Performing Umrah is one of the most beautiful acts of worship in Islam. It is a spiritual journey to Makkah that brings Muslims closer to Allah. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah). Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia every year to perform Umrah and seek blessings.
In this guide, we will explain how to perform Umrah step by step in simple English so that even first-time pilgrims can understand it easily.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is a form of pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It includes a series of rituals such as Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving or cutting hair. Umrah is shorter than Hajj but holds great spiritual value.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Many people confuse Hajj and Umrah. Let’s make it clear:
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Hajj is mandatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it.
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Umrah is optional but highly rewarding.
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Hajj is performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
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Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
Step by Step Umrah Guide
Here are the main steps of Umrah explained in detail:
1. Ihram (State of Purity)
Ihram is the first step of Umrah. It is a sacred state that every pilgrim must enter before starting Umrah.
How to do Ihram:
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Take a bath (ghusl) and wear clean clothes.
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Men should wear two white unstitched sheets (one for the lower body and one for the upper body).
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Women should wear modest clothes that cover their body (not specific to color).
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Pray two rak’ahs Salah.
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Make the intention (niyyah) of Umrah and say the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk.”
(Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am.)
Once in Ihram, you cannot cut nails, use perfume, or have marital relations until Umrah is completed.
2. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
After reaching Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the next step is Tawaf.
How to perform Tawaf:
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Enter the Masjid with your right foot and say the dua: “Bismillah, Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammad.”
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Go to the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). If possible, kiss it. If not, just raise your hand towards it and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar.”
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Walk around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
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Men should walk quickly in the first three rounds (Ramal) and normally in the last four. Women walk normally in all rounds.
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After completing seven rounds, go behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible) and pray two rak’ahs.
3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, the next step is Sa’i, which is walking between the two hills, Safa and Marwah.
How to perform Sa’i:
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Start at Safa. Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make dua.
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Walk towards Marwah.
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Between the two green lights, men should walk quickly (jog), while women walk normally.
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Reach Marwah, face the Kaaba, and make dua again.
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This completes one lap. Walking from Safa to Marwah and then back is counted as two laps.
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Complete seven laps in total, ending at Marwah.
4. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Cutting Hair)
The final step of Umrah is to shave or cut your hair.
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Men should shave the entire head (Halq) or cut hair short all over (Taqsir). Shaving is more rewarding.
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Women should cut a small portion of hair (about the length of a fingertip).
After this step, your Umrah is complete, and you are free from the restrictions of Ihram.
Important Tips for Umrah
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Keep your intention pure for Allah only.
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Carry a small bag with water, slippers, and prayer essentials.
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Learn some basic duas before going.
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Be patient and avoid pushing others in crowded areas.
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Drink Zamzam water after Tawaf and make dua.
Spiritual Benefits of Umrah
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It removes sins and purifies the soul.
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Brings you closer to Allah.
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Increases faith and strengthens Iman.
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Provides peace, blessings, and forgiveness.
👉 Just like the Importance & Benefits of Salah in Islam, performing Umrah strengthens your connection with Allah. Salah is a daily reminder, while Umrah is a lifetime opportunity to refresh your faith.
👉 To understand more about charity and purification of wealth, you can also read Understanding Zakat in Islam: Rules, Calculation, and Benefits. Both Salah and Zakat, along with Umrah, bring a Muslim closer to Allah.
👉 Remember, Umrah is not one of the obligatory acts of worship but it is highly rewarding. The five essential duties of Islam are explained in our article 5 Pillars of Islam – What are the Five Pillars?.
FAQs
1. Can Umrah be performed anytime?
Yes, Umrah can be performed any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has fixed dates.
2. How long does Umrah take?
Umrah can usually be completed within 3–4 hours, depending on the crowd.
3. Is Ihram different for men and women?
Yes, men wear two white sheets while women wear modest clothing.
4. Can children perform Umrah?
Yes, children can perform Umrah with their parents.
5. What are the prohibitions in Ihram?
You cannot cut hair or nails, use perfume, hunt, or engage in marital relations while in Ihram.
6. What duas should I read in Umrah?
There are no fixed duas for every step, but you should recite Quran, make personal duas, and praise Allah.
7. Is shaving the head compulsory for men?
It is not compulsory, but shaving (Halq) is more rewarding than shortening (Taqsir).
Umrah is a great blessing and an opportunity to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah. By following this step-by-step Umrah guide, you can perform it easily and peacefully. Remember, Umrah is not just about rituals but also about spiritual connection, humility, and devotion to Allah.
If you want reliable, official details on Hajj and Umrah rules and procedures, check out the Hajj and Umrah section on the Saudi National Platform.
May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you peace, forgiveness, and endless rewards. Ameen.
