The Complete Guide
How to Perform Umrah, Step by Step
Umrah is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam — a sacred journey to the House of Allah that can be undertaken at any time of the year. This guide walks you through exactly how to perform Umrah, from entering the state of ihram to the final trimming of the hair, with the authentic supplication for every stage.
Whether this is your first pilgrimage or a long-awaited return, our aim is simple: to give you a clear, calm and complete companion, so that your heart is free to worship rather than worry about what comes next. Read it through before you travel, and keep it close while you are there.
What this guide covers
What is Umrah?
Umrah is often called the “lesser pilgrimage,” in contrast to Hajj, the greater pilgrimage. It is a focused set of rites performed in and around the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah: entering the sacred state of ihram, performing tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), walking sa’i (seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa), and finally halq or taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair to leave the state of ihram).
Unlike Hajj, which must be performed on fixed days of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time of year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that one Umrah is an expiation for whatever takes place between it and the next, and that an Umrah performed in Ramadan carries especially great reward. At its heart, Umrah is a journey of renewal — a chance to return to Allah with a cleaner heart and a lighter soul.
Umrah and Hajj: what is the difference?
Umrah and Hajj share several rites, but they are not the same. Umrah has four essential acts and can be completed in a few hours. Hajj includes those same foundations plus standing at Arafah, the night in Muzdalifah, the days in Mina, the stoning of the pillars and the sacrifice — and it is bound to specific dates. Because the two overlap, performing Umrah is one of the best ways to prepare, both spiritually and practically, for a future Hajj.
Before you go: preparation
A peaceful Umrah begins long before you reach the Miqat. A little planning frees you to worship with presence once you arrive.
Paperwork and travel
Most pilgrims today arrange their Umrah permit and visa through the official Nusuk platform or an approved agent — our Nusuk Guide walks you through it step by step. Book your flights and accommodation in Makkah early, and check the current vaccination requirements (such as meningitis) for entry into Saudi Arabia. Keep both digital and printed copies of every document. For a fuller checklist on visas, health and money, see the Practical Guide.
What to pack
Travel light, but pack thoughtfully: comfortable footwear you can slip on and off, an unstitched white ihram for men (two sheets), modest everyday clothing for women, a small drawstring bag for your shoes inside the mosque, unscented toiletries, sunscreen and any regular medication. A refillable bottle for Zamzam and a simple dua book or app will serve you well.
Prepare your heart
The greatest preparation is inward. Make sincere repentance, settle your debts and disputes where you can, seek the forgiveness of anyone you may have wronged, and learn the rites so you can perform them calmly. Above all, set a clear intention that this journey is for the sake of Allah alone. Our Spiritual Guide can help you arrive with the right state of heart.
Tip: Learn the order of the rites before you arrive. Knowing what comes next — tawaf, then two units of prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, then Zamzam, then sa’i — lets you focus on devotion instead of logistics once you are in the crowd.
The four steps of Umrah
However long you spend in the Haram, Umrah itself rests on four essential acts, performed in this order:
1. Ihram — enter the sacred state at the Miqat with the intention and the Talbiyah.
2. Tawaf — circle the Kaaba seven times, then pray two units near Maqam Ibrahim.
3. Sa’i — walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
4. Halq or Taqsir — shave or trim the hair to leave the state of ihram.
The sections below explain each step in full, together with the supplication to recite along the way.
Step 1: Entering ihram
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It is not merely a set of garments; it is an intention together with a set of sacred limits that mark your entry into worship. You must enter ihram before crossing the Miqat.
The Miqat: the point you cannot cross without ihram
The Miqat is the appointed boundary beyond which no pilgrim may pass without being in ihram. If you fly into Jeddah intending Umrah, the captain will usually announce the Miqat around thirty minutes before landing — so change and make your intention beforehand. If you travel to Madinah first, you enter ihram at the Miqat of Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) on your way to Makkah. Those already inside Makkah who wish to perform another Umrah travel out to Masjid Aisha (al-Tan’im) to enter ihram.
Important: Crossing the Miqat without ihram while intending Umrah obliges you either to return to it or to offer a compensation (dam). It is far easier to prepare in good time.
Ghusl and the garments
Before the Miqat it is recommended to perform ghusl (a full wash), and for men to apply perfume to the body, though not to the ihram cloth itself. Men then wear two unstitched white sheets — one wrapped around the lower body (izar) and one draped over the upper body (rida) — leaving the head uncovered. Women have no prescribed dress: they wear ordinary modest clothing of any colour that covers the body, while leaving the face and hands uncovered.
A prayer as you set out
As your journey begins, you may recite the supplication of the traveller:
اَلّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ اَلّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ اَلّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ؍ سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِيْنَ وَإِنَّا إِلٰى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُوْنَ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhanallathi sakhara lana hadha wama kunna lahu muqrineen, wa inna ila rabbina lamunqaliboon…
“Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. Glory be to Him who made this subservient to us, when we could never have done so ourselves; and indeed, to our Lord we shall surely return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and fold up its distance. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family.”
