How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist

Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Ka’bah in Makkah. It includes entering Ihram, completing seven rounds of Tawaf, walking seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, and cutting the hair. This guide explains each stage in simple English, so first-time pilgrims can prepare and worship with greater confidence.

You will also find Ihram rules, guidance for women, health and travel advice, common mistakes, short answers and a printable checklist. If you are preparing for the longer pilgrimage, read our complete Hajj guide. For a personal religious ruling, speak to a qualified scholar who understands your circumstances.

Umrah Steps at a Glance

Umrah has four main stages. Enter Ihram before crossing your Miqat, perform seven rounds of Tawaf around the Ka’bah, complete seven lengths of Sa’i from Safa to Marwah, and shave or trim the hair. Keep this order, remain calm and never harm another pilgrim while trying to complete a Sunnah.

1. Ihram: Make the intention for Umrah and recite the Talbiyah before crossing the Miqat.
2. Tawaf: Walk around the Ka’bah seven times, keeping it on your left.
3. Sa’i: Walk seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
4. Halq or Taqsir: Shave or shorten the hair to complete Umrah and leave Ihram.

Quick Umrah Checklist

1. Know the Miqat for your route.
2. Enter Ihram before crossing it.
3. Complete seven rounds of Tawaf.
4. Pray two rak’ahs after Tawaf where safe and possible.
5. Complete seven lengths of Sa’i.
6. Shave or trim the hair correctly.
7. Ask a scholar promptly if a mistake happens.

What Is Umrah?
Why Is Umrah Important?
Umrah and Hajj: What Is the Difference?
Preparing for Umrah
Step 1: Enter Ihram at the Miqat
Step 2: Perform Tawaf
Step 3: Perform Sa’i
Step 4: Shave or Trim the Hair
Umrah Guidance for Women
Health, Safety and Accessibility
Common Umrah Mistakes
Complete Umrah Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah that can usually be performed throughout most of the year. A pilgrim enters the sacred state of Ihram, performs Tawaf and Sa’i, then cuts the hair. Unlike Hajj, it does not include Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina or stoning the Jamarat.

Allah says, “Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah” in Surah al-Baqarah 2:196. The verse shows that this worship must be completed sincerely for Allah. A pilgrim should therefore learn the steps, correct their intention, avoid showing off and treat other people with patience and respect.

Is Umrah Obligatory?

Scholars agree that Umrah is a great act of worship, but they differ about its legal ruling. Some schools regard it as required once for an able Muslim, while others regard it as a strongly confirmed Sunnah. Ask your local scholar if you need to know how this applies to you.

When Can Umrah Be Performed?

Umrah is available during most of the year, but official access, visas and permits can change around the Hajj season. Do not rely on last year’s information or an old social post. Check the official Nusuk Umrah platform and current GOV.UK pilgrimage advice before booking or travelling.

Why Is Umrah Important?

Umrah gives Muslims time to repent, make du’a and renew their connection with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that one Umrah to the next can expiate sins committed between them, as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 1773. This reward should encourage sincere worship and better conduct after returning home.

Umrah during Ramadan has special reward. The Prophet ﷺ explained that Umrah in Ramadan carries a reward like Hajj, as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 1782. It does not replace the required Hajj. Anyone who must perform Hajj still needs to do so when able.

Umrah and Hajj: What Is the Difference?

Umrah and Hajj both include Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and cutting the hair, but they are not the same pilgrimage. Hajj takes place on fixed days in Dhul Hijjah and includes additional rites. Umrah is shorter and is generally available for much more of the year, subject to official Hajj-season controls.

Umrah

Umrah can be performed during most of the year, outside official Hajj restrictions, and is often completed within several hours. Scholars differ about whether it is required once or a confirmed Sunnah. Its main rites take place at Masjid al-Haram and between Safa and Marwah in Makkah.

Hajj

Hajj is required once for every eligible Muslim and takes place on fixed days in Dhul Hijjah. Its rites continue for several days and include Ihram, Arafah, Tawaf, Sa’i, Mina, Muzdalifah and Jamarat. Umrah is shorter and includes Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and cutting or shaving the hair.

