Umrah Guide – How to Perform Umrah Step by Step

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims. Unlike Hajj, it is not obligatory, but it carries immense rewards and blessings. Many people describe it as a chance to refresh their faith, seek forgiveness, and come closer to Allah. If you are planning to perform Umrah for the first time, make sure to apply for Umrah Visa in advance. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand the process clearly and prepare for a smooth, hassle-free journey.

1. Preparing for Umrah

Before you travel, make sure:

• Your passport and Umrah visa Online ready.
  

• You have packed Ihram clothes (two white, unstitched sheets for men; modest clothing for women).
  

• Keep travel essentials like slippers, prayer mat, and toiletries (unscented).
  

• Most importantly, purify your intention (niyyah) and prepare your heart for worship.
  

2. Entering Ihram

Ihram is the sacred state every pilgrim must enter before starting Umrah.

• Men wear the two pieces of white cloth.
  

• Women wear modest dress covering their body but without covering the face or hands.
  

• At the Miqat (the designated boundary), perform ghusl (ritual bath), pray two rak’ahs, and then make the intention for Umrah.
  

• Recite the Talbiyah:
  “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah, Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk.”
  This means: “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah, here I am at Your service.”
  

3. Entering Masjid al-Haram

When you reach Makkah, proceed to Masjid al-Haram. Enter with your right foot and recite the dua for entering the mosque. The sight of the Kaaba is very emotional for first-timers—many people pause to make dua with tears in their eyes.

4. Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

• Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Raise your hand towards it and say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
  

• Walk around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
  

• Men should walk briskly in the first three rounds (if possible) and then normally for the rest.
  

• Each round starts and ends at the Black Stone.
  

• During Tawaf, you can make dua, recite Qur’an, or simply ask Allah for whatever your heart desires.
  
  

After finishing, pray two rak’ahs at any place in the Haram, preferably behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.

5. Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, proceed to the area between Safa and Marwah hills to perform Sa’i. This act reminds us of Hajar (AS) running in search of water for her son Ismail (AS).

• Start at Safa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make dua.
  

• Walk towards Marwah.
  

• Men should run lightly between the two green lights, while women walk normally.
  

• Reaching Marwah counts as one lap. Seven laps are completed back and forth (Safa → Marwah = 1, Marwah → Safa = 2).
  

6. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

This is the final step of Umrah.

• Men: Shaving the head (halq) is highly recommended, but trimming is also allowed.
  

• Women: Cut a small portion of hair (about the length of a fingertip).
  

Once this step is done, you leave the state of Ihram, and your Umrah is complete.

7. After Completing Umrah

Take time to pray, read the Qur'an, and make dua inside Masjid al-Haram. Many pilgrims also perform additional Tawaf if they stay longer in Makkah, as every act of worship in this holy mosque carries multiplied rewards.

Final Thoughts

Performing Umrah is not only about rituals—it is about sincerity, patience, and devotion. Every step, from wearing the Ihram to shaving the hair, carries deep meaning and connects you to the history of Islam. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning again, Umrah is an experience that stays in your heart forever.