Umrah Step-by-Step Guide At a Glance
The main steps of Umrah are:- Prepare for Ihram before reaching the Miqat.
- Make the intention for Umrah and enter the state of Ihram.
- Begin reciting the Talbiyah.
- Perform seven circuits of Tawaf around the Kaaba.
- Pray two rak‘ahs after Tawaf where possible.
- Perform seven rounds of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
- Shave or shorten the hair to complete Umrah and leave Ihram.
Preparing for Umrah Before Leaving the UK
Prepare both your travel arrangements and your understanding of the Umrah rites before leaving the UK. Check that your passport, applicable Saudi visa or entry permission, flights, accommodation and transport arrangements are in order.Before entering Ihram:
- Perform ghusl.
- Trim your nails and remove unwanted body hair if needed.
- Men should have two clean Ihram cloths ready.
- Women should wear loose, modest Islamic clothing.
- Learn the Talbiyah before travelling.
- Understand the basic steps of Tawaf and Sa’i.
- Keep essential medication and suitable footwear with you.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1539; Sahih Muslim 1189
Once you have entered the state of Ihram, do not apply perfume.
What is Ihram for Umrah?
Ihram is the sacred state a Muslim enters when intending to perform Umrah or Hajj. Although the two cloths worn by men are commonly referred to as “Ihram”, Ihram itself means entering this sacred state with its associated rules and restrictions.Allah says:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
“Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196
Men wear two pieces of Ihram cloth: one around the lower body and another over the upper body.
Women do not have a prescribed Ihram uniform. They may wear their normal loose and modest Islamic clothing. White clothing is not a requirement for women.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
وَلَا تَنْتَقِبِ الْمَرْأَةُ الْمُحْرِمَةُ، وَلَا تَلْبَسِ الْقُفَّازَيْنِ
“A woman in Ihram should not wear a niqab or gloves.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1838
When Should UK Pilgrims Enter Ihram?
If you intend to perform Umrah, you must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat applicable to your route.The Prophet ﷺ designated specific Miqat locations for pilgrims approaching Makkah from different directions. Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ appointed Dhul-Hulaifah for the people of Madinah, Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham, Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. These locations also apply to people travelling through them who intend to perform Hajj or Umrah.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1524; Sahih Muslim 1181
Flying from the UK to Jeddah for Umrah
If you are flying from the UK to Jeddah and travelling onwards to Makkah for Umrah, you should enter the state of Ihram before your aircraft crosses the relevant Miqat boundary.A practical sequence is:
- Perform ghusl before travelling or before reaching the Miqat.
- Men should put on their Ihram clothing well in advance.
- Be ready to make your intention before crossing the Miqat.
- Make the intention and begin the Talbiyah before the aircraft crosses it.
Travelling to Madinah Before Makkah
If you fly from the UK to Madinah first and plan to perform Umrah afterwards, you do not need to enter Ihram simply because you are travelling to Saudi Arabia.When you later leave Madinah for Makkah to perform Umrah, enter Ihram at Dhul-Hulaifah, commonly known as Abyar Ali.
This is why UK pilgrims should know their travel route before deciding when to enter Ihram.
How to Make the Intention for Umrah
The intention for Umrah is made in the heart. When you are ready to begin your Umrah, enter Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah and say:لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً
Transliteration:
Labbayka ‘Umrah.
Meaning:
“Here I am for Umrah.”
After entering Ihram, begin reciting the Talbiyah.
Talbiyah for Umrah with Arabic, Transliteration and Meaning
The Talbiyah narrated from the Prophet ﷺ is:لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Transliteration:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
Meaning:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1549; Sahih Muslim 1184
Continue reciting the Talbiyah while travelling towards Makkah. Men may raise their voices when reciting it, while women should recite it without unnecessarily raising their voices in the presence of unrelated men.
For Umrah, stop reciting the Talbiyah when you begin Tawaf.
What Should You Avoid While in Ihram?
Once you have entered Ihram, certain restrictions apply until you complete Umrah and leave the state of Ihram.While in Ihram:
- Do not deliberately cut or remove your hair.
- Do not cut your nails.
- Do not apply perfume.
- Avoid sexual relations and prohibited sexual conduct.
- Do not enter into a marriage contract.
- Men should not wear normal fitted garments such as shirts and trousers.
- Men should not cover their heads with fitted headwear.
- Women should not wear a niqab or gloves.
- Do not hunt land animals.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
When you reach Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot and recite the general dua for entering a mosque:اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma-ftah li abwaba rahmatik.
Meaning:
“O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 713
There is no authentic specific dua that must be recited when seeing the Kaaba for the first time. You may make your own dua, praise Allah and ask Him for whatever is good for you in this life and the Hereafter.
When you are ready, proceed towards the Kaaba to begin Tawaf.
How to Perform Tawaf Step by Step
Tawaf consists of seven complete circuits around the Kaaba, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad).Keep the Kaaba on your left-hand side throughout Tawaf and move around it in an anti-clockwise direction.