Preparing for Umrah

Good preparation begins with worship. Make sincere tawbah, correct your intention, settle debts where possible, return borrowed property and ask forgiveness from anyone you have wronged. Learn the rites before travelling and write a personal du’a list. This helps you focus when tired, emotional or surrounded by large crowds.

Practical preparation is also an Islamic responsibility. Check your passport, visa, vaccinations, insurance, medicine and bookings. Use a reputable provider and obtain every promise in writing. UK travellers should check ATOL protection where relevant. Current official requirements should always take priority over advice from a travel group, video or old article.

Spiritual Preparation Checklist

Make sincere tawbah and leave ongoing sins.
Make the intention to worship Allah alone.
Settle debts or agree a clear repayment plan.
Return borrowed items and trusts.
Ask forgiveness from people you have wronged.
Check that the trip is funded through halal income.
Write your will where appropriate.
Prepare a personal du’a list.
Learn the four Umrah stages in order.
Save the contact details of a qualified scholar.

Documents and Booking Checklist

Check passport validity and entry rules.
Confirm the correct visa or entry permission.
Check whether any Umrah booking or permit is required.
Confirm flights, transfers and accommodation in writing.
Check the real walking distance from your hotel to the Haram.
Buy suitable travel insurance and declare medical conditions.
Keep paper and digital copies of important documents.
Share the itinerary and emergency contacts with family.
Check the provider and ATOL protection where relevant.
Read current Saudi Arabia travel advice before departure.

Health Checklist

Read the latest TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah guidance.
Check current vaccine and certificate requirements.
Speak to a health professional early if you have a medical condition.
Carry enough prescribed medicine for delays.
Keep medicine in original labelled packaging.
Carry a doctor’s letter when needed.
Build your walking fitness gradually.
Break in suitable footwear before travelling.
Arrange mobility support in advance if needed.
Carry emergency and allergy information.

Umrah Packing Checklist

The best packing list is light, practical and suitable for hot, crowded spaces. Take breathable clothing, comfortable footwear, unscented toiletries, essential medicine, a refillable bottle, a power bank, a shoe bag and copies of important documents. Do not carry valuable items that would be difficult to replace if lost or damaged.

For men

Two clean sets of Ihram cloths.
A secure Ihram belt or pouch.
Suitable open footwear.
Normal clothing for after Umrah.

For women

Loose, modest and breathable clothing.
Spare headscarves and undercaps.
Comfortable footwear.
Sanitary products and any regular medicine.

For everyone

Unscented soap and toiletries for use in Ihram.
Refillable water bottle and rehydration sachets.
Small shoe bag and light backpack.
Phone, power bank, cable and travel adaptor.
Blister plasters, basic first aid and face masks.
Du’a list and a small Qur’an or trusted app.
Copies of travel documents and emergency details.

Step 1: Enter Ihram at the Miqat

Ihram is a sacred state, not only the two white cloths worn by men. A person enters Ihram by intending Umrah and beginning the Talbiyah before crossing the correct Miqat. From that moment, Ihram restrictions apply. Prepare early because an aircraft may cross the boundary before a late announcement is heard.

What is the Misqat

The Miqat is a boundary that a person intending Umrah must not cross without Ihram. The correct Miqat depends on the travel route, not the traveller’s nationality. If you are unsure which one applies, ask your tour leader before departure and confirm the answer with a qualified scholar.

If you are flying to Jeddah before travelling to Makkah, put on the Ihram clothing before the aircraft reaches the Miqat. Make your intention and begin the Talbiyah before crossing it. If you are travelling from Madinah to Makkah, enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah, which is also called Abyar Ali.

If you are already in Makkah and want to perform another Umrah, travel outside the Haram boundary, often to Tan’im, before entering Ihram. If your journey follows an unusual route or includes a flight connection, confirm the correct Miqat with your travel operator and a qualified scholar before you leave.

