Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage and can be performed at almost any time of the year. It has four main acts: entering ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, performing Sa'i between Safa and Marwa, and shaving or trimming the hair. This guide walks through each step in simple order for first-time pilgrims.
Before you begin
Prepare your intention, learn the Talbiyah and plan how you will reach Makkah. Pilgrims arriving by air normally enter ihram before they reach the Miqat boundary, so it helps to know where yours is. Travelling with a private driver makes it easy to stop at the Miqat if you are going by road.
Step 1: Ihram at the Miqat
Ihram is a sacred state you enter at the Miqat. First bathe or perform wudu, trim nails and groom yourself. Men then wear two white unstitched sheets, one wrapped around the waist and one over the shoulder. Women wear modest, ordinary clothing that covers the body, with the face and hands uncovered.
Pray two rak'ahs if it is not a prohibited time, then make the intention for Umrah in your heart and say "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah". From this point you begin reciting the Talbiyah.
- Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.
- Recite it often and loudly (men) or quietly (women) until you begin Tawaf.
Rules while in ihram
While in ihram certain things are forbidden. These generally include cutting hair or nails, using perfume, covering the head for men, wearing stitched clothing for men, hunting, arguing, and marital relations. Scholars explain the details and the expiations, so ask a qualified person if you are unsure.
Step 2: Tawaf around the Kaaba
On reaching Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot and a short dua. Go to the Black Stone corner and begin Tawaf there. Walk around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, keeping the Kaaba on your left. Each circuit starts and ends at the line of the Black Stone.
Many pilgrims raise a hand towards the Black Stone as they pass it and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar". Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone it is recommended to say "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhaban-nar". Men uncover the right shoulder and walk briskly in the first three circuits, then walk normally. Use any dua you like during the rest.
Step 3: Two rak'ahs and Zamzam
After the seventh circuit, cover the shoulder again and pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if you can. If it is crowded, pray anywhere in the mosque. Then drink Zamzam water and make dua.
Step 4: Sa'i between Safa and Marwa
Go to the hill of Safa and begin Sa'i. Walk to Marwa, which counts as one lap, then back to Safa for the second, and so on until you finish the seventh lap at Marwa. Men jog lightly between the green markers, and women walk. Make dua at each hill. The route is fully enclosed and air conditioned in the mosque.
Step 5: Shave or trim your hair
To finish, men shave the head or trim the hair evenly, with shaving preferred by many. Women gather their hair and trim about a fingertip length from the end. This completes your Umrah and you leave the state of ihram.
Notes for women pilgrims
Women do not wear a special garment for ihram. Ordinary modest clothing that covers the body is worn, usually in a plain colour, and the face and hands are left uncovered according to the majority of scholars. Women do not jog between the green markers in Sa'i. A woman who is on her period cannot perform Tawaf and should speak to a scholar or her group leader about what to do, since the ruling and the options depend on her situation and travel plans.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several small mistakes catch first-time pilgrims out. Passing the Miqat without ihram, losing count of circuits, and starting Tawaf from the wrong point are the most common. Use a counter or a small notebook to keep track, and ask someone to confirm the start line with you. Do not push through crowds, because patience and calm are part of the worship. Finally, do not leave your hotel room without your name tag or the address card from your group, in case you need directions.
Tips for first-timers
Wear comfortable footwear you can carry, drink water often and avoid the busiest times such as after Isha in Ramadan. Keep your hotel name and address and your group leader's number with you, in case you get separated. If you are elderly or need help, ask the mosque staff about wheelchairs and the dedicated lanes.
This is a simple overview rather than a ruling. For questions about your situation, ask a qualified scholar or your group leader.