Umrah Guide 2026: How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
Complete guide with Ihram rules, Tawaf Duas, Sa'i procedure, and expert tips for first-time pilgrims.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step?
Perform Umrah in 4 mandatory steps:
- Ihram – Take Ghusl, wear Ihram clothing, make Niyyah, recite Talbiyah.
- Tawaf – Circle Kaaba 7 times counter-clockwise, pray 2 Rakats at Maqam Ibrahim.
- Sa'i – Walk 7 laps between Safa and Marwah hills.
- Halq or Taqsir – Shave head (men) or trim hair (women). Umrah complete.
📑 Table of Contents
What is Umrah?
Umrah (Arabic: عمرة) is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) performed at any time of year. Unlike Hajj (obligatory, fixed dates), Umrah is voluntary (Nafl) but carries immense reward.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for sins committed between them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
The 4 Pillars of Umrah (With Time Estimates)
| Pillar | Action | Duration | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ihram | Sacred state + intention | 15 min | ✅ Yes |
| Tawaf | 7 circles around Kaaba | 30–60 min | ✅ Yes |
| Sa'i | 7 laps Safa ↔ Marwah | 20–40 min | ✅ Yes |
| Halq/Taqsir | Shave or trim hair | 5–10 min | ✅ Yes |
✔️ Total Umrah time: 2–4 hours (depending on crowds)
1 Ihram – Entering the Sacred State
🔹 Before Miqat (Preparation)
- Ghusl (full bath) – Even if not in major impurity, it's Sunnah.
- Trim nails & remove unwanted hair (allowed before Ihram only).
- Apply unscented oil (if needed) – no perfume.
🔹 Clothing Rules (Strict)
| Gender | Ihram Dress | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Two white unstitched sheets (Izar & Rida). Sandals exposing ankle/back of foot. | Stitched clothing, underwear, socks, head cover. |
| Women | Any modest, loose clothing (abaya/jilbab). Face & hands exposed. | Niqab (face cover), gloves, perfume. |
🔹 Niyyah & Talbiyah (The Intention)
At Miqat (e.g., Dhul Hulayfah for Madinah pilgrims), say:
"Labbayka Allahumma 'Umratan" (O Allah, I intend Umrah).
Then recite Talbiyah (repeat continuously until starting Tawaf):
"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, laa shareeka lak."
🚫 Prohibitions in Ihram
Violation requires Fidyah/penalty:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Wearing perfume (even scented soap)
- Hunting or killing animals (even lice)
- Sexual intercourse or foreplay
- Marriage contracts
- Covering head (men) or face with niqab (women)
2 Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
🔹 How to Perform Tawaf (7 Rounds)
- Start at Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) – Face it, raise hands to ears, say: "Bismillah Allahu Akbar". If possible, kiss it. If crowded, touch with hand and kiss hand. If impossible, raise hand in salutation.
- Keep Kaaba on your left – Walk counter-clockwise.
- Men: Idtiba & Raml – Idtiba: Keep right shoulder uncovered for all 7 rounds. Raml: First 3 rounds – walk briskly with short, forceful steps. Last 4 rounds – normal pace.
- Supplication – No specific Dua required; recite any personal Duas. Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone, recite:
"Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil aakhirati hasanah wa qina 'adhaaban Naar" (Quran 2:201)
🔹 After Completing 7 Rounds
- Pray 2 Rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in Haram).
1st Rakat: Surah Al-Fatiha + Surah Al-Kafirun (109)
2nd Rakat: Surah Al-Fatiha + Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) - Drink Zamzam Water – Face Kaaba, say Bismillah, drink in 3 breaths, then Alhamdulillah.
"Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an wa rizqan waasi'an wa shifa'an min kulli daa'."
Multazam (optional): If you can reach the wall between Black Stone & Kaaba door, press chest & cheeks, raise hands, and make Duas.
3 Sa'i – Walking Between Safa & Marwah
🔹 How to Perform Sa'i (7 Laps)
- Go to Safa hill – Face Kaaba, raise hands, recite:
"Innas-safa wal-marwata min sha'a'irillah" (Indeed, Safa & Marwah are among Allah's symbols).
- Make Dua – Praise Allah, send salawat on Prophet, ask for whatever you wish (repeat 3 times).
- Walk to Marwah – This is Lap 1. Green fluorescent lights (Milayn al-Akhdharayn) – Men run at medium pace between the two light poles. Women walk normally.
- At Marwah – Face Kaaba, raise hands, make same Dua (lap complete).
- Return to Safa – Lap 2. Repeat until 7 laps end at Marwah.
✔️ Tip: No specific Dua is repeated at the start of each lap except the first. You may recite any Quran or personal supplications while walking.
4 Halq or Taqsir – Exiting Ihram
| Gender | Recommended | Alternative | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Halq (shave head fully) | Taqsir (trim all hair equally by 1 inch) | Shave at least 50% of head |
| Women | Taqsir only (trim fingertip length) | – | Cut 1–2 cm from end of braid/ponytail |
✔️ After Halq/Taqsir, all Ihram prohibitions are lifted. You may wear normal clothes, use perfume, etc✔️ Congratulations! Your Umrah is complete.
🕌 Essential Umrah Duas
| Ritual | Dua / Dhikr |
|---|---|
| Entering Masjid al-Haram | Allahumma aftah li abwaba rahmatik |
| Seeing Kaaba | Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah (make personal Dua – accepted moment) |
| Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone | Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanah... |
| After Tawaf (2 Rakats) | Recite Surahs Al-Kafirun & Al-Ikhlas |
| Drinking Zamzam | Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an... |
| Climbing Safa | Abda'u bima bada'allahu bihi (I begin with what Allah began) |
| Leaving Haram | Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik |
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Ghusl before Ihram – Permissible but Sunnah. Many forget.
- Saying Talbiyah loudly in crowded Tawaf – Disturbs others. Recite quietly.
- Pushing to kiss Black Stone – If harmful, symbolic Istilam is enough.
- Women wearing Niqab or gloves in Ihram – Forbidden.
- Men covering head in Ihram – Invalidates that part of ritual.
- Eating after Tawaf before Sa'i – Permitted, but delays. Better to complete Sa'i immediately.
📈 FAQs – People Also Ask
Can I perform Umrah while menstruating?
No. Women must be pure (not in menses) for Tawaf. If menses starts before Umrah, delay until purity. Sa'i can be performed in a state of impurity according to some scholars.
How many times can I perform Umrah?
Unlimited. Each Umrah requires exiting Miqat and re-entering Ihram. Many pilgrims perform multiple Umrahs from Masjid Aisha (Tan'eem).
What is the penalty for breaking Ihram rules?
Perfume/wearing stitched clothes: Sacrifice a sheep (Fidyah) or feed 6 poor people✔️ Sexual intercourse: Invalidates Umrah – must repent and repeat.
Do I need to be in Wudhu for Tawaf?
Yes. Tawaf is like prayer – requires Wudhu. Sa'i does NOT require Wudhu (but preferred).
What is the best time for Umrah to avoid crowds?
After Fajr prayer (until 8 AM), late night (11 PM – 2 AM), and weekdays (Sunday–Wednesday) are the least crowded times.
How long does Umrah take?
Umrah takes 2 to 4 hours depending on crowds. First-timers may take 4–5 hours including breaks and orientation.
Can women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
According to updated Saudi policies, women of any age can now travel and perform Umrah without a Mahram. They can travel independently or in guided women's groups.