Umrah Tutorial

العمرة

Complete step-by-step guide to perform Umrah

Umrah (العمرة) is the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike Hajj, it can be performed at any time of the year. Discover the essential steps to accomplish this sacred rite.

1

Ihram

الإحرام

Ihram is the state of consecration and the garment worn by the pilgrim.

This is the first obligatory step of Umrah. Without Ihram, the Umrah is not valid.

How to proceed:

  • Take a ritual bath (Ghusl) before entering the state of Ihram
  • Men wear two pieces of white unsewn cloth (Izar and Rida)
  • Women wear modest clothing covering the entire body except face and hands
  • Make the intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah from the Miqat
  • Recite the Talbiyah after the intention

Invocation to recite

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna-l-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Praise and blessings belong to You, as does the Kingdom. You have no partner.

2

Tawaf

الطواف

Tawaf consists of making 7 circuits around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction.

This is the main pillar of Umrah. The 7 circuits must be completed without interruption.

How to proceed:

  • Start from the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad)
  • Say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar' at the beginning of each circuit while raising the right hand toward the black stone
  • Complete 7 full circuits keeping the Kaaba on your left
  • Men uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba) during Tawaf
  • Pray 2 units of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim after Tawaf
  • Drink Zamzam water

Invocation to recite

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fi d-dunya hasanatan wa fi-l-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaba-n-nar.

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

3

Sa'i

السعي

Sa'i is the walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, performed 7 times.

This rite commemorates Hajar's search for water, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

How to proceed:

  • Start from Mount Safa while reciting verse 2:158
  • Walk to Mount Marwa (1st trip)
  • Return from Marwa to Safa (2nd trip), and so on until 7 trips
  • Men walk briskly between the two green markers
  • Invoke Allah and make supplications during the course
  • Finish the 7th trip at Mount Marwa

Invocation to recite

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

Inna s-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah.

Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.

4

Halq / Taqsir

الحلق / التقصير

Shaving or shortening the hair marks the end of the state of Ihram.

This is the last obligatory step of Umrah that allows exiting the state of Ihram.

How to proceed:

  • Men can shave the head completely (Halq) - recommended
  • Or shorten the hair by at least 2-3 cm (Taqsir)
  • Women cut a small lock of hair (about a finger's length)
  • After this step, you exit the state of Ihram
  • All Ihram restrictions are lifted

Practical tips

  • Learn the invocations before your departure
  • Wear comfortable shoes for Sa'i
  • Stay hydrated, especially in summer
  • Be patient and courteous with other pilgrims
  • Take advantage of every moment to invoke Allah
  • Avoid peak hours if possible