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What Umrah is
Umrah is sometimes called the lesser pilgrimage. Unlike Hajj, it is not tied to specific dates and its rites can be completed in a few hours. It consists of four essential parts: entering the state of Ihram with intention, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and finally shaving or shortening the hair.
Every part of Umrah carries the memory of the prophets and the righteous: Ibrahim and Isma’il (peace be upon them) raising the foundations of the Kaaba, Hajar’s search for water between Safa and Marwah, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaching his companions how to perform these rites. Knowing the meaning behind each step can make your Umrah far richer.
Before you travel
Learn the steps before you leave, practise the talbiyah and a few du’as you want to make, and settle any debts or disputes where you can. Make sure your visa, vaccinations and travel documents are in order. Many pilgrims also find it helpful to write a personal list of du’as for family and friends to read in front of the Kaaba.
The rites of Umrah, step by step
Intention and Ihram at the miqat
Before crossing the miqat, the boundary at which pilgrims must be in Ihram, take a bath or shower if you can, men put on the two white Ihram garments and women wear modest, everyday clothing. Then make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah in your heart, and you may say “Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah”. On flights from the UK into Jeddah you pass the miqat in the air, so this is usually done before boarding or on the plane.
The talbiyah
Once in Ihram, recite the talbiyah often: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.” Men recite it aloud and women more quietly. Continue until you begin Tawaf.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
Enter the mosque with your right foot first and the du’a for entering a mosque. When you first see the Kaaba, take a moment to make heartfelt du’a. Make sure you are in a state of wudu before beginning Tawaf.
Tawaf: seven circuits around the Kaaba
Begin Tawaf at the line in line with the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), facing it, raising your right hand and saying “Bismillahi Allahu akbar”. Walk anticlockwise with the Kaaba on your left for seven complete circuits, each starting and ending at the Black Stone line. Men uncover the right shoulder during this Tawaf (idtiba) and, if possible, walk briskly in the first three circuits (raml). Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone it is Sunnah to recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.” Otherwise, make any du’a or dhikr in your own words.
Two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim
After Tawaf, men cover the right shoulder again. Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can do so without difficulty; if it is crowded, anywhere in the mosque is fine. It is Sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
Drink Zamzam water
Drink Zamzam water, which is available throughout the mosque in coolers. Face the qiblah if you can, drink in several sips and make du’a, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.
Sa’i: seven laps between Safa and Marwah
Go to the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba, praise Allah and make du’a. Then walk towards Marwah: that is one lap. Walking back from Marwah to Safa is the second lap, and so on, so the seventh lap ends at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green lights; women walk at a normal pace. There is no set du’a for Sa’i, so use this time for personal supplication and dhikr. Wudu is recommended but not required for Sa’i.
Halq or taqsir: shaving or shortening the hair
Finally, men either shave the head (halq), which is more virtuous, or shorten the hair evenly all over (taqsir). Women gather their hair and cut a fingertip’s length from the end. With this, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Passing the miqat without being in Ihram: plan when you will change and make your intention before the plane reaches it.
- Starting Tawaf before the Black Stone line, or counting a partial circuit as a full one.
- Walking Tawaf with the Kaaba on your right instead of your left.
- Pushing or harming others to touch the Black Stone: pointing towards it with your right hand is enough.
- Cutting only a few strands of hair; men should shorten hair evenly from all over the head.
- Losing count: a small tally counter or counting on your fingers helps for both Tawaf and Sa’i.
Looking after yourself in Makkah
Tawaf and Sa’i together can involve several kilometres of walking, more if you use the upper floors. Wear comfortable footwear that is permitted in Ihram, carry a small bag for your shoes inside the mosque, drink plenty of water and rest between rites if you need to. Many pilgrims choose quieter times, such as late at night or mid-morning, for a calmer experience.
If you are travelling with elderly parents or young children, read our guide to Umrah for elderly pilgrims and families, which covers wheelchairs, pacing and staying together.
Plan your Umrah with Lumarah
Our Umrah packages from the UK include return flights into Jeddah and home from Madinah, hotels in Makkah and Madinah with breakfast, and the Saudi e-visa. You can also add optional extras at extra cost, such as transfers, Makkah and Madinah ziyarat or an Umrah guide (£140) to walk you through the rites, so you can focus on your worship rather than the logistics.
Message our UK team on WhatsApp at +44 7950 739581 or email lumarahtravelagency@gmail.com. Tell us your dates, departure airport and who is travelling, and we will send you a tailored Umrah quote in writing. Nothing is paid on our website: once you are happy with the quote, you pay by UK bank transfer and we confirm everything in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
The rites of Umrah usually take between two and four hours, depending on crowds, the floor of the mosque you use and your pace. Tawaf and Sa’i are the longest parts.
Where do I enter Ihram when flying from the UK?
Flights from the UK to Jeddah pass the miqat in the air, so you must be in Ihram before the aircraft reaches it. Most pilgrims change at home, at the airport or on the plane, and make their intention shortly before the miqat.
Do women have to cut their hair after Umrah?
Yes. Women do not shave their heads; instead they gather their hair and cut about a fingertip’s length from the end. This completes their Umrah.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Many scholars permit performing Umrah on behalf of a deceased person or someone unable to travel, provided you have already performed your own Umrah. Please ask a qualified scholar about your situation.
Planning your Umrah? See our Umrah packages or message us for a tailored quote.