Hajj & Umrah
Umrah
A practical, step-by-step Umrah companion with a checklist saved on your device.
Steps
- 1
Ihram and intention
Bathe, put on the two garments of ihram at or before the miqat, make the intention for Umrah, and begin the talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 1549
- 2
Entering Masjid al-Haram
Enter with the right foot while supplicating, then proceed towards the Black Stone to begin tawaf.
- 3
Tawaf - seven circuits
Complete seven circuits around the Kaaba starting at the Black Stone. Men traditionally uncover the right shoulder and walk briskly in the first three circuits.
- 4
Two rak'ahs after tawaf
Pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the mosque when it is crowded.
- 5
Drinking Zamzam water
Drink Zamzam water and make the supplications you wish.
- 6
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Complete seven laps beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah, supplicating and remembering Allah throughout.
- 7
Shaving or trimming the hair
Men shave or trim the hair; women trim about a fingertip's length. With this, the Umrah is complete.
Your progress is saved on your device only - no account needed.
Umrah step by step, and the rules of ihram
Umrah is four clear steps. Knowing them removes confusion during the rites.
The four steps
- Ihram at the miqat: wash and apply perfume to the body beforehand. Men wear the two unstitched garments; women wear any modest clothing without a face veil or gloves. Then make the intention and say the talbiyah for Umrah.
- Tawaf: seven circuits starting at the Black Stone, with brisk walking in the first three for men when possible, then two units of prayer near the Maqam if feasible.
- Saai: seven laps between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah, each direction counting as one lap.
- Shaving or trimming: shaving is better for men; women trim about a fingertip from the ends of the hair.
Prohibitions during ihram
Cutting hair or nails, applying perfume after entering ihram, intimacy and its preliminaries, contracting marriage, hunting, and for men stitched clothing and covering the head. Doing something out of forgetfulness or ignorance carries nothing once you stop immediately; doing it deliberately carries an expiation detailed by the jurists.
Timing and practical organisation
- Umrah in Ramadan carries a special virtue mentioned in hadith, but crowds are extreme, so choose after Fajr or the middle of the night.
- Crowds are lighter in late Dhul Qadah and immediately after the Hajj season.
- Bring light shoes you can carry in a bag, and agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.
See the travel page for trip logistics and azkar for talbiyah and supplications. Disputed matters should be referred to scholars, as noted in the disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions