kaabah. Millions of Muslims around the world learn how to perform Umrah step by step every year before starting this life-changing pilgrimage to the holy city.
This journey is a moment of profound emotion and deep gratitude to the Almighty. Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or returning to the House of Allah, you need to understand the exact way of performing the Umrah ritual by ritual for a spiritually fulfilling journey.
In this comprehensive blog, we will cover the Umrah ritual in detail and outline everything you need to perform Umrah correctly and with full spiritual awareness:
- The correct duas and intentions
- The rules of Ihram
- Boundaries of the Miqat
- Common errors
What Is Umrah and Why Does It Matter?
In Islamic jurisprudence, the word Umrah comes from the Arabic root “ITIMAR”, the meaning of which is “to visit”. Umrah is also known as the lesser pilgrimage, where a set of specific rituals is performed in and around Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Unlike Hajj, you can perform Umrah almost any time of the year. It is classified as Sunnah Muakkadah according to the majority of scholars.
Which means it is a confirmed and strongly recommended act of worship. The following hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, illustrates the immense mercy and reward attached to this blessed journey:
“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Four Pillars Or Arkan of Umrah
If we consider the Islamic jurisprudential standpoint, we will find that there are four essential pillars of Umrah. Missing even a single pillar will invalidate your Umrah entirely. Those four pillars are:
- Ihram: In Ihram, you enter the sacred sate of performing Umrah with the correct intention or Niyyah
- Tawaf al-Umrah: This consists of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times
- Sa’i: It is the walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times
- Halq or Taqsir: here you have to shave or trim your hair to exit Ihram
There are certain acts of Umrah that are considered obligatory acts or Wajibat. If you omit Wajibat, you will require a compensatory sacrifice or Dam. Nonetheless, omission of those acts does not invalidate the Umrah. Aside from this, certain acts are considered sunnah, which carry reward but have no penalty if you miss them.
Step 1: Ihram
Ihram is the first essential step of Umrah that enters a pilgrim into a sacred state of devotion and obedience to Allah. It signifies humility and outward and inward submission to Allah. Ihram begins with making the intention or niyyah and preparing oneself physically and spiritually before crossing the Miqat.
In this state, the pilgrim has to follow certain guidelines and avoid specific actions as a sign of humility and submission to the Almighty. Ihram sets the tone of the entire journey. Before getting into the steps of Umrah, let’s first understand a few things:
The Miqat
It refers to the designated boundary beyond which no pilgrim intending Umrah can pass without entering the state of Ihram. There are five boundaries of Miqat that are established by the Prophet PBUH:
| Miqat Name | Location | Relevant For |
| Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) | Near Madinah | Pilgrims coming from Madinah |
| Al-Juhfah (near Rabigh) | Northwest of Makkah | Pilgrims from Syria, Morocco, and most of Europe, including the UK |
| Qarn al-Manazil | East of Makkah | Pilgrims from Najd |
| Yalamlam | South of Makkah | Pilgrims from Yemen, India, Pakistan |
| Dhat Irq | Northeast of Makkah | Pilgrims from Iraq |
For UK Pilgrims Flying Directly To Jeddah
Airlines make announcements before the Miqat is reached. For most of the UK pilgrims, the nearby Miqat is Al-Juhfah or Rabigh. A pilgrim must enter the state of Ihram before the plane passes over this point. Scholars advise pilgrims to enter Ihram before boarding as a precaution. This is particularly a safe option if the announcement timing is not confirmed.
For UK Pilgrims Flying To Madinah First
Dhul Hulayfah is the first Miqat for pilgrims landing from Madinah to Makkah. This Miqat is also known as Abyar Ali or Masjid al-Shajarah. This Miqat is located approximately 9km from central Madinah. Pilgrims enter here before departing for Makkah.
If you cross the Miqat before entering the state of Ihram while intending to perform Umrah is a serious violation. However, if this has happened mistakenly, the pilgrim must return to the Miqat to enter Ihram. If the pilgrim is not able to return to Miqat, a dam becomes obligatory. Which means the person has to sacrifice a sheep or a goat in Makkah.
