What is Umrah?
Umrah (عمرة) is the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca — a highly recommended act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year (unlike Hajj, which is restricted to Dhul Hijjah). While not obligatory, the Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged it: Umrah to Umrah is expiation for what is between them. (Bukhari)
The Four Steps of Umrah
Step 1 — Ihram
Ihram is the state of sacred consecration entered before crossing the Miqat (designated boundary). Men wear two white seamless cloths (izar and rida). Women dress modestly with face and hands uncovered. Make the intention (niyyah) and recite the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Step 2 — Tawaf
Upon arriving at the Masjid al-Haram, perform seven circuits around the Kaaba (Tawaf al-Umrah). Begin from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), keeping the Kaaba on your left. Make dua throughout. Pray 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim after completing the 7 circuits.
Step 3 — Sa'i
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar (Hagar) seeking water for her son Ismail. Begin at Safa (this counts as the first leg), end at Marwa. Men may jog between the green lights; women walk the entire distance.
Step 4 — Halq or Taqsir
Men shave the head (Halq — more rewarding) or cut at least an inch from the hair (Taqsir). Women cut a finger's length from the ends of their hair. This marks the end of Umrah and the state of Ihram.
Tips for First-Timers
- Learn the boundaries of the Miqat for your country before travelling
- Bring a small booklet of duas for Tawaf and Sa'i
- Go at less crowded times — early morning Tawaf is quieter
- Stay hydrated — the Haram can be hot and physically demanding
- Make extensive dua at the Multazam (between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba)
Find the Qibla from your location: Open Qibla Finder →