Common Mistakes to Avoid
By TI Umrah | Your Guide to a Peaceful and Accepted Pilgrimage
Umrah is one of the most profound spiritual experiences in a Muslim’s life. It’s a time of purification, reflection, and closeness to Allah. But to truly benefit from the journey, it’s important to know what not to do during Umrah.
This guide will help you avoid common mistakes, misunderstandings, and forbidden acts, ensuring that your Umrah is not only valid — but spiritually fulfilling and accepted.
1. Neglecting the Correct Intention (Niyyah)
Many people start Umrah without truly understanding or declaring the proper niyyah (intention) at the Miqat.
Mistake:
Rushing into Ihram or rituals without mentally preparing or verbally declaring intention.
What to Do:
At the Miqat, make a clear, conscious intention:
“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah”
Understand you’re now in a sacred state — both physically and spiritually
2. Violating the Rules of Ihram
The state of Ihram has sacred restrictions for both men and women.
Common Violations:
Using perfume or scented products
Cutting hair or nails after Ihram has begun
Wearing stitched clothing (for men)
Arguing, fighting, or using foul language
Harming animals or plants
Hunting or engaging in intimate acts
What to Do:
Use fragrance-free toiletries before Ihram
Once in Ihram, avoid any personal grooming that’s forbidden
Focus on humility, patience, and worship
3. Wearing Improper Clothing
Wearing the wrong clothes in Ihram can invalidate the sanctity of your state. For Men:
Wearing stitched garments (like T-shirts or underwear)
Wearing shoes that cover ankles and top of the foot
For Women:
Wearing tight or flashy clothes
Covering the face or wearing gloves during Ihram
What to Do:
Men must wear two white unstitched sheets and proper sandals
Women can wear any modest clothing that covers their body without covering the face
4. Being Distracted During Tawaf
Tawaf around the Kaaba is a sacred act of worship — but many people treat it like a photo opportunity or social event.
Mistakes:
Taking selfies or videos while circling the Kaaba
Talking on the phone
Pushing or shoving others
Not completing 7 full rounds
What to Do:
Make dua, dhikr, or quietly reflect during Tawaf
Focus on sincerity, not social media
Respect others’ space and flow with the crowd
5. Not Understanding the Rituals
Many first-timers perform Umrah without knowing the meaning or significance of what they’re doing.
Mistakes:
Following the crowd blindly
Not knowing what to say or when to say it
Rushing through rituals with no focus
What to Do:
Study Umrah rituals before you go
Prepare a small dua booklet
Ask scholars or guides if you’re unsure
At TI Umrah, we provide pre-travel sessions and educational material to help you prepare properly.
6. Improper Hair Cutting After Umrah
The final step of Umrah is Halq (shaving) or Taqsir (trimming) of the hair.
Mistakes:
Men trimming just a small part of the hair
Women cutting too much
Cutting each other’s hair in random public places
What to Do:
Men should shave the entire head (Halq) or trim all over (Taqsir)
Women should trim a fingertip-length of hair
Go to licensed barbers nearby or cut in privacy with cleanliness