Preparing for Ihram
Pilgrims should perform certain acts before crossing the Miqat:
Ghusl And The Removal Of Hair And Trimming Nails
This is a full bath and an act of sunnah and is strongly recommended. You have to perform ghusl with the intention of purifying yourself for Ihram. This can be done at your home before you board the plane or at your hotel in Madinah before your departure to Makkah. The second option is for those who visit Madinah before Makkah. You have to remove hair from the underarms and pubic area. The removal of nails is also mandatory to acquire complete purity. Do not wear perfume or apply it to Ihram, as after you have made Ihram Niyayh, the application of fragrance is prohibited.
Wearing Ihram Garments
Men and women have different types of Ihram, such as:
Men’s Ihram Clothing
Men have to wear two white unstitched seamless pieces of cloth. The lower garment is called Izar which is wrapped around the waist and secured. It must reach below the knee.
The upper garment is called a rida and is draped around the shoulders. No undergarments, sewn cloth, or shoes that cover the ankle bones are permitted. You have to wear simple sandals like flip-flops.
Women’s Ihram Clothing
Women need to wear a modest, loose-fitting Islamic dress that covers their entire body. The face and hands of women must remain uncovered at all times during Umrah. No niqab or gloves should be worn while a woman is in the state of Ihram, as per the majority of scholars. There is no specific colour requirement for women.
Perform Two Rak’ats Of Sunnah Salah
Offer two rakaats of nafl before making the niyaah of Ihram with the intention of Sunnah of Ihram. It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rakaat and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
Making the Niyyah
The Niyyah for Umrah is made verbally at or before the Miqat:
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
There is a shorter intention dua as well, which is:
“Labbayk Allāhumma bi ‘Umrah”
Translation: “O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.”
Reciting the Talbiyah
The pilgrim begins reciting the Talbiyah from the moment of Niyyah. This is a wajib act and must be recited at least once. Nonetheless, it is Sunnah to recite it continuously until Tawaf begins:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.”
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Men have to recite the Talbiya aloud, while women recite it quietly so that only they can hear themselves. The Talbiyah is discontinued when the pilgrim begins Tawaf by approaching the Black Stone.
Prohibitions of Ihram
Mahzurat al-Ihram, or prohibitions, are certain acts that are strongly prohibited in the state of Ihram. Those acts are:
- Cutting, shaving, or removing hair from any part of the body
- Clipping nails
- Using perfume, scented soap, scented shampoo, or fragranced products of any kind
- Wearing sewn or stitched clothing for men only
- Covering the head for men only. Caps, hats, hooded jackets, and turbans are not permitted
- Covering the face and wearing gloves for women
- Engaging in sexual relations or intimate touching
- Marriage contracts for oneself or officiating for others
- Hunting or killing land animals
- Uprooting or cutting trees or plants within the Haram boundary
Step 2: Tawaf al-Umrah
Tawaf is an act of circling the Kaaba several times in a counter-clockwise direction. It is performed upon entering Masjid al-Haram. Tawaf is a deeply spiritual act that symbolises unity, devotion, and the central role of Allah in a believer’s life.
With each circle or circuit, the pilgrim engages in remembrance, supplication, and reflection. It is a powerful moment of connection with Allah and the sacred heart of Islam.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
After arriving in Makkah, the pilgrims head to Masjid al-Haram. It is Sunnah to enter Bab al-Salam while stepping with the right foot first. Upon entering, a pilgrim has to recite:
Translation: “In the name of Allah. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your mercy.”
When you see the Kaaba for the first time, lower your gaze initially and then raise it. This is a blessed moment, so raise your hands and make dua. Reciting supplications at this moment is highly recommended. At this point, the Talbiya is discontinued:
Tawaf Guide
While performing Tawaf, you have to follow certain conditions, such as:
Purity
A pilgrim must be in the state of Taharah or purity throughout Tawaf. If your wudu breaks, leave the Mataf areas and renew the wudu. After this, you have to resume from the beginning of the circle in which it broke. Certain scholars also say that you can resume the circle from the point where you left off.
