Looking for a comprehensive Umrah guide? You’re in the right place! I’ve put together all the essential information you need to plan and complete your Umrah journey with ease. This guide covers everything from the necessary steps to perform during Umrah, important dos and don’ts, and all the other essential details to ensure a proper and fulfilling Umrah experience.
Performing Umrah is one of the most rewarding acts of worship a Muslim can undertake. Though it’s not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great significance and is highly recommended for a Muslim if they are financially capable to reach the house of Allah . Performing Umrah brings immense rewards, purifies ones from the sins, and strengthens one’s connection with Allah.
This step-by-step Umrah guide aims to walk you through the entire process, from preparation to completion, with all the essential rituals, duas, and tips to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is composed of four things, namely: ihram, circumambulation of the Sacred House (tawaf), sa`i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, and shaving the head or cutting the hair.
Umrah is often called the “lesser pilgrimage” and is a religious journey that involves specific rituals performed in Makkah. While it is not obligatory like Hajj, it holds great importance and is considered a significant act of worship. Muslims believe that performing Umrah cleanses their soul and earns immense rewards from Allah.
Umrah can be performed at any time during the year, unlike Hajj, which is done during a specific period in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It involves a series of rituals, and while it is simpler than Hajj, it still carries immense spiritual significance. These rituals consist of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and either shaving or cutting hair.
Importance of Umrah
The significance of Umrah is vast, as it provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness, purify oneself, and earn tremendous rewards from Allah. Although Umrah is not compulsory, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance. In one of the hadiths he (PBUH) states:
“An Umrah to the next Umrah is an expiation for what is between them, and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the accepted pilgrimage) is nothing but Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This highlights that performing Umrah erases ones sins between the current and previous Umrah. It is a powerful spiritual cleansing that allows the believer to renew their relationship with Allah and seek forgiveness at a higher level.
Performing Umrah also fulfills a Muslim’s desire to visit the holy city of Makkah, where the Kaaba—the sacred house of Allah—is located. The Kaaba is the qibla (direction) for all Muslims during prayer, and standing in its presence is a profoundly emotional uplifting experience. Tha kaaba or Masjid Al Haram itself holds great significance in Islam and visiting it is nothing less than a blessing and rewarding.
Who Is Eligible for Umrah?
Umrah is not obligatory for all Muslims, but it is highly recommended for those who are able. Eligibility is determined by several factors:
- Islamic Faith: To perform Umrah one has to be in the state of Islam.
- Maturity: Like any other men/women children under the age of puberty are also not required to perform Umrah. However, parents can bring children along, and guide them for each and every step correctly, but the child is not held accountable for any mistakes that take place while performing the steps of Umrah.
- Sanity – You should be mentally well, sane, and sound, and in control of your mental faculties.
- Physical Cabality: A person must be physically fit to undertake the journey, the disable or old person is suggested to use all means of ease in Umrah without any worry or can avoid Umrah.
- Financial Capability: Those who wish to perform Umrah, They must also have the financial means to travel, afford accommodation, and cover other expenses related to the pilgrimage.
- Intention (Niyyah): Performing Umrah should be done purely for the sake of Allah, and the intention should be made with sincerity.
- Mahram for Women: A woman must be accompanied by a mahram (husband or a male relative whom she cannot marry, such as her father, brother, or son) when traveling for Umrah. This ensures she is under the guardianship required following the Shariah, provides for her safety and ease, and fulfills the necessary requirements for travel.
- Visa Rules: To obtain an Umrah visa from the country, certain conditions must be met, including having a passport valid for at least six months.
These conditions are in place to ensure that individuals are fully prepared and capable of performing the sacred rites of Umrah smoothly and without any obstacles.
When to Perform Umrah?
Unlike Hajj, which is performed only during specific times of the year (Dhul-Hijjah), Umrah can be performed at any time. However, certain times of the year have added significance and rewards:
- During Ramadan: Performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered highly rewarding. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj.
- Outside of Ramadan: If you prefer to avoid crowds, it’s best to perform Umrah outside the busy months of Ramadan and Hajj. This allows for a more peaceful and spiritually focused experience.
- Anytime during the year: For most Muslims, performing Umrah at any time of the year is acceptable. The key is to approach the journey with sincerity and focus on the spiritual benefits.
Steps of Umrah
The process of performing Umrah involves several distinct rituals, each with its own significance. Below, we’ll walk through these steps in detail.
The procedure for an Umrah starts with wearing the Ihram while leaving for the Umrah, and here is more about the Ihram:
Ihram is the special clothing and state that a pilgrim enters before commencing the rituals of Umrah. Ihram marks a person’s entry into the sacred state of pilgrimage, which involves wearing specific attire and abstaining from certain actions.
- For men: The attire consists of two simple, unstitched white garments. One is wrapped around the waist, and the other drapes over the shoulder.
- For women: Women wear a simple, modest dress that covers their entire body, including a headscarf.
1. Making the Intention (Niyyah) and Dua
The first step before entering the sacred state of Ihram is to make a sincere intention (niyyah) for performing Umrah. This should be done purely for the sake of Allah. The intention should not be made in a casual or disinterested manner but should be a conscious decision to embark on the journey of spiritual renewal.
