How to Perform Umrah
By TI Umrah | Your Trusted Guide to the House of Allah
Umrah is a deeply spiritual act of worship — a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed any time of the year. Though it’s not obligatory like Hajj, the rewards of Umrah are immense, and every Muslim should try to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
If you’re planning your first Umrah, this detailed step-by-step guide will help you understand the full process with ease and clarity.
Step 1: Prepare for the Journey
Choose Your Time
Umrah can be performed year-round, but consider:
Ramadan: Highest spiritual reward.
Off-season months: Fewer crowds and lower costs.
School holidays: Good for family trips
Visa & Documents
To enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you’ll need:
A valid passport
A confirmed Umrah or tourist visa
Vaccination certificates (especially meningitis, COVID-19)
A printed flight ticket and hotel booking confirmation
TI Umrah can handle the entire visa process for you.
Pack Smart
Ihram clothes (2 white, unstitched cloths for men; loose, modest dress for women)
Unscented toiletries (soap, deodorant, wipes)
Flip-flops/sandals
Small bag for shoes during Tawaf
Water bottle and light snacks
Dua book, Tasbih, prayer mat
Step 2: Enter the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state every pilgrim must enter before beginning Umrah.
For Men:
Wear two unstitched white cloths (izar and rida)
Sandals or slippers that do not cover the ankle and top of the foot
For Women:
Any modest, loose-fitting clothing (no specific color required)
Hair must be fully covered
Hands and face should remain uncovered
Where to Enter Ihram:
At a Miqat (designated boundary point). Common Miqat locations:
Pilgrims from India often enter Ihram on the flight, shortly before reaching Miqat (usually over Yalamlam)
Recite Niyyah (Intention)
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”
Then, start chanting the Talbiyah:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik la sharika laka Labbaik. Innal-hamda, wan-ni’mata, laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
Continue this until you begin your Tawaf.
Step 3: Perform Tawaf
When You Enter Masjid al-Haram:
Enter right foot first, reciting:
“Bismillah, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad. Allahummaghfir li dhunubi, waftah li abwaba rahmatik.”
Begin Tawaf:
Face the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and make Niyyah.
Start from the corner of the Kaaba with the Black Stone, and circle seven times counterclockwise.
Each round begins and ends at the Black Stone.
Say any duas, dhikr, or Qur’an you remember — there’s no fixed text.
In the first three rounds, men may jog lightly (raml), and in all rounds, keep your left shoulder facing the Kaaba.
After Tawaf:
Pray 2 rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.
If crowded, pray anywhere within the mosque.
Drink Zamzam water, and make heartfelt duas.
Step 4: Perform Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)
Go to Safa Hill, make intention:
“I begin Sa’i between Safa and Marwah for the sake of Allah.”
Start walking from Safa to Marwah, then back to Safa.
Repeat this 7 times (ending at Marwah).
Between the green lights, men should jog briskly.
Women walk at a normal pace throughout.
You can make duas, dhikr, and praise Allah during Sa’i.
Step 5: Shaving or Trimming the Hair (Halq or Taqsir)
After Sa’i, end your Umrah with:
Men: Either shave all hair (Halq) or trim it all around (Taqsir)
Women: Trim a fingertip’s length from the end of their hair
This act symbolizes renewal and submission to Allah.
You are now out of Ihram. Umrah is complete.
All Ihram restrictions are lifted.
Final Words
Umrah is not just a ritual — it’s a spiritual cleansing, a rebirth, and a gift from Allah. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, each Umrah is unique and filled with divine moments.
At TI Umrah, we’re honored to guide you on this sacred journey. Let us handle the travel, so you can focus on what truly matters — your relationship with Allah.