Covering the Awra
Men must cover the area between the naval and the knee. Women need to be fully covered except for the face and hands.
Start And End At The Black Stone
Each circuit or Shawt begins and ends at the line of the black stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad.
Keeping The Kaaba On The Left
The pilgrims must keep the Kaaba to their left side while moving in an anti-clockwise direction. Tawaf Must Be Performed Inside Masjid Al-Haram, but outside the Hateem. Hateem is the semi-circular low wall adjacent to the Kaaba. If you pass through Hateem, your circle is invalidated. A pilgrim must complete seven circuits.
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf involves a series of structured actions that are carried out with devotion, humility, and attentiveness around the Kaaba. Each step begins at the black stone, and seven circles are completed as per the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH.
While the physical movements are important, the essence of Tawaf lies in remembrance of Allah and spiritual reflection. This combination of action and intention makes Tawaf a deeply meaningful act of worship.
Approaching the Black Stone or Hajar al-Aswad
Face the black stone, and if you reach it, kiss it. If you cannot kiss it, touch it with your hand. Most of the time, both are not impossible due to the crowd. In this case, simply raise your hand toward the stone and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” or “Allahu Akbar.” This is called Istilam.
Idtiba For Men
Men should perform Idtiba before beginning Tawaf. They have to uncover the right shoulder by placing the Ihram garment under the right arm and draping it over the left shoulder only. Men have to maintain this throughout all seven circles of Tawaf. After Tawaf, they can undo the Ihram clothing.
Raml For Men
Men should perform Raml during the first three circles of Tawaf. Ramls is brisk walking with short and energetic steps while keeping the chest out. The final four circles are performed at a normal and relaxed walking pace. It is Sunnah that commemorates when the Prophet PBUH instructed his companions to demonstrate strength to the Quraysh.
Duas during Tawaf
There are no specific or compulsory duas for each circle. Pilgrims can recite any dua they know and make personal supplications in any language. They can recite the Quran or simply engage in Dhikr. A commonly recited dua between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Black Stone is:
Translation: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:201)
Complete Seven Circuits
After the completion of the seventh circle and performing Istilam of the Black Stone, Tawaf is complete.
Salah After Tawaf, Behind Maqam Ibrahim
After completing Tawaf, the pilgrim has to offer two rakaats of Wajib Salah behind or near Maqam Ibrahim. Maqam Ibrahim is the stone upon which the Prophet Ibrahim stood while building the Kaaba. This place bears a miraculous impression of his footprints.
This prayer can be offered anywhere within the mosque, even if the area is crowded. In the first rakah, recite Surah al-Kafirun and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
Drinking Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is accessible via the lower level of Masjid al-Haram. So after the prayer, proceed to the Zamzam well area and drink Zamzam water. Drink the water while standing and facing the Qibla, even if the area is crowded. The Prophet PBUH said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” (Ibn Majah). So you can make any specific dua before drinking the water.
Step 3: Sa’i
It is the act of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Sa’i is performed after Tawaf as a vital part of Umrah. It symbolises perseverance, trust in Allah, and the reward of sincere effort. Sa’i is inspired by the story of Hajar a.s.
It is the act through which pilgrims reflect on patience and reliance on Allah during the times of hardship. Sa’i is a physical as well as deeply spiritual journey that strengthens the faith and humility of a muslim.
The Spiritual and Historical Context Of Sa’i
Sa’i commemorates the desperate and faith-filled search of Hajar A.S., the wife of Prophet Ibrahim AS. She was searching for water for her infant son, Ismail A.S., in the scorching heat in the valley of Makkah. She ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah until the miracle of Zamzam water emerged from the earth.