1. Begin Tawaf at the Black Stone
Start each circuit in line with Al-Hajar Al-Aswad.If you can reach and kiss the Black Stone without pushing, hurting others or causing disruption, you may do so. If you cannot reach it, gesture towards it with your hand and say:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Allahu Akbar
Meaning: Allah is the Greatest.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf around the Kaaba and pointed towards the Black Stone when he came to it, saying the Takbir.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1613
Do not push through crowds or harm other pilgrims in an attempt to reach the Black Stone.
2. Keep the Kaaba on Your Left
Walk around the Kaaba with it on your left.One complete journey from the Black Stone around the Kaaba and back to the Black Stone counts as one circuit. Repeat this until you have completed seven circuits.
Do not walk through Hijr Ismail (Al-Hatim) as a shortcut. It includes part of the Kaaba, so Tawaf must pass around its outer boundary.
Aishah (RA) reported that when she wanted to enter the Kaaba, the Prophet ﷺ directed her to the Hijr because it is part of the House.
Reference: Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 876
3. Raml During Tawaf for Men
During this Tawaf, men should perform Raml in the first three circuits where circumstances allow.Raml means walking briskly with short steps. The remaining four circuits are completed at a normal walking pace.
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ walked briskly during the first three circuits and walked normally during the remaining four.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1261
Women do not perform Raml.
In heavy crowds, do not push or inconvenience other pilgrims to maintain a brisk pace.
4. Idtiba for Men During Tawaf
Men performing this Tawaf should also observe Idtiba, which means placing the middle of the upper Ihram cloth under the right armpit and bringing both ends over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder uncovered.Idtiba applies during Tawaf. Once Tawaf is complete, cover both shoulders again before praying.
Women do not perform Idtiba.
What Should I Recite During Tawaf – Are There Specific Duas for Each Circuit?
There is no authentic requirement to recite a different fixed dua for each of the seven circuits of Tawaf.During Tawaf, you may:
- Make personal dua.
- Recite Qur’an.
- Remember Allah through dhikr.
- Seek Allah’s forgiveness.
- Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Make permissible dua in a language you understand.
Dua Between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone
One supplication reported from the Prophet ﷺ between the Yemeni Corner (Ar-Rukn Al-Yamani) and the Black Stone is:رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
Meaning:
“Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”
The supplication appears in the Qur’an:
وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201
Its recitation between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is reported from the Prophet ﷺ.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 1892
If you can reach the Yemeni Corner without pushing others, it may be touched with the hand. If you cannot reach it, continue your Tawaf.
Complete Seven Circuits of Tawaf
Continue until you have completed all seven circuits.If you become uncertain about the number of circuits, base your count on the number you are certain you have completed.
After the seventh circuit, Tawaf is complete. Men should cover the right shoulder again before performing Salah.
Pray Two Rak‘ahs After Tawaf
After Tawaf, pray two rak‘ahs. If possible and practical, pray behind Maqam Ibrahim without obstructing other pilgrims or creating congestion.Allah says:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
“Take the standing-place of Abraham as a site of prayer.”
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:125
Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA), when describing the pilgrimage of the Prophet ﷺ, reported that after Tawaf the Prophet ﷺ went to Maqam Ibrahim, recited this verse and prayed two rak‘ahs.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1218
There is no need to insist on praying immediately next to Maqam Ibrahim when the area is crowded. The prayer can be offered elsewhere in Masjid al-Haram.
Drink Zamzam Water
After Tawaf and the two rak‘ahs, you may drink Zamzam water before proceeding to Sa’i.The Prophet ﷺ said regarding Zamzam:
إِنَّهَا مُبَارَكَةٌ، إِنَّهَا طَعَامُ طُعْمٍ
Meaning:
“It is blessed. It is nourishing food.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2473
Drink Zamzam and make dua to Allah. You are then ready to proceed towards Safa and Marwah for Sa’i.
How to Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i consists of seven journeys between Safa and Marwah.Allah says:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah at the Sacred House, there is no blame on them for going between the two. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.”
Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158
1. Begin Sa’i at Safa
Sa’i starts at Safa, not Marwah.As you approach Safa, recite:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration:
Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha‘a'irillah.
Meaning:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
Then say:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
Transliteration:
Abda’u bima bada’Allahu bih.
Meaning:
“I begin with that which Allah began with.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1218
2. Make Dhikr and Dua at Safa
At Safa, face towards the Kaaba if possible and raise your hands in dua.The Prophet ﷺ recited:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ
Transliteration:
La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir. La ilaha illallahu wahdah, anjaza wa‘dah, wa nasara ‘abdah, wa hazamal-ahzaba wahdah.
Meaning:
“There is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He has power over everything. There is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, helped His servant and defeated the confederates alone.”
The Prophet ﷺ then made dua and repeated this remembrance, making supplication between the recitations.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1218
You may also make your own personal duas at Safa.