The niyyah (intention) for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or as you approach it. It is best to make the intention as close to the Miqat as possible, to avoid being restricted by its prohibitions for longer than necessary. While the intention can be made in your heart, it is recommended (mustahabb) to verbally express it as well.
Here is an example of the intention you can recite in Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, at Your service for Umrah).
This phrase signals your readiness to embark on the sacred journey. It should be recited as you approach Makkah, during the journey to the holy city.
Du`a at the Miqat
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to recite Tasbih (saying “Subhan-Allah (glory be to Allah)”), Tahlil (saying “La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship but Allah)”) and Takbir (saying “Allahu akbar (Allah is Most Great)”) before entering Ihram for `Umrah or Hajj.
It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed Dhuhr with four Rak`ahs when we were with him in Madinah, and he prayed `Asr in Dhu`l-Hulayfah with two Rak`ahs, then he stayed there overnight. When morning came he rode until he reached Al-Bayda’, then he praised, glorified and magnified Allah. Then he recited Talbiyah with the intention of performing Hajj and `Umrah and the people did likewise. (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 1476)
Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“This ruling – that it is recommended to recite Tasbih and the other (Adhkars) mentioned before Ihram – is something that not many people do even though it is proven in the Sunnah.” (Fat-h Al-Bari, 3/412)
2. Entering the State of Ihram & Talbiah
Once you have made your niyyah (intention), the next step is to recite the Talbiyah to confirm your intention and enter the state of Ihram. According to the Hanafi and Maliki schools, the Talbiyah is wajib (obligatory), while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it sunnah (recommended).
You must recite the Talbiyah at least once after making your intention for Umrah. Failing to do so will render your Umrah invalid.
The recommended method of reciting the Talbiyah involves pausing briefly at four specific points, marked by the dashes. The full Talbiyah prayer is as follows:
لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
“At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly, all praise, favor, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
This should be recited frequently as you make your way to Makkah.
Du`a on the way to Makkah | in the state of Ihram
It is Sunnah to recite the Talbiyah a great deal and to raise one`s voice – for men; women should recite in a low voice so that no non-Mahram men will hear them.
It was narrated from `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set out riding from the mosque of Dhul-Hulayfah, he recited the Talbiyah and said: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk , labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna Al-hamda wa`l-ni`matah laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak (Here I am, O Allah, in response to your call, here I am. Here I am, in response to your call, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and grace and dominion are Yours, You have no partner).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 5571 and Muslim, 1184)
3. During Ihram
After you enter the state of Ihram there are a few things to keep in mind all the time. Here is more about it:
Things to Avoid in Ihram
When in the state of Ihram, there are specific actions that must be avoided to maintain the sanctity of this state. Violating these rules can invalidate your Umrah or Hajj, so it’s crucial to know what is prohibited. Below is a list of things to avoid while in Ihram:
- Shaving the Head or Body
Shaving any part of the body, including the head, is prohibited. Allah commands: “Do not shave your heads until the Hady (sacrificial animal) reaches the place of sacrifice.” (Qur’an 2:196). This prohibition applies to all body hair. - Using Perfume
Perfume, whether applied to the body, clothing, or food, is strictly forbidden while in Ihram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade the use of perfume for someone in Ihram, including for the deceased Muhrim (one who passed away in Ihram). - Intercourse
Sexual relations with your spouse while in Ihram are prohibited. Allah says: “So whoever intends to perform Hajj therein, then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin…” (Qur’an 2:197). - Touching One’s Wife with Desire
Any physical contact with your spouse that involves desire is also prohibited while in Ihram. This is because it falls under the general prohibition of sexual relations. - Hunting
Killing game (animals) is not allowed while in Ihram. Allah says: “O you who believe, kill not the game while you are in a state of Ihram.” (Qur’an 5:95). However, it is permissible to cut trees outside the sanctuary area, but cutting trees in the Haram area is forbidden. - Wearing Specific Garments
Men in Ihram are not allowed to wear sewn garments like shirts, trousers, or turbans. They must wear the simple Ihram clothing, which consists of two unstitched white garments. Women are also prohibited from wearing niqab (face veil) or burqa while in Ihram. - Niqab and Burqa (for Women)
Women in Ihram should not wear niqab. It is prescribed for them to leave their face uncovered unless a non-mahram man passes by, in which case they can cover their face.
Expiation for Breaking Ihram Rules
If you accidentally violate any of the above prohibitions, no expiation is required if it was done out of forgetfulness or ignorance, or if you were forced. Allah says: “And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend.” (Qur’an 33:5).
If you remember or learn that you’ve violated a rule, stop the action immediately. For example, if you forgot to remove a head covering, take it off as soon as you remember. If you applied perfume by mistake, wash it off. If you were forced into a situation where you violated a rule, there is no expiation required, but once the force is removed, you must stop the prohibited act.