Allah loved her act of complete trust and physical striving, and He made it an eternal ritual for all the pilgrims until the Day of Judgement. So when pilgrims walk in Sa’i, they walk in her footsteps. This is a deeply humbling and emotionally powerful experience.
Rules of Sa’i
Sa’i consists of seven rounds between Safa and Marwah. One round is a distance from Safa to Marwa, and from Marwa back to Safa; it counts as two. You begin at Safa and end at Marwah. Wudu is not obligatory for Sa’i, though it is strongly recommended and considered a Sunnah. Pilgrims can perform Sa’i after a valid Tawaf. They cannot perform Sa’i before performing Tawaf.
Sa’i must be performed in the correct direction. This means, sa’i must start from Safa and end at Marwah on the seventh trip. The gaps between the two rounds should not be excessively long without a valid reason. The following is the step-by-step process of performing Sa’i:
- Return to Hajar Al-Aswad for Istilam as it is Sunnah
- Walk to the Safa hill via the designated Sa’i corridor inside the mosque, which is called Mas’a. When you approach Safa, recite:
Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:158)
This verse is recited only at the beginning of Sa’i.
- The pilgrims have to climb Safa to the point where they can see or face the direction of the Kaaba.
- Now they have to raise their hands in dua, face the Qibla and recite the following dua three times. You can make a personal dua between each repetition:
اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ.
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ.
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ.
- Walk between Safa and Marwah while reciting duas and Dhikr throughout. Men should walk briskly, which is called Harwala, between the two green market pillars inside the Mas’a. This section represents where Hajar ran. Women walk at a normal pace throughout the journey.
- Upon reaching Marwah, the pilgrims have to face Qibla, raise their hands and repeat the duas as done at Safa. This completes the first trip of the round.
- Repeat the process seven times, alternating between Safa and Marwah, until the trip ends at Marwah. Meanwhile, you have to continuously engage in Dhikr, personal dua, and reflection throughout.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir
Hakq or Taqsir signify the completion of the pilgrimage and the exit from the sacred state of Ihram. This act represents humility, renewal, and obedience to Allah as the pilgrim symbolically leaves the previous state.
The completion of this ritual lifts all the restrictions of Ihram, and the pilgrim can return to normal life with a sense of spiritual fulfilment. Halq is a moment of gratitude, reflection, and the completion of a blessed journey. This is the final ritual of Umrah and one that is deeply symbolic. In men and women, Halq and Taqsr refer to the following:
- Halq refers to shaving the entire head completely. This is virtuous for men and earns a greater reward.
- Taqsir is the trimming of the hair across the entire head by at least one inch. Cutting a few strands from specific areas is not sufficient, as trimming should be uniform across the head.
Shaving one’s head is not permitted for women. Licensed barbershops or Halaqin are located in certain areas throughout Makkah. Even some barbershops are adjacent to Masjid al-Haram. These shops are open almost all the time and close only during the time of Salah.
After the completion of Halq or Taqsir, all the prohibitions of Umrah are lifted, and Umrah is completed. The pilgrims can wear normal clothes and resume all activities that were restricted.