Make the intention (niyyah)
Once you have reached the Miqat and changed into ihram, intend in your heart to perform Umrah, and give that intention voice:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Allahumma innee ureedul umrata fa-yassirhaa lee wa taqabbal-haa minnee.
“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah — make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
Begin the Talbiyah
With the intention made, you have entered ihram. Now raise the Talbiyah — the timeless call of the pilgrim — reciting it at least three times and repeating it often until you begin tawaf. Men say it aloud; women say it softly.
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ ؍ لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ ؍ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ ؍ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Labbayk-Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak.
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am; You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, blessing and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Arriving in Makkah and the first sight of the Kaaba
As you enter the sanctuary of Makkah, with the Talbiyah still on your lips, you may recite:
اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ
Allahumma hadha haramuka wa amnuka fa-harrimni ‘ala-n-nar, wa aaminni min ‘adhabika yawma tab‘athu ‘ibadak, waj‘alni min awliya’ika wa ahli ta‘atik.
“O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and Your place of security, so shield me from the Fire, protect me from Your punishment on the Day You raise Your servants, and make me among those You love and who obey You.”
Entering the Masjid al-Haram
Step in with your right foot first, seeking refuge in Allah:
أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيْمِ وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيْمِ وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيْمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ
A‘udhu billahil-‘azim, wa bi-wajhihil-karim, wa sultanihil-qadim, minash-shaytanir-rajim.
“I seek refuge in Allah the Magnificent, by His Noble Face and His Eternal Sovereignty, from the accursed Satan.”
Because you have entered intending tawaf, you do not pray the two units of Tahiyyat al-Masjid here — the tawaf itself takes their place.
When your eyes meet the Kaaba
The first sight of the Kaaba is among the most treasured moments of the entire journey, and a time when supplications are answered. Pause, raise your hands, and ask Allah for whatever your heart longs for. You may begin with the takbir and the words of oneness:
اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illa-llah.
“Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. There is no god but Allah.”
And you may add the supplication for peace:
اَللّٰهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلَامِ
Allahumma antas-salam wa minkas-salam, hayyina Rabbana bis-salam.
“O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace; so grant us life, our Lord, in peace.”
Step 2: Tawaf, circling the Kaaba
Tawaf is to circle the Kaaba seven times in worship, moving anticlockwise with the Kaaba on your left. Each circuit begins and ends at the corner of the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Before you start, intend the tawaf:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
Allahumma inni uridu tawafa baytika l-harami fa yassirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni.
“O Allah, I intend to perform tawaf of Your Sacred House, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
Starting at the Black Stone
Position yourself in line with the Black Stone. Face it, and if you can do so without crowding or harming anyone, kiss it or touch it; otherwise simply raise your hand towards it and do not push. As you begin each circuit, say:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillahi wallahu akbar.
“In the name of Allah, and Allah is Greatest.”
Between the corners you may pray to Allah freely, in your own words and your own language — this is your private conversation with your Lord, so make the most of it.
For men: during tawaf, keep the right shoulder uncovered (idtiba) by passing the upper sheet under the right arm, and walk briskly with short, quick steps (raml) for the first three circuits only. Women do neither.
Between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone
As you pass between the Yamani Corner (Rukn al-Yamani) and the Black Stone in each round, recite the words the Prophet (peace be upon him) used here:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Completing the seven circuits
When you complete the seventh circuit back at the Black Stone, your tawaf is finished. You may conclude with:
أَنْتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْغَافِرِيْنَ
Anta waliyyuna faghfir lana warhamna wa anta khairul-ghafireen.
“You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us, for You are the best of those who forgive.”
Two units of prayer at Maqam Ibrahim
After tawaf, move towards the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim), reciting:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhu min maqami Ibrahima musalla.
“And take the Station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.”
Find a clear spot behind the Maqam where you will not block others, and pray two short units (rak‘ah). It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun in the first and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second, after al-Fatihah. If the area is crowded, you may pray anywhere in the mosque.
Drink Zamzam
Then drink your fill of the blessed water of Zamzam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for, so drink with a clear intention and a hopeful heart. A beautiful supplication is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi‘an wa rizqan wasi‘an wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan wa shifa’an min kulli da’.
“O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, deeds that are accepted, and healing from every illness.”
Step 3: Sa’i, walking between Safa and Marwa
Sa’i is to walk seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, following the footsteps of Hajar, the mother of Ismail, as she hurried between them in search of water for her child. It is a living re-enactment of trust in Allah. As you make your way to Safa, recall His words:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna s-safa wal-marwata min sha‘a’irillah.