How to Enter Ihram

Make ghusl if possible and complete grooming before Ihram.
Men put on two Ihram cloths. Women wear normal modest clothing.
Pray an obligatory or voluntary prayer if appropriate; a special prayer is not a condition of Ihram.
Make the intention for Umrah before crossing the Miqat.
Say “Labbayka Allahumma ‘Umrah” and begin the Talbiyah.
Continue the Talbiyah until you begin Tawaf.

The Talbiyah

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.

Meaning:
Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, favour and authority belong to You. You have no partner.

Men may raise their voices without disturbing others. Women recite in a voice they can hear. Keep repeating the Talbiyah during the journey to Makkah, while remaining aware of prayers, safety instructions and the rights of people around you. Stop when you begin Tawaf at the Black Stone line.

Ihram Rules for Everyone

Once Ihram begins, do not use perfume, cut nails or deliberately remove hair. Avoid sexual activity, marriage contracts, hunting land animals, arguments, rude speech and sinful behaviour. Accidental or necessary actions can have different rulings, so do not guess about a penalty. Record what happened and ask a qualified scholar.

Extra Ihram Rules for Men

Men must not wear clothing shaped to the body or limbs, such as shirts, trousers, underwear or socks, and must not cover the head. A stitched belt, watch or bag is not automatically forbidden because it contains stitching. Wear footwear that meets the guidance of the school you follow.

Extra Ihram Rules for Women

Women wear normal loose, modest clothing and do not need white garments. They should not wear a fitted niqab or gloves while in Ihram. Scholars explain face covering in different ways when non-mahram men are present, so a woman who normally covers her face should ask her trusted scholar before travelling.

Crossing the Miqat by Mistake

If you cross the Miqat without Ihram, do not ignore it or copy another pilgrim’s answer. The correct action and any compensation depend on what happened and the school of law being followed. Contact a qualified scholar promptly. Returning to the Miqat may solve the problem in some circumstances.

Step 2: Perform Tawaf

Tawaf means walking around the Ka’bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Begin level with the Black Stone and keep the Ka’bah on your left. Each return to the starting line completes one round. Move with the crowd, protect other people from harm and never push to touch the Black Stone.

How to Perform Tawaf

Enter Masjid al-Haram calmly and keep your group’s meeting point saved.
Remain in wudu. Scholars differ over its exact legal status, so renew it if it breaks.
Men uncover the right shoulder for this Tawaf only, if following this Sunnah.
Stand level with the Black Stone without blocking the walking flow.
Make the intention for Tawaf and stop reciting the Talbiyah.
Point towards the Black Stone and say “Allahu Akbar.”
Walk seven complete rounds with the Ka’bah on your left.
Stay outside the Hijr, also called Hatim, because it is part of the Ka’bah.
Men may walk briskly during the first three rounds when safe; women walk normally.
After seven rounds, men cover the right shoulder again.
Pray two rak’ahs where safe, without blocking Tawaf or crowd movement.
Drink Zamzam and make sincere du’a.

What Should I Read During Tawaf?

There is no required du’a for each separate round. You may recite Qur’an, remember Allah, send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ and make personal du’a in any language. Between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone, many pilgrims read the Qur’anic du’a in Surah al-Baqarah 2:201.

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.

Meaning: Our Lord, give us good in this life, good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

If Tawaf Is Interrupted

If the congregational prayer begins, join the prayer and continue Tawaf afterwards. If you lose count, use the lower number you are certain about. If wudu breaks, leave the walking area safely, renew it and follow the ruling taught by your scholar. Rest immediately if you feel faint, unwell or unsafe.

Step 3: Perform Sa’i

Sa’i remembers Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma’il. It has seven lengths, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah. Safa to Marwah counts as one, and Marwah back to Safa counts as two. This counting rule prevents the common mistake of walking fourteen lengths instead of seven.

How to Perform Sa’i

Go to Safa after completing Tawaf.
Read the beginning of Surah al-Baqarah 2:158 when approaching Safa.
Face the Qiblah, praise Allah and make du’a.
Walk from Safa to Marwah; this is length one.
Men jog between the green markers where safe; women continue walking.
At Marwah, face the Qiblah, remember Allah and make du’a.
Return to Safa; this is length two.
Continue until length seven finishes at Marwah.