Things to Do in Madinah During Umrah
Pilgrims combine their Umrah trip with a visit to the blessed city of Madinah. This is a journey within a journey. While not a spiritual requirement of Umrah, visiting Madinah carries enormous spirituality. Among the important things to do in Madinah during Umrah, visiting the following places is the best:
- Masjid an-Nabawi
- Masjid Quba
- Jannat al-Baqi
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn
- Uhud Mountain
Umrah Duas and Prayers
Duas and prayers are an essential part of Umrah. They enrich each step of the journey and connection to Allah. From the moment you make the intention to perform Umrah to the moment you complete it, specific supplications are recommended at certain occasions. Some of the important Umrah duas and prayers are as follows:
| Occasion | Dua |
| Niyyah | Labbayk allahumma bi ‘Umrah |
| Talbiyah | Labbayka allahumma labbayk… (full text above) |
| Entering Masjid al-Haram | allahumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwaba raḥmatik |
| Starting Tawaf (Istilam) | Bismillah allahu akbar |
| Between Yemeni Corner and Black Stone | Rabbana atina fid-dunya ḥasanatan… |
| at Safa and Marwah | La ilaha ill-allah waḥdahu… (full text above) |
| Drinking Zamzam | Make a specific personal dua before drinking |
| Leaving Masjid al-Haram | Allahumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik |
Best Time to Perform Umrah
It is essential to choose the right time to perform Umrah. This is because it can enhance the spiritual experience and the overall ease of the journey. In different months of the year, there is a different density of crowds. Aside from this, the prices of all-inclusive Umrah packages in the UK are different in different months. Some of the best months are as follows:
| Period | Crowd Level | Spiritual Reward | Recommendation |
| Ramadan | Very High | Highest (equals Hajj in reward) | Book 4–6 months in advance |
| Dhul Hijjah (post-Hajj) | Very High | Very High | Not ideal for first-timers |
| Muharram & Safar | Low–Moderate | High | Excellent for first-timers |
| Rabi al-awwal | Moderate | High | Good balance |
| Sha’ban | Moderate–High | High | Book 2–3 months ahead |
| Weekdays (any month) | Lower than weekends | Same | always prefer weekdays |
When comparing the packages, ensure that the select umrah travel agency is ATOL-protected, as this will help you get financial security. Moreover, check if the company has allotted hotels near Haramain or not. Hotels near Haramain are essential to save time.
Umrah Preparation Checklist for UK Pilgrims
Before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you have to work through your preparation checklist. This is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and your family. Make sure you are fully aware of which documents you have to carry and how to enter Ihram correctly. The umrah preparation checklist for a UK pilgrim is as follows:
- Valid passport ready
- Umrah visa obtained
- Flight tickets booked
- Confirmed hotel accommodations
- Health vaccinations updated
- Travel insurance arranged
- Ihram garments packed
- Comfortable sandals ready
- Sunnah toiletries packed
- Prayer mat included
- Quran or an app downloaded
- Duas printed or noted
- Currency exchanged locally
- Mobile SIM arranged
- Emergency contacts saved
- Travel itinerary printed
- Snacks & water prepared
- Backpack
- Medication properly packed
- First-aid kit
How Long Does Umrah Take?
This is one of the most important questions that many people travelling from the UK ask. The core ritual of Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq can be completed in approximately three to five hours under normal circumstances.
During the peak periods, such as Ramadan, Friday evenings or Saudi public holidays, the process can become considerably long. This is because a large number of people perform Umrah during these occasions. If you consider the time between Makkah and Madinah, rest days and optional Ziarat visits, then seven to fourteen days are ideal.
Conclusion
Umrah is a conversation between you and your creator. Every step of Umrah and every stride of Sa’i is an expression of love and longing for the mercy of the Almighty. Approach this journey with sincerity and trust that Allah will make it easy for you. He has invited you, and this invitation is a sign of His mercy.
If you are ready to begin your Umrah journey, contact Al Momin Travel. We are a dedicated company giving Umrah packages to people in the UK. Our company goes above and beyond and helps you perform Umrah with ease. Visit Al Momin Travel today and take the first step toward the House of Allah.
FAQs
What are the 4 essential steps of Umrah?
There are four essential steps of Umrah. Omitting any of them invalidates Umrah:
- Entering the state of Ihram
- Tawaf al-Umrah
- Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
- Halq or Taqsir
Can I perform Umrah without a guide?
Yes! With thorough preparation and knowledge of each step, you can perform Umrah without a guide. Many UK pilgrims use a travel agency that can give both opinions, i.e., umrah with a guide or without a guide. However, if you are performing Umrah for the first time, then travelling with an experienced guide is highly recommended.
What happens if I make a mistake during Umrah?
It depends on the nature of the mistake. If a Wajib act is missed, then a dam becomes obligatory. If a sunnah is missed, then there is no penalty. It is better to get advice from a scholar to remove doubts.
