Your Step-by-Step Guide to Umrah: Everything You Need to Know Before and During the Rituals

Preparing for Umrah Before Traveling

Before traveling to Makkah, it is helpful to prepare both spiritually and practically. This includes repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, making sure to return any rights or belongings owed to others, and preparing to perform the rituals with sincere intention and a focused heart.

It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the main steps of Umrah, prepare everything you need for the journey, and learn which Miqat you will enter Ihram from according to your travel route. The Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf explains that preparing for Ihram includes maintaining personal hygiene, trimming the nails, and removing any unwanted hair before entering Ihram.

Ihram, Intention, and Talbiyah

Ihram means entering into the state of ritual consecration with the intention of performing Umrah; it is not simply a matter of wearing Ihram clothing. It is recommended to bathe and cleanse yourself before entering Ihram, then prepare to enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat.

Men wear the izar and rida, while women may wear suitable modest clothing while observing the specific rulings of Ihram that apply to them.

Upon reaching the Miqat, the pilgrim makes the intention for Umrah in the heart and then recites the Talbiyah:

“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal-Hamda wan-Ni‘mata Laka wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.”

The pilgrim continues reciting the Talbiyah until reaching the Grand Mosque and beginning Tawaf. The specific prohibitions of Ihram for men and women will be covered separately in another article.

Arriving at the Grand Mosque and Beginning Tawaf

After arriving in Makkah, the pilgrim proceeds to the Grand Mosque to perform Tawaf. Tawaf is one of the essential acts of Umrah and consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba, with each circuit beginning and ending at the Black Stone.

Before starting Tawaf, pilgrims should be mindful of the flow of movement inside the mosque and avoid pushing or harming others in an attempt to reach the Black Stone.

One of the Sunnahs specific to men during Tawaf is Idtiba‘, which involves placing the middle of the upper garment under the right armpit and draping both ends over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder uncovered during Tawaf. Idtiba‘ is not observed throughout the entire period of Ihram; rather, it is practiced during Tawaf al-Qudum or the Tawaf of Umrah, depending on the type of pilgrimage.

How to Perform Tawaf Around the Kaaba

The pilgrim begins Tawaf from the direction of the Black Stone, keeping the Kaaba to the left, and walks around it until completing seven circuits.

During Tawaf, the pilgrim may remember Allah and make whatever supplications they wish. There is no requirement to memorize a specific supplication for each circuit. One of the supplications reported between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is:

“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

If the pilgrim is able to touch and kiss the Black Stone without harming or pushing others, they may do so. However, if the area is crowded, it is sufficient to gesture toward it from a distance as appropriate.

Most importantly, maintain humility and focus during Tawaf. Avoid becoming distracted by photographing every moment or attempting to reach crowded areas at the expense of the comfort and safety of others.

What Should You Do After Completing Tawaf?

After completing the seven circuits, the pilgrim performs two Rak‘ahs of Tawaf if possible. They may be prayed anywhere in the Grand Mosque when there is congestion, and there is no need to search for a specific location if doing so obstructs the movement of other pilgrims.

Afterward, it is recommended to drink Zamzam water and make supplications for whatever goodness one wishes for in this life and the Hereafter.

Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf and the two Rak‘ahs, the pilgrim proceeds to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

Sa’i begins at Safa and ends at Marwah, consisting of seven circuits. Traveling from Safa to Marwah counts as one circuit, while returning from Marwah to Safa counts as the second, continuing in this manner until the seventh circuit ends at Marwah.

At Safa, the pilgrim faces the Qiblah, remembers Allah, and makes whatever supplications they wish. During Sa’i, they may increase their remembrance of Allah, supplication, and recitation of the Quran.

In the section marked by the two green lights, men are encouraged to walk briskly, while women walk normally.

There is no requirement to recite a specific supplication throughout Sa’i; the pilgrim may ask Allah for whatever they wish from the good of this life and the Hereafter.

Shaving or Trimming: The Final Step of Umrah

After completing the seven circuits of Sa’i, the pilgrim proceeds to the final act of Umrah: shaving or trimming the hair for men, and trimming the hair for women.

Men may either shave their head completely or trim their hair. Shaving is preferable according to the Sunnah. As for women, they do not shave their heads; instead, they trim a portion of their hair.

After shaving or trimming, the rites of Umrah are complete, and the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram.

Umrah in Four Simple Steps

If you want a quick summary of the order of the rituals, remember these four essential stages:

Ihram, intention, and Talbiyah → Tawaf: seven circuits → Sa’i: seven circuits → Shaving or trimming the hair.

Knowing this sequence in advance can help pilgrims, especially first-time pilgrims, perform their Umrah with greater calm and focus.

Important Tips Before Performing Umrah

• Do not worry about memorizing specific supplications; you may ask Allah for whatever you wish.
• Avoid overcrowding and pushing, and follow the instructions of the Grand Mosque.
• Conserve your energy and get enough rest.
• If you are unsure about a ruling, ask qualified scholars or official authorities rather than relying on other people’s experiences.
• Stay focused on worship and avoid becoming overly distracted by photography or your phone.

Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, and learning its rituals in advance can help you perform them with peace and confidence. It begins with entering Ihram at the Miqat, followed by seven circuits of Tawaf, seven circuits of Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and concludes with shaving or trimming the hair. With the Sundus app, you can explore more details to help you prepare for your journey and perform your rituals with greater ease and peace of mind.