How to Perform Umrah Step by Step (Complete Guide for Beginners)

🕋 What is Umrah?

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It is a highly rewarding act of worship that brings a believer closer to Allah.

Umrah consists of four main rituals: entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Ka‘bah, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and cutting or shaving the hair.

⚡ Quick Steps to Perform Umrah

If you are looking for a quick overview, here are the essential steps to perform Umrah:

1. Enter Ihram at Miqat
2. Make intention (Niyyah)
3. Recite Talbiyah
4. Perform Tawaf (7 rounds around the Ka‘bah)
5. Pray two rak’ah
6. Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
7. Cut or shave hair

🕋 Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Umrah

This step-by-step Umrah guide is specially designed for beginners. It explains each stage in a clear and simple way, helping you perform Umrah with confidence, accuracy, and peace of mind.

Step 1: Enter Ihram at Miqat

Miqat is the designated boundary where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding toward Makkah. It is essential that you do not cross Miqat without being in Ihram, as this marks the official beginning of your Umrah.

Before reaching Miqat, prepare yourself by performing the necessary cleansing, including a ritual bath (Ghusl), and ensure you are ready to enter the state of Ihram.

If you are traveling by air, it is recommended to wear Ihram and make your intention before crossing the Miqat boundary during your flight.

Below is a visual representation of Miqat locations based on different travel routes:

Step 2: Prepare Yourself for Ihram

Before entering the state of Ihram, it is important to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. This preparation helps ensure cleanliness and allows you to begin your Umrah in a proper and respectful manner.

You should perform a ritual bath (Ghusl) if possible. It is also recommended to trim your nails and remove any unwanted body hair before wearing Ihram.

Make sure not to apply perfume or use scented products on your body or clothing after this preparation, as these are not allowed once you enter the state of Ihram.

Taking a few moments to prepare properly will help you start your Umrah journey with focus, purity, and intention.

Step 3: Wear Ihram Properly

After completing your preparation, the next step is to wear the Ihram clothing and enter the state of Ihram.

For men, Ihram consists of two simple white unstitched cloths. One is wrapped around the waist, and the other is placed over the shoulders. The head must remain uncovered.

For women, there is no specific Ihram garment. They should wear loose and modest clothing that covers the body properly, along with a head covering. The face and hands should remain uncovered.

Ihram is not just a dress code, it represents equality, humility, and devotion. At this stage, all pilgrims appear the same, reminding us of unity and submission before Allah.

Step 4: Make the Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah

Step 4: Make the Intention (Niyyah)

After wearing Ihram, the next step is to make your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah. The intention should be made sincerely in your heart, with the purpose of performing Umrah only for the sake of Allah.

There is no requirement to say the intention out loud. Having a firm and clear intention in your heart is sufficient.

However, if you wish, you may say:

vاللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.

This step marks the official beginning of your Umrah, so take a moment to focus, clear your mind, and make your intention with sincerity and devotion.

Step 5: Recite the Talbiyah

After making your intention, you should begin reciting the Talbiyah. This is an important part of Umrah that expresses your response to the call of Allah.

You should recite:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ
لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ
إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْك
لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Here I am, O Allah, here I am.
Here I am, You have no partner, here I am.
Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You.
You have no partner.

Continue reciting the Talbiyah frequently as you travel toward Makkah. It is recommended to recite it with focus and reflection, reminding yourself of the purpose of your journey.

You should continue reciting the Talbiyah until you begin Tawaf.

Step 6: Perform Tawaf (7 Circuits Around the Ka‘bah)

After arriving at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, proceed towards the Ka‘bah to begin Tawaf.

Tawaf means walking around the Ka‘bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping the Ka‘bah on your left side. Each round should begin from the Black Stone.

Walk calmly and respectfully while remembering Allah. You may recite verses from the Qur’an or make personal supplications, as there are no fixed prayers required for each round.

However, one Sunnah supplication that the Prophet (peace be upon him) 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 2:201)

After completing all seven circuits, it is recommended to pray two units of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, if space allows.

For better understanding, you can refer to the visual guide below showing the Tawaf starting point and direction.

Step 7: Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After completing Tawaf and offering prayer, proceed to perform Sa’i, which is the act of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Sa’i consists of seven rounds, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. This ritual commemorates the struggle and faith of Hajar as she searched for water.

Begin at Safa, face the direction of the Ka‘bah, and make supplications. Then walk towards Marwah to complete one round. Continue this process until you complete all seven rounds.

During Sa’i, you may make personal supplications and remember Allah. There are no fixed prayers required. but

• For men: It is recommended to walk briskly between the two green markers.
• For women: Walk at a normal pace throughout.

For better understanding, you can refer to the visual guide below showing the path between Safa and Marwah.

Step 8: Cut or Shave Hair (Completion of Umrah)

After completing Sa’i, the final step of Umrah is to cut or shave your hair. This marks the completion of your Umrah and your exit from the state of Ihram.

• For men: It is recommended to shave the head completely, although trimming the hair is also acceptable.
• For women: Cut a small portion of hair from the ends, approximately the length of a fingertip.

Once this step is completed, all restrictions of Ihram are lifted, and your Umrah is successfully finished.

Take a moment to thank Allah for giving you the opportunity to complete this spiritual journey, and make supplication for acceptance.

اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
“O Allah, accept this from me.”

Plan Your Makkah Ziyarat Journey After Umrah

After completing your Umrah, many pilgrims choose to visit important historical and religious sites in Makkah.

For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, you can book a Makkah Ziyarat taxi with VIP Umrah Taxi. We provide professional drivers, reliable service, and well-maintained vehicles to make your journey smooth and convenient.

Rules to Follow During Umrah (After Wearing Ihram)

Once you enter the state of Ihram, it is important to follow its rules carefully until your Umrah is completed. These rules help maintain discipline, humility, and focus on worship.

What to Avoid in Ihram:

Avoid arguments, foul language, and sinful behaviormain humble, disciplined, and fully focused on worship and obedience to Allah during Umrah.

• 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
• Avoid all marital or intimate relations
• Do not hunt, kill, or assist in hunting land animals

Clothing Restrictions:

For Men:

• Do not wear stitched clothing such as shirts, trousers, underwear, or socks
• Keep the head uncovered

For Women:

• Do not cover the face
• Do not wear gloves

Other Important Restrictions:

• Do not propose marriage
• Do not perform a marriage contract

These rules are designed to help you remain focused on your spiritual journey and maintain a state of purity and devotion throughout your Umrah.

Frequently Asked Questions

🌙 Final Words

Umrah is a journey of sincerity, patience, and devotion. Follow each step carefully and focus on your connection with Allah.

May your Umrah be accepted and rewarded.

Also Checkout:

• Guide to Makkah–Madinah Routes
• 7-Seater Car Fare Details