Guide

How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Umrah rites explained · Updated for 2026

Learning how to perform Umrah correctly, step by step, is one of the most reassuring things you can do before you travel — knowing exactly what's expected at each stage lets you focus on the worship itself rather than worrying about the process. Umrah consists of a small number of rites performed in a set order: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Tahallul. Here's what each one involves.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is often called the "lesser pilgrimage" — it can be performed at any time of the year (unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates), and while it is not obligatory in the way Hajj is, it carries great reward and is deeply loved by Muslims around the world, including many who return year after year.

Step 1: Enter the state of Ihram

Before crossing the Miqat (the designated boundary), pilgrims enter Ihram — a state of ritual purity. Men wear two unstitched white sheets, while women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing in any colour, covering everything except the face and hands. Before entering Ihram, it's recommended to perform ghusl (a full-body wash), trim nails, and apply unscented care beforehand, since scented products aren't used once in Ihram.

Step 2: Make your intention (Niyyah) and recite the Talbiyah

At the Miqat, you make the intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk..." — declaring your presence and intention to Allah. This is repeated frequently until you begin Tawaf.

Step 3: Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba

Upon reaching the Haram in Makkah, you perform Tawaf: seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner. Men are encouraged to walk briskly (Ramal) for the first three circuits, if crowd conditions allow. Personal duas are encouraged throughout, alongside set supplications.

Step 4: Pray two Rak'ah at Maqam Ibrahim

After completing Tawaf, pilgrims pray two short units of prayer near the Station of Ibrahim, if space allows, or anywhere else within the Haram if it's too crowded.

Step 5: Perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah

Next is Sa'i: walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. The route is now a long, air-conditioned indoor corridor, with a marked section where men are encouraged to jog lightly.

Step 6: Tahallul — shaving or trimming the hair

The final step is Tahallul. Men either shave their head completely (Halq, considered more virtuous) or trim their hair evenly. Women trim a small amount, about a fingertip's length, from the ends of their hair. Once this is done, the restrictions of Ihram are lifted, and Umrah is complete.

Common mistakes first-timers make

• Rushing Tawaf and Sa'i without pausing to make personal dua
• Not knowing the boundaries of the Miqat and entering Ihram too late
• Wearing scented products after entering Ihram
• Getting overwhelmed by crowds and losing track of the Tawaf count — using a tasbih counter helps
• Forgetting to trim hair before Tahallul, especially for women

Travelling with a group vs alone

Many first-timers find it far less stressful to travel with a UK agency that provides a knowledgeable group leader to guide the rites in real time, particularly during busy periods. If you'd rather go independently, spending time with a good guidebook or app beforehand is essential.

FAQs

Related reading: What to Pack for Umrah · Umrah Visa UK