Wudu is recommended for Sa’i but is not required by the majority of scholars. Breaks for prayer, rest or medical needs do not cancel it. Wheelchairs and mobility aids may be used. If you lose count, return to the lower number you are sure about and complete the remaining lengths.

Step 4: Shave or Trim the Hair

After Sa’i, men shave the whole head or shorten the hair evenly across it. Shaving carries greater reward, while shortening is valid. Women do not shave their heads; they trim a small amount, commonly about one to two centimetres, from the ends. Exact minimum amounts differ, so follow your scholar’s guidance.

Use a safe, hygienic barber and insist on a new blade. Women should trim their hair privately. Ihram does not end until the required hair is cut, so continue observing every restriction until then. Once the cutting is complete, Umrah is finished and normal clothing and activities become lawful again.

Umrah Guidance for Women

Women complete the same four stages as men, with a few differences. They wear normal modest clothing, recite the Talbiyah without raising the voice, do not uncover a shoulder during Tawaf, do not walk briskly in Tawaf, do not jog between the green markers in Sa’i, and trim rather than shave the hair.

Travelling Without a Mahram

Islamic scholars differ about a woman travelling for Umrah without her husband or mahram. Some require a mahram for this journey, while others permit safe travel with trustworthy company under stated conditions. Saudi entry rules are a separate question. A woman should follow a reliable scholar and current official travel requirements.

Menstruation During Umrah

A menstruating woman still enters Ihram at the Miqat, makes the intention and recites the Talbiyah. According to the majority view, she waits until her period ends, performs ghusl and then completes Tawaf. She may remember Allah and make du’a while waiting. Plan enough time for possible delays.

If bleeding begins after a valid Tawaf, she may normally complete Sa’i because wudu is not required for Sa’i. If her return journey arrives before she can perform Tawaf, she must seek urgent guidance from a qualified scholar. Exceptional circumstances have detailed rulings and should not be solved through social media comments.

Medication to delay a period may be considered only after speaking to a suitable healthcare professional. It is not required for Umrah and may not be safe or suitable for everyone. Discuss it well before travel, disclose relevant health conditions and do not begin, stop or change prescribed medicine without professional advice.

Women’s Checklist

Learn the Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and hair-cutting differences.
Ask a scholar about mahram travel if this affects you.
Pack loose, modest and comfortable clothing.
Pack unscented toiletries and sanitary products.
Plan extra time if a period may affect Tawaf.
Speak to a healthcare professional before using delay medication.
Arrange a private place to trim the hair.
Save a scholar’s contact details for urgent questions.

Health, Safety and Accessibility

Large crowds, heat and long walking distances can affect people of every age. Drink regularly, rest before becoming exhausted and follow official crowd-control instructions. Wear suitable footwear outside areas where shoes are removed. If you feel dizzy, confused, very weak or unusually hot, seek medical help instead of trying to finish quickly.

Respiratory infections spread easily in busy spaces. Wash or sanitise your hands, avoid sharing bottles and consider a suitable mask in dense crowds. Keep medicines in labelled packaging and split essential supplies between bags. Current vaccine and health rules can change, so use TravelHealthPro and official Saudi guidance before every journey.

Wheelchairs, mobility aids and accessible routes can be used for Tawaf and Sa’i. Using them does not reduce the value of worship for someone who needs support. Arrange help before travelling, choose less crowded times where possible and tell the group leader about medical needs, allergies or limits before entering busy areas.

Common Umrah Mistakes to Avoid

Many mistakes happen because pilgrims rush, copy the crowd or depend on a short video. Learning the four stages before travel removes much of this worry. Keep the list below on your phone, but remember that safety comes first. Missing a recommended action is better than pushing, arguing or injuring another person.

Crossing the Miqat before entering Ihram.
Thinking the white cloths alone create the state of Ihram.
Using scented toiletries after Ihram begins.
Treating every stitched item as forbidden for men.
Pushing towards the Black Stone or Maqam Ibrahim.
Walking through the Hijr during Tawaf.
Losing count of Tawaf or Sa’i rounds.
Reading fixed du’as for every round without understanding them.
Counting Safa to Marwah and back as one Sa’i length.
Ending Sa’i at Safa instead of Marwah.
Cutting too little hair or only a few random strands.
Guessing a penalty instead of asking a scholar.
Believing that visiting Madinah is part of Umrah.

