How to Perform Umrah – Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pilgrims
Umrah is a beautiful act of worship that brings a Muslim closer to Allah. It can be performed at any time of the year, and it is a fundamental act (rukun) in Islam, as mentioned in the Qur’an, where Allah says:
﴿وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ﴾ “And complete the Hajj and the Umrah for Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Although the steps are simple, many first-time pilgrims feel unsure about the correct method.
Therefore, we have explained each step in an easy and clear way so that every pilgrim can perform Umrah according to the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
7 Steps Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims
Step 1: Go to the Miqat
Go to your designated Miqat point, according to your travel route. The Miqat is the place from which Umrah officially begins. You must not pass the Miqat without entering the state of Ihram.
Step 2: Prepare Yourself Before Ihram
At the Miqat point, facilities are available for pilgrims to prepare for Ihram. When you arrive, prepare yourself both physically and mentally.
- Perform ghusl in the Sunnah way using the available washing facilities.
- After that, trim your nails and remove any unwanted body hair.
For the hair ritual, men must perform Halq, which means shaving the entire head.
Women must perform Taqsir, which means cutting a small portion from the ends of the hair, approximately the length of a fingertip.
These preparations help you enter the state of Ihram in a clean, respectful, and proper manner.
Step 3: Enter the State of Ihram
After entering Ihram at the Miqat, your Umrah officially begins.
For men:
- Wear two simple, unstitched white cloths (Ihram)
- Keep the head and ankles uncovered
For women:
- Keep the face and hands uncovered
- Wear loose, modest clothing in any color
- Cover the hair with a hijab
Step 4: Make the Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah
After wearing Ihram, make your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah. There is no specific wording required for the intention.
It simply means having a firm intention in your heart that you are performing Umrah solely for the sake of Allah and asking Him to accept it from you.
Saying the intention out loud is not necessary; having it in your heart is sufficient.
However, many scholars mention the following supplication, which you may say if you wish:
vاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي
Meaning: “O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”
Step 5: Recite the Talbiyah
After making the intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah. Recite it frequently while travelling toward Makkah. Continue reciting it until you begin Tawaf at the Ka‘bah.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Step 6: Start Tawaf Around the Ka‘bah
When you reach Masjid al-Haram, enter the mosque with your right foot. The first sight of the Ka‘bah is often a moment of deep emotion. There is no fixed supplication at this time, so speak to Allah from your heart.
Begin Tawaf, which means walking around the Ka‘bah seven times, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar Aswad).
Walk calmly and with humility while remembering Allah. You may recite the Qur’an or make personal supplications. There is no specific dua required for each round of Tawaf.
However, one Sunnah supplication that the Prophet ﷺ used to recite is:
.رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201)
After completing all seven rounds of Tawaf, pray two rak‘ahs near Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.
Step 7: Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa‘i is the final step of Umrah and is mentioned in the Qur’an. It involves walking between Safa and Marwah seven times, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.
During Sa‘i, men follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by jogging or briskly walking between the two green markers, known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn.
Women walk at a normal pace throughout Sa‘i, maintaining modesty and proper covering.
Throughout Sa‘i, you may make any dua or dhikr. There is no fixed supplication, so remember Allah and pray from your heart.
۞ إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ ١٥٨ Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the ˹Sacred˺ House, let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158)
After completing Umrah, continue to remember Allah and thank Him for allowing you to complete this sacred journey until you return to your residence. One simple and beautiful supplication is:
اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي “O Allah, accept this from me.”
After performing Umrah, if you wish to go for Makkah Ziyarat, you can book a Makkah Ziyarat cab from VIP Umrah Taxi for professional and reliable services.
Rules to Follow During Umrah After Wearing Ihram
Once you enter the state of Ihram, you must carefully follow its rules until your Umrah is complete.
- Do not cut or remove hair from any part of the body.
- Do not trim or cut your nails.
- Do not use perfume, scented soap, or fragranced products on the body or clothes.
- Avoid all marital and intimate relations, including kissing or physical desire.
- Do not hunt, kill, or assist in hunting land animals.
- Avoid arguments, foul language, fighting, or sinful behavior.
- Men must not wear stitched clothing such as shirts, trousers, underwear, or socks, and must keep the head uncovered.
- Women should not cover the face or wear gloves while in Ihram.
- Do not propose marriage or perform a marriage contract during Ihram.
These rules are meant to help you remain humble, disciplined, and fully focused on worship and obedience to Allah during Umrah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Umrah is a journey of faith, patience, and sincerity. By following these steps with a pure heart and correct intention, every pilgrim can perform Umrah with confidence and devotion. May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, and grant you closeness to Him.
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