4. Performing Tawaf (The Circumambulation)
The first ritual you perform upon entering the Masjid al-Haram is Tawaf. This involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. During Tawaf, make dua and ask Allah for your needs, desires, and forgiveness.
Start at the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad) is located. It is recommended to kiss or touch the Black Stone, but if this is not possible due to the crowds, simply point towards it with your right hand and continue your Tawaf.
Dua during Tawaf
Each time you align with the Black Stone during the Tawaf, say “Allahu Akbar.” Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated in Al-Bukhari (1613) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to perform the Tawaf around the House, and every time he reached the Black Stone, he pointed to it with something in his hand and said the Takbir.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite the dua narrated from `Abdullah ibn As-Sa’ib (may Allah be pleased with him), who reported hearing the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirah hasanah wa qina `adhab An-nar”
(Our Lord, give us what is good in this world and what is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire).
(Narrated by Abu Dawud, 1892; authenticated by Shaykh Al-Albani in Sahih Abu Dawud).
5. Performing Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, you will proceed to perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates the search for water by Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham), for her son Ismail.
Start at Safa and walk towards Marwah, reciting supplications during the journey. Upon reaching Marwah, turn around and walk back toward Safa. This cycle is repeated seven times.
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Du`a before climbing As-Safa and when atop it
Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: … The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went out through the gate to As-Safa, and when he neared it, he recited: “Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are of the Symbols of Allah” [Al-Baqarah 2:158 – interpretation of the meaning], then he said: “I begin with that with which Allah began.” He began with As-Safa, climbed it until he could see the House, then turned to face the Qiblah, proclaimed the Oneness of Allah, magnified Him, and said:
“La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadir; La ilaha illallah wahdahu anjaza wadah wa nasara `abdah wa hazama Al-ahzaba wahdah.”
Du`a when climbing Al-Marwah
When climbing Al-Marwah, you should do the same as you did when climbing As-Safa, but without reciting the verse before beginning the ascent.
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) descended towards Al-Marwah, and when his feet reached the bottom of the valley, he ran until the ground began to rise, then he walked until he reached Al-Marwah. He did at Al-Marwah as he had done at As-Safa.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1218)
6. Shaving or Cutting Hair
After completing Sa’i, the final step of Umrah is the shaving or cutting of the hair. For men, it is recommended to shave the head, as this is a sign of purification. For women, cutting a small portion of hair (about an inch) is sufficient.
Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
After completing Umrah, many Muslims choose to visit the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mosque in Madinah. While this is not obligatory, it is highly recommended and offers further spiritual rewards. The mosque in Madinah holds great significance, as prayer in this mosque is more virtuous than in any other mosque, except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
When visiting the Prophet’s Mosque:
- Perform two Rak’ahs of prayer or any obligatory prayers.
- Pay your respects at the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them).
- Visit Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Aqsa, and other historic sites in Madinah.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a profound and spiritually enriching experience that can significantly enhance your connection with Allah. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, it remains one of the most cherished experiences a Muslim can undertake. With this step-by-step guide, you now have a clear understanding of how to perform Umrah, from the initial preparations to the completion of the rituals.
Each stage of Umrah—Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving or cutting hair—holds deep spiritual significance. By performing these rituals with sincerity and devotion, you will not only cleanse your soul but also come closer to the divine. Remember that Umrah is a time to reflect, repent, and renew your commitment to Allah.
Furthermore, while the visit to Madinah is not mandatory, it’s a wonderful opportunity to seek blessings from the Prophet’s Mosque and reflect upon the sacred history of Islam. Visiting Madinah and its historic sites will leave you with a sense of peace and a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions.
Final Reflections on the Umrah Journey
The journey of Umrah is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. From the moment you set out on your journey with pure intentions, to the moment you leave the Holy Land, Umrah offers countless opportunities to seek forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah. The process of physically preparing for Umrah—through Ihram and the rituals of Tawaf, Sa’i, and the shaving of hair—is just as significant as the emotional and spiritual preparation that occurs during your stay in Makkah and Madinah.
Make sure to take your time during Umrah, engage in heartfelt supplications, and remain mindful of your purpose: to earn Allah’s mercy, purification, and forgiveness. May Allah accept your Umrah, grant you peace, and allow you to return to His sacred lands again.
About The Author & Content Verification
This post is written by Waliur Rahman, The Editor of The Muslim Traveler Blog. Waliur is a graduate of Islamic Studies from The University of Quran & Sunnah, an Indian Islamic institution. All content in this post is researched, collected, written, and reviewed by him.
To ensure the accuracy of this post, we referred to Islamic Jurisprudence (Books of Fiqh) by different scholars in both English and Arabic. The article is referenced with content available on the internet, including the following:
- How to perform steps of Umrah | published by Islamqa.Info
- Thing to avoid during Ihram | Published Isamqa.Info
- Our Own Hajj CheckList | The Muslim Traveler Blog
Although we have tried our best to provide accurate information, if you find any mistakes or discrepancies in this Umrah guide, please contact us with the correct information, and we would be pleased to revise and update the article.
And Allah knows best.
The post was last updated on 25th May 2024 by Waliur Rahman.
