Umrah Guide
Umrah is often called the "lesser pilgrimage" — a deeply rewarding act of worship that, unlike Haj, can be performed at any time of the year. It isn't obligatory the way Haj is, but it carries immense spiritual reward, especially when performed during Ramadan. Most pilgrims complete the core rituals in just a few hours. This guide walks through each step in sequence, so you know what to expect.
This guide offers a general overview of the Umrah sequence. Specific rulings can vary between schools of thought — always follow the guidance of your Muallim or a qualified scholar for matters of religious detail.
When Can You Perform Umrah?
Any Time of Year
Unlike Haj, Umrah has no fixed dates — it can be performed in any month, as many times as you wish.
Especially in Ramadan
Performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered especially rewarding, often described as equal in reward to Haj.
A Few Hours, Not Days
The core rituals — Tawaf, Sa'i and Halq — are typically completed in two to four hours, far shorter than the multi-day Haj journey.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You; You have no partner." Recited frequently from the moment of entering Ihram until the start of Tawaf.
The Umrah Sequence, Step by Step
Before Crossing the Miqat
Ihram — Entering the Sacred State
Before reaching the Miqat boundary, pilgrims perform ghusl (a full bath) if possible, then change into Ihram. Men wear two unstitched white garments — one around the waist, one over the shoulders. Women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing in any colour, covering everything except the face and hands. With a clear intention (niyyah) for Umrah, pilgrims then recite the Talbiyah, continuing frequently until Tawaf begins. From this point, the restrictions of Ihram apply: no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no hunting, and no marital relations.
On Arrival at Masjid al-Haram
Tawaf — Circling the Kaaba
Pilgrims enter Masjid al-Haram with the right foot and proceed to the Kaaba to begin Tawaf — seven counter-clockwise circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Men keep the right shoulder uncovered throughout (Idtiba) and walk briskly for the first three circuits (Raml). Wudu must be maintained throughout; if it breaks, pilgrims pause, renew their wudu, and resume from where they left off.
After Tawaf
Two Rak'ahs at Maqam Ibrahim, and Zamzam
After completing Tawaf, pilgrims pray two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim — or anywhere in the mosque if it's too crowded — followed by drinking Zamzam water, traditionally while facing the Kaaba.
Between Safa and Marwah
Sa'i — Walking the Path of Hajar
Pilgrims then perform Sa'i: seven circuits between the hills of Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. Men walk briskly between the green markers; women walk at a normal pace throughout.
The Final Step
Halq or Taqsir — Completing Umrah
Umrah is completed by cutting the hair. Men may shave the head completely (Halq, considered more virtuous) or trim it evenly (Taqsir); women cut a small, fingertip-length portion from the ends of their hair. Once this is done, all restrictions of Ihram are lifted, and Umrah is complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crossing the Miqat without being in the state of Ihram
- Losing wudu during Tawaf and continuing anyway, instead of pausing to renew it
- Starting a Tawaf circuit from the wrong point — each one must begin and end at the Black Stone
- Rushing or skipping circuits of Sa'i in the crowds
- Forgetting Halq or Taqsir — Ihram restrictions are not lifted until the hair is cut
- Underestimating the walking involved — comfortable footwear and hydration matter