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”
And as you set out, begin with:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bima bada’allahu bihi.
“I begin with that which Allah began with.”
At Safa and at Marwa
Climb Safa until you can see the Kaaba, face it, raise your hands and praise Allah. Repeat the following three times, supplicating freely in between:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illa-llahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, yuhyi wa yumit, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir.
“There is no god but Allah alone, without partner. To Him belongs the dominion and all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things.”
Then descend and walk towards Marwa. Men walk briskly between the two green markers; women walk normally throughout. At Marwa, again face the Kaaba and repeat the same praise and supplication. One trip from Safa to Marwa counts as one, and the return counts as another — seven trips in all, ending at Marwa.
Finishing the sa’i
When you reach Marwa for the seventh time, your sa’i is complete. You may pray two voluntary units and make any final, heartfelt supplication before you move on to the last step.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir, leaving ihram
The final act of Umrah is to cut the hair — the sign that your pilgrimage is complete and the sacred state is released. Men may shave the whole head (halq), the more rewarded option, or shorten it evenly (taqsir). Women gather their hair and trim about a fingertip’s length (roughly 2 cm) from the ends; they do not shave.
With this, your Umrah is complete. The restrictions of ihram are lifted and you may return to your everyday clothing. Pause here, and thank Allah for allowing you to answer His call.
Leaving the mosque
As you leave the Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Bismillahi, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala rasulillah. Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlik.
“In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.”
Ihram prohibitions and common mistakes
While in ihram, certain actions are not permitted. Knowing them in advance spares you both error and needless worry. The main prohibitions are:
- Cutting the hair or clipping the nails.
- Applying perfume or scented products.
- For men: covering the head, or wearing stitched, fitted clothing and footwear that covers the heel.
- For women: covering the face with a veil that touches it, or wearing gloves.
- Hunting or harming game animals.
- Contracting a marriage, and all intimacy between spouses.
- Arguing, quarrelling or sinful speech — the pilgrim is called to gentleness.
Breaking a prohibition out of forgetfulness generally carries no penalty, but doing so deliberately may require a compensation (dam or fidyah). When you are unsure, ask a knowledgeable person rather than guess.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crossing the Miqat without entering ihram.
- Thinking you must kiss the Black Stone — touching it, pointing to it, or simply facing it is enough, and you should never push or harm others to reach it.
- Losing count of the circuits or trips — keep a quiet, steady count.
- Performing raml (brisk walking) in all seven circuits of tawaf instead of only the first three (men).
- Believing the prescribed duas are obligatory at every point — they are recommended, and you may also call upon Allah in your own language.
Notes for women
Women perform Umrah in the same way as men, with a few differences: they wear ordinary modest clothing rather than the ihram sheets, recite the Talbiyah softly, do not perform raml or idtiba during tawaf, and walk normally throughout sa’i. A woman who begins menstruating may perform every rite except tawaf, which requires purity; she waits until her period ends, performs ghusl, and then completes the tawaf, remaining in ihram until she does.
After your Umrah
Once your Umrah is complete, many pilgrims travel on to Madinah to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque and send their greetings upon him (peace be upon him). Although visiting Madinah is not part of Umrah, it is a deeply loved part of the journey. Explore our Madinah guide and Makkah guide to make the most of your time in the two holy cities. Should you wish to perform Umrah again, you re-enter ihram from a Miqat — those already in Makkah go out to Masjid Aisha (al-Tan’im).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
The rites themselves usually take two to four hours, depending on the crowds. Many pilgrims then spend several days in Makkah to pray, reflect and perform additional voluntary tawaf.
Can women perform Umrah?
Yes. Women perform the same rites with minor differences in dress and pace. Many rulings require a woman to travel with a mahram, though Saudi Arabia now permits women to perform Umrah without one under certain conditions — check the current requirements before you book.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You may perform Umrah for someone who has passed away, or who cannot travel due to age or illness, provided you have already performed your own. Mention their name in your intention at the Miqat.
What is the difference between halq and taqsir?
Halq is shaving the whole head; taqsir is shortening the hair. Men may do either, though shaving carries greater reward. Women only trim a small amount.
What if I make a mistake during Umrah?
Honest mistakes made out of forgetfulness are generally forgiven. A deliberate breach of an ihram restriction may require a compensation (dam). When in doubt, ask a scholar on site rather than abandon the rite.
Your Umrah checklist
- Enter ihram at the Miqat with ghusl, the garments and the intention.
- Recite the Talbiyah often until you reach the Kaaba.
- Perform tawaf — seven circuits, beginning and ending at the Black Stone.
- Pray two units near Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam.
- Perform sa’i — seven trips between Safa and Marwa.
- Shave or trim your hair to leave ihram.
May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins and return you home with a heart at peace. Download the Umrah Guide app to carry every step and dua with you, or contact us with any question about your journey.