How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Timers

Umrah is the "lesser pilgrimage" to Makkah, and it can be performed at any time of year. For a first-timer it can feel overwhelming, but the rites themselves are simple. Umrah has four main steps: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and cutting the hair. This guide walks you through each one.

Note: travel rules change often. Always check the latest visa, permit and health requirements with your travel agent and official Saudi sources before you book.

Before you go

• Visa and permit: you will need a valid visa, and Umrah slots are booked through Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk app. Check current requirements before travelling.
• Vaccinations: a meningitis (ACWY) vaccination has been required for pilgrims. Check the latest health advice with your GP or travel clinic well in advance.
• Learn the rites: read through this guide a few times and practise the Talbiyah at home.
• Settle your affairs: repay debts where you can, seek forgiveness from people you may have wronged, and make sincere repentance.

Step 1: Enter Ihram at the Miqat

Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before Umrah. You must enter it before passing the Miqat, the boundary points set by the Prophet ﷺ around Makkah.

• Flying straight to Jeddah: your plane crosses the Miqat before landing, so prepare at home or at the airport and make your intention on the plane when the crew announce the Miqat.
• Visiting Madinah first: the Miqat is Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), just outside Madinah, on your way to Makkah.

Preparing for Ihram

• Take a bath (ghusl), trim nails and remove unwanted hair beforehand.
• Men wear two plain, unstitched white sheets: one around the waist and one over the shoulders. Men may apply perfume to the body (not the Ihram cloth) before making the intention.
• Women wear their normal modest clothing. They should not wear a niqab or gloves while in Ihram (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838).
• If it is a prayer time, pray; otherwise many pray two rak'ahs before making the intention.

Make your intention and recite the Talbiyah

Make the intention for Umrah in your heart and say: Labbayk Allahumma 'Umrah ("Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah"). Then begin the Talbiyah, which the Prophet ﷺ recited (Sahih al-Bukhari 1549):

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-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. Truly all praise, blessings and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

Men say it aloud; women say it quietly. Keep repeating it until you reach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf.

What is not allowed in Ihram

• Wearing perfume or using scented products
• Cutting hair or nails
• Marital relations
• Hunting
• For men: stitched clothing that fits the body, and covering the head

Step 2: Tawaf around the Kaaba

Tawaf is walking around the Kaaba seven times, anticlockwise, keeping the Kaaba on your left.

1. Start at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Face it, raise your right hand towards it and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar". You do not need to touch it; in the crowds it is best simply to point.
2. Men uncover the right shoulder for the Tawaf of Umrah, and walk briskly in the first three rounds if they can do so without pushing anyone.
3. Complete seven rounds, raising your hand towards the Black Stone each time you pass it.
4. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the Prophet ﷺ recited (Abu Dawud 1892):

رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 2:201)

Is there a special dua for each round? No. Many booklets list a different dua for each of the seven rounds, but these were not taught by the Prophet ﷺ. During Tawaf you can make any dua in any language, recite Quran or do dhikr. Speak to Allah from your heart.

After Tawaf

• Pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded.
• Drink Zamzam water and make dua.
• Men cover the right shoulder again.

Step 3: Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

Sa'i remembers Hajar, the mother of Prophet Ismail, who ran between these two hills searching for water for her baby.

1. Go to Safa. As you approach, recite the verse the Prophet ﷺ recited there (Sahih Muslim 1218):

إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ

"Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah." (Quran 2:158)

2. Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, praise Allah and make dua.
3. Walk to Marwah. Men jog lightly between the green lights.
4. Safa to Marwah is one lap, and Marwah back to Safa is the second. Complete seven laps, finishing at Marwah.

Step 4: Cut or shave the hair

• Men shave the head completely (most rewarded) or trim the hair evenly all over.
• Women cut about a fingertip's length from the end of their hair.

Your Umrah is now complete, and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. May Allah accept it from you.

Packing checklist

• Passport, visa, Nusuk booking and copies of documents
• Two Ihram sheets and an Ihram belt (men); modest, comfortable clothing (women)
• Unscented soap, shampoo and deodorant
• Comfortable sandals and a small bag for shoes in the mosque
• Prayer mat, a small Quran or Quran on your phone, and a list of personal duas
• Refillable water bottle, sun protection and any regular medicines

Common first-timer mistakes

• Passing the Miqat without being in Ihram
• Pushing or crowding to kiss the Black Stone
• Worrying about memorising "round-by-round" duas instead of making sincere dua
• Cutting only a few strands of hair instead of trimming evenly (men)

This guide covers the basics. For questions about your own situation, such as menstruation, illness or travelling with children, ask a qualified scholar or your travel group's guide.

Before you set off, learn the dua for travelling.