Umrah is a sacred Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that holds immense spiritual reward. Many Muslims around the world ask the same question: how is Umrah performed step by step?
This comprehensive guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step, starting from preparation at home to the completion of Umrah rituals. The explanation is written clearly for beginners while still being detailed enough for deeper understanding.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is often referred to as the “minor pilgrimage.” It consists of specific acts of worship performed in and around Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. These acts were practiced by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and are rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Although Umrah is not obligatory, it is highly recommended. Performing Umrah sincerely purifies the soul, strengthens faith, and brings a Muslim closer to Allah.
Conditions for Performing Umrah
Before learning how Umrah is performed step by step, it is important to understand who can perform Umrah.
A person must:
Be a Muslim
Be of sound mind
Have reached puberty (for obligation-related rulings)
Be physically and financially capable
For women, be accompanied by a mahram according to many scholarly opinions
Once these conditions are met, a Muslim may prepare to perform Umrah.
Step 1: Preparing for Umrah
Preparation for Umrah begins before leaving home. This stage is crucial for both spiritual readiness and practical arrangements.
Spiritual Preparation
Make sincere repentance from past sins
Resolve to perform Umrah solely for the sake of Allah
Learn the rules and rituals of Umrah
Set clear intentions (niyyah)
Practical Preparation
Obtain a valid passport and visa
Book flights and accommodation
Prepare Ihram garments
Pack personal necessities and religious items
Preparation ensures that the pilgrim can focus fully on worship during Umrah.
Step 2: Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state that a pilgrim must enter before reaching Makkah.
What Is Ihram?
Ihram refers to both:
The intention to perform Umrah
The special clothing worn during Umrah
Ihram Clothing
For men: Two white, unstitched cloths (one for the lower body and one for the upper body)
For women: Modest clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands
Miqat: Where Ihram Begins
Ihram must be entered at specific locations called Miqat. These are determined based on the direction from which a pilgrim approaches Makkah.
At the Miqat, the pilgrim:
Performs ghusl (ritual purification)
Prays two units of voluntary prayer
Makes the intention for Umrah
Recites the Talbiyah
Talbiyah
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah. Labbayka Allahumma labbayk…”
From this point onward, the pilgrim is in the state of Ihram.
Step 3: Observing the Rules of Ihram
Once in Ihram, certain actions become prohibited.
Prohibitions include:
Cutting hair or nails
Using perfume
Engaging in marital relations
Hunting animals
Wearing stitched clothing (for men)
These restrictions symbolize equality, humility, and complete devotion to Allah.
Step 4: Entering Masjid al-Haram
Upon arriving in Makkah, the pilgrim proceeds to Masjid al-Haram.
When entering the mosque:
Enter with the right foot
Recite the recommended supplication
Maintain humility and focus
The first sight of the Kaaba is a deeply emotional moment. It is recommended to make heartfelt du’a at this time.
Step 5: Performing Tawaf Around the Kaaba
Tawaf is one of the central rituals of Umrah.
What Is Tawaf?
Tawaf means circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
How to Perform Tawaf Step by Step
Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
Face the Black Stone and make intention
Kiss, touch, or point toward it if possible
Walk around the Kaaba seven times
Men perform Ramal (brisk walking) in the first three rounds
Supplicate and remember Allah throughout Tawaf
There is no fixed du’a for each round. Any supplication or remembrance is acceptable.
Step 6: Praying Two Rak’ahs After Tawaf
After completing Tawaf, the pilgrim prays two rak’ahs.
Preferably behind Maqam Ibrahim
If crowded, pray anywhere in the mosque
It is recommended to recite:
Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah
Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second rak’ah
Step 7: Drinking Zamzam Water
After prayer, the pilgrim drinks Zamzam water.
While drinking:
Face the Kaaba
Make du’a
Drink with gratitude
Zamzam water is a blessed gift and an important part of Umrah.
Step 8: Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is the ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Origin of Sa’i
Sa’i commemorates the struggle of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, as she searched for water for her son Ismail.
How to Perform Sa’i Step by Step
Begin at Safa
Face the Kaaba and make du’a
Walk toward Marwah
Men jog lightly between the green markers
Reach Marwah (one round)
Return to Safa
Complete seven rounds, ending at Marwah
Step 9: Cutting or Shaving the Hair (Tahallul)
After Sa’i, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram by cutting or shaving the hair.
Men: Shaving the head is preferred, trimming is allowed
Women: Cut a small portion of hair (about a fingertip length)
This act is called Tahallul.
Step 10: Completion of Umrah
Once the hair is cut, Umrah is fully completed.
All restrictions of Ihram are lifted, and the pilgrim may resume normal activities.
Many pilgrims continue to:
Perform extra prayers
Make du’a
Visit historical sites in Makkah and Madinah
Common Mistakes During Umrah
Some common mistakes include:
Skipping the intention at Miqat
Believing specific du’as are mandatory
Pushing or harming others during Tawaf
Ignoring Ihram rules
Learning the correct steps helps avoid these errors.
Differences Between Umrah and Hajj
| Aspect | Umrah | Hajj |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Sunnah | Fard (once in lifetime) |
| Time | Anytime | Specific days |
| Rituals | Fewer | More complex |
Spiritual Benefits of Performing Umrah
Forgiveness of sins
Increased humility
Strengthened connection with Allah
Renewed faith and purpose
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Umrah expiates sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.
Final Thoughts: How Is Umrah Performed Step by Step?
To summarize, how Umrah is performed step by step includes:
Preparation and intention
Entering Ihram at Miqat
Tawaf around the Kaaba
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Cutting or shaving hair
Each step carries deep spiritual meaning and reflects submission to Allah. By understanding these steps clearly, a Muslim can perform Umrah with confidence, sincerity, and devotion.
May Allah accept the Umrah of all who perform it and grant them immense reward.
