Umrah step by step: a simple guide for first-timers

Umrah has four main parts. It usually takes a few hours. If you understand the steps before you travel, you can focus on your worship instead of worrying about what comes next.

The four steps at a glance

1. Ihram: make the intention and enter the sacred state before the miqat.
2. Tawaf: walk seven times around the Kaaba.
3. Sa'i: walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
4. Halq or Taqsir: shave or shorten the hair. Your Umrah is then complete.

Step 1: Ihram

Ihram is the sacred state that a pilgrim enters. You must enter it before you pass the miqat, the boundary points around Makkah.

• Have a bath (ghusl) if you can, and clip your nails and trim hair before Ihram.
• Men put on the two white Ihram sheets. Women wear normal, loose, modest clothes. See our Ihram guide.
• Make the intention in your heart for Umrah. Many people also say: Labbaika Allahumma 'umrah ("Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah").
• Begin the Talbiyah and repeat it often until you start Tawaf.

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

(Sahih al-Bukhari 1549)

Flying? The plane will pass the miqat in the air. Many pilgrims put on the Ihram clothes at home or at the airport, then make the intention when the crew announces that the miqat is near.

Step 2: Tawaf

When you reach the Sacred Mosque, enter with your right foot and make the du'a for entering the mosque. Stop the Talbiyah when you begin Tawaf.

• Most scholars say you must be in a state of wudu for Tawaf.
• Start at the corner of the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Face it, raise your right hand and say Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. Do not push people to touch it.
• Walk anticlockwise, with the Kaaba on your left, for seven full rounds. Each round ends back at the Black Stone corner.
• There is no fixed du'a for each round. Make du'a in any language, recite Quran, and remember Allah.
• Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, many pilgrims recite: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaban-nar (Quran 2:201).

For men, it is Sunnah during the Tawaf of Umrah to uncover the right shoulder, and to walk with short, brisk steps in the first three rounds if there is space. Women do not do these.

After Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs, behind the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) if possible. If it is crowded, pray anywhere in the mosque. Then drink Zamzam water.

Step 3: Sa'i

Go to the hill of Safa. Allah says:

"Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them."Quran 2:158 (Sahih International). Read on Quran.com

• Start at Safa and finish at Marwah. Safa to Marwah is one lap, and Marwah back to Safa is the second. Seven laps in total.
• On Safa and Marwah, face the Kaaba, praise Allah and make du'a.
• Men walk faster between the green lights. Women walk at a normal pace.
• Wudu is recommended for Sa'i but most scholars say it is not required.

The floors are long and hard. Good, soft footwear for the walk to the mosque and a small bag for your shoes inside will help. See our packing list.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir

• Men shave the whole head (halq) or shorten the hair all over (taqsir). Many scholars say shaving is better for men.
• Women cut a small amount, about the length of a fingertip, from the end of their hair. Women do not shave.

Your Umrah is now complete. The restrictions of Ihram end, and you can wear normal clothes and use perfume again. Alhamdulillah.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Passing the miqat without Ihram.
• Starting Tawaf from the wrong place, or counting fewer than seven rounds. If you are unsure, count the lower number and continue.
• Pushing or harming people to touch the Black Stone. Pointing from a distance is enough.
• Taking photos or videos instead of focusing on worship.

Read next: Why every Muslim longs to visit the House of Allah.

Last updated: 2026-11-15