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Umrah Guide

A simple step-by-step guide to performing Umrah - ihram, tawaf, sa'i, and trimming the hair - with the Talbiyah and the rulings of ihram. Learn the rites before you travel.

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

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna-l-hamda wa-n-ni'mata laka wa-l-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, grace, and dominion are Yours. You have no partner.

The steps of Umrah

  1. 1. Enter ihram

    At or before the miqat, make ghusl, wear the ihram (two unsewn white cloths for men; normal modest dress for women), pray two rakat if able, then make the intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.

  2. 2. Tawaf

    In Makkah, perform tawaf: circle the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone. Then, if you can, pray two rakat behind the Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam.

  3. 3. Sa'i

    Go to Safa and walk to Marwah seven times (Safa to Marwah is one, Marwah to Safa is two), making dua along the way, in remembrance of Hajar seeking water for her son Ismail.

  4. 4. Halq or Taqsir

    Finally, men shave the head (halq) or trim all of it (taqsir); women trim a fingertip length from their hair. With this the Umrah is complete and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, which may be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj. It consists of ihram, tawaf, sa'i, and shaving or trimming the hair. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for what is between them' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773).

The prohibitions of ihram

Once in ihram, certain things are forbidden until you exit it: applying perfume, cutting hair or nails, hunting game, and marital relations. Men do not wear sewn garments or cover the head; women do not wear a niqab (face veil) or gloves, though they may drape a cloth over the face when non-mahram men are near; they cover the rest as usual.

A note on differences

The finer details of Umrah - how exactly to make the intention, the recommended supplications - vary slightly between the schools of fiqh. The core rites above are the standard essentials, though the schools differ on labelling each a pillar or an obligation. Learn the specifics from a trusted teacher before you travel, and consult a scholar about any mistakes.

Common questions

When can Umrah be performed?

At any time of the year, though it carries special reward in Ramadan. Unlike Hajj, it is not tied to specific days.

Is Umrah obligatory?

The scholars differ: some hold it obligatory once in a lifetime for those able, others that it is a confirmed sunnah. Either way it is a great act of worship.

What if I make a mistake in the rites?

Minor mistakes may require a compensation (fidyah) or may be excused. Learn the rites beforehand and ask a knowledgeable guide on site; consult a scholar for your specific case.

Is this guide enough to perform Umrah?

It is an overview to learn the order and essentials. Study in more depth and, ideally, go with an experienced guide; this is pending formal scholar review.

This guidance cites the Quran and authentic Sunnah and is pending scholar review. If you spot an error, please let us know - corrections are welcome.