What Is Umrah and Why It’s Spiritually Important?
An umrah is a sacred journey providing an opportunity to purify one's soul, heart, and body with the spirituality of Umrah rituals throughout the pilgrimage. Although performing an umrah isn't obligatory, its completion creates a sense of religious fulfillment, spiritual enhancement, and faith elevation anyway.
However, what if you don't know much about Umrah rituals or how to maintain spirituality during or after the pilgrimage? Well, no worries as this blog post provides a complete breakdown of all the Umrah rituals and how to perform them step-by-step. So, let's explore them to learn in detail.
Umrah Step-by-Step: Your Complete Ritual Roadmap
An umrah pilgrimage begins with planning the whole journey and managing all the physical, spiritual, logistical, and financial aspects of the pilgrimage. To reduce your burden, you can go with tailor-made Umrah packages, which are pre-made travel offers containing all Umrah-related essentials available in one plan.After that, it's time to learn Umrah rituals and revise supplications to make the most of the pilgrimage. Here is a guide on performing Umrah rituals step by step.
How to Perform the 4 Main Umrah Rituals
An umrah pilgrimage is all about four essential rituals named as Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir. As one can perform these rituals in a few hours, it comes out that pilgrims can perform Umrah multiple times while maintaining the spiritual meaning of the pilgrimage.
Step 1: Enter the State of Ihram (Spiritual Preparation)
The Miqat marks where the Ihram begins for pilgrims. In this state, men wear two seamless white pieces of clothing. One cloth wraps around the waist. The other drapes over the shoulders. The purpose of specific Ihram clothing is to accept the fact that all Muslims are equal before Allah.
Step 2: Make Niyyah (Sincere Intention for Umrah)
Pilgrims in the state of Ihram make an intention. And this intention focuses that they are going to perform Umrah only for Allah. The words "Labbaik Allahumma Umrah" declare this intention clearly.لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَLabbaika Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni‘mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.
And thus, clear determination in the heart precedes the verbal declaration. Moreover, it's also the Niyyah that distinguishes Umrah from ordinary travel.
Step 3: Recite the Talbiyah Loudly and From the Heart
Talbiyah is a proclamation of Umrah that pilgrims recite in the state of Ihram. It includes acknowledgment of divine blessings. However, loud recitation remains recommended for men during travel. While women recite it softly to maintain modesty. As a result, the spiritual connection of pilgrims becomes stronger with each repetition. The repetition of Talbiyah stops only upon starting Tawaf at the Kaaba.
Arriving in Makkah: Entering the Holy City with Dua
Enter Makkah while remembering that this is the sacred city of Allah. It is Sunnah to enter Makkah while reciting:
اللّٰهُمَّ هٰذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمَانُكَ فَحَرِّمْ لَحْمِي وَدَمِي وَعَظْمِي عَلَى النَّارِ
Allahumma haza haramuka wa amanuka faharrim lahmi wa dami wa azmi 'ala al-naar.
At this time, our Holy Prophet also taught us a sacred Dua to recite while entering any city. So, ask Allah for blessings in what He has provided as following:
اللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Allahumma barik lana fima razaqtana wa qina 'adhab an-nar.
After that, recite Talbiyah while moving towards the Haram. It's a source of ultimate blessings.
Entering Masjid Al-Haram: Supplications and Etiquettes
Entering Masjid al-Haram is special as the Kaaba comes into view. The heart fills with gratitude of Allah at this holy sight. Pilgrims approach remembering that they stand in the most sacred site of Islam. So, step into while reciting the Dua of entering the mosque:
اللّٰهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.
Also, keep reciting Talbiyah until you see the Kaabah.
First Glimpse of the Kaabah: A Moment of Accepted Duas
The first sight of Kaabah is special. It's a reminder of the greatness of Allah and the importance of the sacred journey.
At first sight, it is a Sunnah to stop for a moment. Raise hands while looking at the Kaabah and make dua. This is a blessed moment where du’as are accepted.
Start with reciting:
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ فَحَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلَامِ
Allahumma Antas-Salaam wa Minkas-Salaam, fa hayyina Rabbana bis-Salaam
Then, pray to Allah for anything you want. Ask for forgiveness, mercy and acceptance of your Umrah.
You can also recite any dua from the Qur'an or Sunnah that expresses your humility before Allah.
This is also the time to make personal dua’s. So, ask for the good of this world and the Hereafter.
Many scholars recommend making long dua’s at this moment because it is a time of acceptance.
After that, repeat the Talbiyah softly as you move closer to begin your Tawaf.
Step 4: Perform Tawaf Around the Kaabah (7 Circuits)
Every step toward the Kaaba strengthens faith. It’s the beginning of Tawaf which is the act of circling Kaabah. Men bare their right shoulder during this ritual as a sign of submission.
Starting Point of Tawaf
Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) is a starting point of tawaf. So, face the Black Stone and raise your hand which is known as Istilam saying:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillah Wallahu Akbar
Do istilam at the start of each circuit of tawaf as soon as you reach the line of Hajar al-Aswad.
Making Intention for Tawaf (Without Verbalization)
Similar to Umrah, make niyyah for Tawaf which is a sincere intention. Remind yourself about the sacred act of circumambulating kaabah that you are going to perform for the sake of Allah. Make niyyah in your heart as it doesn't require you to say out loud for both men and women. The heart should be focused on pleasing Allah through this act of worship.
How to Begin Tawaf (Including Raml for Men)
Start your Tawaf by moving to the right while keeping kaabah on the left side. Men should do Raml (walking briskly with short steps) in the first three circuits if possible. There is no specific Dua to recite during Tawaf. So, you can recite any Sunnah Dua in each circuit. The distance between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone is special. It’s the Sunnah to recite there:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhab an-nar
Also, engage yourself in Sunnah dua's, dhikr and praise of Allah during Tawaf.
Ending Point of Tawaf
Hajar al-Aswad is also the ending point of Tawaf when you have completed seven circuits around it. Similar to the start, end your Tawaf with istilam (raise hand towards Hajar al-Aswad).
Salah after Tawaf at Maqam Ibrahim
After completing seven full circles, move to Maqam e Ibrahim to offer two rak'ahs of prayer. This prayer holds special significance in Islam and should be performed with focus. Also, take this opportunity to make personal supplications after completing the prayer.
Recite surah Al-Kafirun قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ after Surah Al-Fatiha in first rak’ah.
Recite surah Al-Ikhlas قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ after Surah Al-Fatiha in the second rak’ah.
Try to pray close to Maqam Ibrahim. In case of huge crowds, pray anywhere in the Haram.
Drink Zamzam Water for Blessings and Healing
Drinking Zamzam water is though not a part of umrah but a special ritual that pilgrims perform. This is because Zam Zam is sacred fo Muslims and also has importance in the Islamic history as it revives the story of Hazrat Hajar. So, drinking it with faith brings blessings and fulfills Sunnah. Pilgrims also collect Zamzam as a souvenir for loved ones.
Step 5: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah (7 Walks)
Sa'i is a special walking ritual in Umrah. Pilgrims move between two hills called Safa and Marwa. In fact, they start at Safa mountain to Marwa mountain. Then they turn back to Safa. This walking happens seven times total. Basically, each trip goes back and forth.
At that time, revise the story of Hajar and Ismail. This ritual shows patience and trust that Allah values. Nowadays, air-conditioned corridors make the walk comfortable while preserving the historical path. After finishing seven rounds at Marwa hill, make your final prayers. Overall, this ritual teaches the way of relying on Allah in every situation.
Begin Sa’i with Istilam of the al-Aswad ( Black Stone)
Perform Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad to start Sa’i. