Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It is an act of worship that includes entering Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and ending with Halq or Qasar.
This guide explains how to perform Umrah step by step in a simple and correct way according to Sunnah.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, it carries great spiritual reward and significance in Islam.
Pillars of Umrah
Umrah consists of four main pillars:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Halq or Qasar
Each step must be performed in order.
Step 1: Entering Ihram
What Is Ihram?
Ihram is a sacred state that begins with intention (niyyah) and wearing prescribed clothing.
Ihram for Men
- Two white unstitched cloths
- No stitched clothing
- No covering the head
Ihram for Women
- Modest regular clothing
- Face and hands uncovered
Niyyah for Umrah
Make intention before crossing the Miqat:
“Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”
Rules During Ihram
While in Ihram, the following are prohibited:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Using perfume
- Marital relations
- Hunting animals
- Arguing or fighting
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
What Is Tawaf?
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
How to Perform Tawaf
- Start from Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone)
- Make seven complete circles
- Keep the Kaaba on your left
- Men perform Raml (slight brisk walk) in first three rounds
Dua During Tawaf
There is no fixed dua. You may recite:
- Quran
- Dhikr
- Personal supplications
Step 3: Pray Two Rak’ahs
After completing Tawaf:
- Pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible)
- Otherwise, pray anywhere in Masjid al-Haram
Step 4: Performing Sa’i
What Is Sa’i?
Sa’i is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
How to Perform Sa’i
- Start at Safa and end at Marwah
- One round is Safa to Marwah
- Men lightly jog between green markers
Dua During Sa’i
You may recite:
- “Rabbighfir warham”
- Any personal duas
Step 5: Halq or Qasar
This step completes Umrah.
For Men
- Halq: Shaving the entire head (preferred)
- Qasar: Trimming hair evenly
For Women
- Cut a fingertip-length of hair
Once done, Ihram restrictions end and Umrah is complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
- Skipping Miqat without Ihram
- Performing Tawaf incorrectly
- Believing specific duas are mandatory
- Pushing or hurting others
- Taking excessive photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Umrah take?
Umrah usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on crowd conditions.
Can Umrah be performed without a guide?
Yes, Umrah can be performed individually if you understand the steps.
Is Umrah compulsory in Islam?
Most scholars consider Umrah to be Sunnah Mu’akkadah, while some view it as obligatory once in a lifetime.
Can women perform Umrah alone?
Rules depend on country and mahram requirements. Always check current regulations.
Best Time to Perform Umrah
- Off-peak months (after Hajj season)
- Early mornings or late nights
- Avoid peak Ramadan hours if possible
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that requires proper understanding and sincere intention. By following this step-by-step Umrah guide, pilgrims can complete their Umrah correctly, peacefully, and according to Sunnah.