A Woman’s Guide to Performing Umrah for the First Time: Rites and Rulings Step by Step

Umrah can be summarized in a few essential steps, beginning with Ihram and ending with trimming the hair:

1. Entering Ihram at the Miqat

A woman prepares for Ihram by taking a shower and cleansing herself, then wearing her usual modest clothing. There is no specific color or garment required for women. At the Miqat, she makes the intention to perform Umrah and says: “Labbayka Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah), then begins reciting the Talbiyah.

2. Performing Tawaf Around the Kaaba

Upon reaching the Grand Mosque, the woman performs seven circuits around the Kaaba, beginning each circuit in line with the Black Stone and ending there. She may engage in remembrance and supplication as she wishes. It is recommended that she avoid pushing or competing with men to reach the Black Stone.

3. Praying Two Rak‘ahs After Tawaf

After completing Tawaf, she performs two Rak‘ahs if possible. She may pray anywhere in the Grand Mosque if praying behind Maqam Ibrahim would cause crowding or difficulty.

4. Performing Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

Sa’i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah, consisting of seven circuits. Unlike men, women do not perform the brisk walking between the two green markers; they walk normally throughout Sa’i.

5. Trimming the Hair and Exiting Ihram

After completing Sa’i, the woman trims the ends of her hair, thereby exiting Ihram and completing her Umrah. It is recommended to learn the proper method of trimming the hair before traveling, especially for first-time pilgrims.

What Should a Woman Wear for Umrah?

Women do not have a specific Ihram garment like men do. A woman may wear her regular clothing as long as it is modest, comfortable, and not attention-grabbing.

It is best to choose loose, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and walking, along with comfortable footwear that makes Tawaf and Sa’i easier.

She should also be aware of the prohibitions of Ihram. For example, she should not use perfume after entering Ihram and should avoid other prohibited acts until she exits Ihram.

Important Preparations for Women Before Umrah

Good preparation can make the Umrah journey much easier. It is helpful to prepare the following before traveling:

• Review the steps of Umrah and the prohibitions of Ihram.
• Choose comfortable, loose clothing suitable for the weather.
• Prepare comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring any medications and personal essentials you may need.
• Pack fragrance-free personal care products for use during Ihram.
• Bring suitable scissors for trimming the hair.
• Learn about the location of the Miqat and your travel arrangements to the Grand Mosque.
• Review the relevant rulings regarding menstruation and Umrah if your period is expected around the time of your trip.

You can also use the Sundus app to review the steps of the rituals before traveling and access the information you need throughout your journey.

Bathing Before Entering Ihram

It is recommended for a woman to take a bath when preparing for Ihram, whether she is in a state of purity, menstruating, or experiencing postpartum bleeding. The bath for Ihram is intended for cleanliness and preparation for the ritual, and ritual purity is not a requirement for entering Ihram.

A menstruating woman may enter Ihram, recite the Talbiyah, and perform the rites that she is able to perform. She then waits until she becomes pure before performing Tawaf.

As for perfume, it may be applied to the body before entering Ihram, while perfume should be avoided after entering Ihram.

Important Guidelines for Women During Tawaf

To perform Tawaf comfortably and peacefully, women should keep a few important points in mind to remain focused on worship and avoid crowded areas:

Avoid Crowds

There is no need to push or compete with others to reach the Black Stone or the Yemeni Corner. Your safety and avoiding overcrowding are more important.

Maintain Proper Modesty

A woman should wear modest and appropriate clothing while performing Tawaf, avoiding clothing that is distracting or unsuitable for worship.

Keep Your Voice Low During Supplication

You may make supplications and engage in remembrance quietly or at a moderate volume, while taking care not to disturb other worshippers performing Tawaf.

Do Not Follow a Specific Supplication for Each Circuit

There is no specific supplication that must be recited during each circuit. You may ask Allah for whatever you wish from the good of this world and the Hereafter.

Prohibitions of Ihram Women Should Know

Women share several prohibitions of Ihram with men, including using perfume, removing hair or nails, hunting, and engaging in sexual intercourse or its related acts.

There are also certain prohibitions specific to women, most notably wearing the niqab and gloves while in Ihram. Therefore, it is important to learn these rulings before beginning Umrah to avoid violating the prohibitions of Ihram.

If a mistake occurs, this does not necessarily mean that the Umrah is invalid. The ruling depends on the type of prohibition and the circumstances in which it occurred. Therefore, it is best to consult qualified scholars when necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah

Some practices are commonly repeated by female pilgrims and can easily be avoided by knowing the correct rulings:

• Believing that Ihram clothing must be white.
• Trying to push through crowds or men to reach the Black Stone.
• Performing brisk walking during Sa’i.
• Believing that there is a specific supplication for each circuit.
• Becoming distracted by photography or using the phone instead of focusing on worship.
• Cutting too much hair when exiting Ihram.
• Using perfume after entering Ihram.
• Becoming overly anxious after making a mistake without consulting qualified scholars.

Final Tips for Women Performing Umrah for the First Time

Do not let the many details make you feel overwhelmed. It is enough to learn the steps of Umrah and its most important rulings before traveling, while also making time for worship and rest.

Remember that Umrah is not a race. It is an act of worship based on tranquility, patience, and consideration for others. You can use the Sundus app to review the rituals and prepare for your journey, and consult trusted scholars regarding any matter specific to your circumstances.

May Allah make your Umrah easy, accept your righteous deeds, and bless you with a peaceful and spiritually rewarding journey.