3. Walk from Safa to Marwah
Walk from Safa towards Marwah.Men should walk normally until reaching the marked green-light area. Between the green markers, men should move at a faster pace where they can do so safely, then return to normal walking.
Women continue walking at their normal pace and do not run between the green markers.
During Sa’i, you may make dua, perform dhikr or recite Qur’an. There is no authentic fixed dua that must be recited for each individual round.
4. Make Dua at Marwah
When you reach Marwah, face towards the direction of the Kaaba and repeat the dhikr and dua performed at Safa.Then begin your return journey towards Safa.
How are the Seven Rounds of Sa’i Counted?
Each journey from one hill to the other counts as one round:- Safa → Marwah
- Marwah → Safa
- Safa → Marwah
- Marwah → Safa
- Safa → Marwah
- Marwah → Safa
- Safa → Marwah
What Can You Recite During Sa’i?
There is no separate compulsory dua for each of the seven rounds of Sa’i.You may make personal dua, perform dhikr, seek forgiveness, recite Qur’an and ask Allah for your permissible needs. Personal supplications may also be made in a language you understand.
After completing the seventh round at Marwah, one final rite remains: Halq or Taqsir.
Complete Umrah with Halq or Taqsir
After completing Sa’i, the final rite of Umrah is shaving or shortening the hair.Halq means shaving the head, while Taqsir means shortening the hair.
Halq or Taqsir for Men
Men may either shave the entire head or shorten their hair. Shaving is preferable.The Prophet ﷺ prayed three times for those who shaved their heads and then prayed for those who shortened their hair.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1727; Sahih Muslim 1301
If choosing Taqsir, shorten the hair across the head rather than cutting only a small lock from one area.
How Do Women Complete Umrah?
Women do not shave their heads. After completing Sa’i, a woman completes her Umrah by shortening a small amount from the ends of her hair.Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
لَيْسَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ حَلْقٌ، إِنَّمَا عَلَى النِّسَاءِ التَّقْصِيرُ
Meaning:
“Women are not required to shave their heads; rather, women are required to shorten their hair.”
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 1984
After Halq or Taqsir, the Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram end.
Umrah Guide for Women
The main Umrah rites are the same for men and women, but some practical rules differ.Women should remember:
- There is no prescribed colour or special Ihram uniform for women.
- Loose and modest Islamic clothing may be worn.
- A woman in Ihram should not wear a niqab or gloves.
- Women do not perform Raml during Tawaf.
- Women do not perform Idtiba.
- Women walk normally between the green markers during Sa’i.
- Women shorten their hair at the end of Umrah rather than shaving it.
What If a Woman Begins Menstruation During Umrah?
If menstruation begins before Tawaf, she should not perform Tawaf until she becomes pure and performs ghusl.When Aishah (RA) menstruated during pilgrimage, the Prophet ﷺ told her:
افْعَلِي مَا يَفْعَلُ الْحَاجُّ، غَيْرَ أَنْ لَا تَطُوفِي بِالْبَيْتِ حَتَّى تَطْهُرِي
Meaning:
“Do what the pilgrim does, except that you should not perform Tawaf around the House until you become pure.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 305; Sahih Muslim 1211
This should be considered when planning a short Umrah itinerary because Tawaf is a central rite of Umrah.
Common Umrah Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Should Avoid
Crossing the Miqat Without Ihram
If you already intend to perform Umrah, enter Ihram before crossing the applicable Miqat.Thinking Ihram Means Only Wearing Two Cloths
The two cloths are worn by men, but Ihram itself is the sacred state entered when beginning the pilgrimage.Pushing to Reach the Black Stone
Do not push or harm other pilgrims to reach the Black Stone. If you cannot reach it safely, gesture towards it and continue Tawaf.Walking Through Hijr Ismail During Tawaf
Tawaf must pass around the outer boundary of Hijr Ismail because it includes part of the Kaaba.Starting Sa’i at Marwah
Sa’i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah. Safa to Marwah counts as the first round.Looking for a Different Dua for Every Circuit
There is no requirement to memorise seven different duas for Tawaf or Sa’i. Use established supplications where applicable and make personal dua and dhikr.Ignoring Safety in Crowded Areas
Do not push or block pathways to perform Raml, reach the Black Stone or pray close to Maqam Ibrahim. Follow official crowd-control instructions.Practical Advice for First-Time UK Pilgrims
Learning the rites before leaving the UK can prevent confusion after reaching Makkah. Keep the basic sequence clear:Ihram → Tawaf → Sa’i → Halq/Taqsir
During your journey:
- Keep your passport and important travel information secure.
- Carry only essentials when visiting Masjid al-Haram.
- Stay hydrated, particularly during hot weather.
- Wear comfortable footwear outside areas where footwear must be removed.
- Agree on a meeting point when travelling with family or a group.
- Allow additional time for elderly pilgrims and those with limited mobility.
- Do not rush Tawaf or Sa’i simply to finish quickly.
- Follow official crowd-control and safety instructions inside the Haramain.
