Umrah Guide 2026: How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

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 4 Pillars of Umrah (With Time Estimates)

1 Ihram – Entering the Sacred State

🔹 Before Miqat (Preparation)

1. Ghusl (full bath) – Even if not in major impurity, it's Sunnah.
2. Trim nails & remove unwanted hair (allowed before Ihram only).
3. Apply unscented oil (if needed) – no perfume.

🔹 Clothing Rules (Strict)

🔹 Niyyah & Talbiyah (The Intention)

At Miqat (e.g., Dhul Hulayfah for Madinah pilgrims), say:

Then recite Talbiyah (repeat continuously until starting Tawaf):

🚫 Prohibitions in Ihram

2 Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba

🔹 How to Perform Tawaf (7 Rounds)

1. 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.
2. Keep Kaaba on your left – Walk counter-clockwise.
3. 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.
4. Supplication – No specific Dua required; recite any personal Duas. Between Yemeni Corner & Black Stone, recite:

🔹 After Completing 7 Rounds

1. 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)
2. Drink Zamzam Water – Face Kaaba, say Bismillah, drink in 3 breaths, then Alhamdulillah.

3 Sa'i – Walking Between Safa & Marwah

🔹 How to Perform Sa'i (7 Laps)

1. Go to Safa hill – Face Kaaba, raise hands, recite:

2. Make Dua – Praise Allah, send salawat on Prophet, ask for whatever you wish (repeat 3 times).
3. 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.
4. At Marwah – Face Kaaba, raise hands, make same Dua (lap complete).
5. Return to Safa – Lap 2. Repeat until 7 laps end at Marwah.

4 Halq or Taqsir – Exiting Ihram

🕌 Essential Umrah Duas

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Ghusl before Ihram – Permissible but Sunnah. Many forget.
2. Saying Talbiyah loudly in crowded Tawaf – Disturbs others. Recite quietly.
3. Pushing to kiss Black Stone – If harmful, symbolic Istilam is enough.
4. Women wearing Niqab or gloves in Ihram – Forbidden.
5. Men covering head in Ihram – Invalidates that part of ritual.
6. Eating after Tawaf before Sa'i – Permitted, but delays. Better to complete Sa'i immediately.

📈 FAQs – People Also Ask