What If I Make a Mistake During Umrah?

Stay calm and do not abandon the pilgrimage. Write down exactly what happened, including the stage, time and action. Some mistakes can be corrected immediately, while others may need charity, a sacrifice or no penalty. The answer often changes by school and circumstance, so seek a qualified ruling quickly.

Do not rely only on another pilgrim, an unverified group message or a general online answer. Contact your group scholar or use our Ask a Question service. If a compensation is required, confirm where, how and by whom it must be completed before paying any person or organisation.

After Completing Umrah

Thank Allah and continue with prayer, Qur’an, du’a and good character. An accepted act of worship should improve life after the journey, not only create photographs and memories. Write down two or three realistic habits to continue at home, such as guarding salah, leaving a sin or improving family relationships.

Visiting Madinah is not a rite or condition of Umrah. If your plans allow, visit Masjid an-Nabawi, pray with respect and send salam upon the Prophet ﷺ. Follow local instructions, avoid pushing and remember that access arrangements can change. Enter Ihram again only if travelling towards Makkah intending another Umrah.

A farewell Tawaf is not required for Umrah according to the widely held view. A person may perform a voluntary Tawaf before leaving when time, health and crowd conditions allow. Do not risk missing transport or causing hardship because you believe it is compulsory. Ask your scholar if following different guidance.

Complete Umrah Checklist

Use this final checklist as a quick guide. It supports learning but does not replace a scholar, official travel advice or medical guidance. Save it offline before leaving the UK because mobile data can become slow in crowded areas. Tick each item only after you understand it, not simply because someone else completed it.

Before Leaving Home

Intention corrected and tawbah made.
Debts, trusts and family arrangements handled.
Four Umrah stages learned in order.
Miqat for the route confirmed.
Visa, passport, tickets and accommodation confirmed.
Official travel and health guidance checked.
Vaccines, insurance and medicines arranged.
Unscented toiletries and suitable clothing packed.
Du’a list and emergency contacts saved offline.
Scholar or group guide contact saved.

Before Crossing the Miqat

Ghusl and grooming completed where possible.
Men wearing Ihram cloths correctly.
Women wearing normal modest clothing.
Intention made for Umrah.
Talbiyah started before crossing the Miqat.
Ihram restrictions understood and followed.

During Tawaf

Wudu checked.
Tawaf started level with the Black Stone.
Talbiyah stopped.
Ka’bah kept on the left.
Seven rounds completed outside the Hijr.
No pushing or harm caused.
Two rak’ahs prayed where safe.
Zamzam drunk and du’a made.

During Sa’i

Sa’i started at Safa.
Safa to Marwah counted as length one.
Seven lengths completed.
Men jogged only between the green markers where safe.
Women walked normally throughout.
Sa’i ended at Marwah.

Completing Umrah

Men shaved or shortened hair evenly.
Women trimmed the correct amount privately.
Safe, clean equipment used.
Ihram restrictions observed until the hair was cut.
A scholar contacted if any mistake remained unclear.
Good habits planned for the return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you perform Umrah step by step?

Enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat by making the intention and reciting the Talbiyah. Perform seven rounds of Tawaf, then seven lengths of Sa’i from Safa to Marwah. Finally, men shave or shorten the hair and women trim it. This final act completes Umrah and ends Ihram.

How long does Umrah take?

There is no fixed time. Many pilgrims complete the rites within a few hours, but crowds, prayer times, mobility, health and rest breaks can make it longer. Do not treat speed as a sign of success. Plan enough time, drink regularly and complete each stage calmly without harming yourself or others.

Can Umrah be performed at any time?

Umrah is normally available during most of the year, but Saudi authorities may limit visas, permits or access around the Hajj season. Rules can change. Always check the official Nusuk platform and current government travel advice before booking, especially if your planned dates are near the start or end of Hajj operations.

Step-by-Step Guide and Checklist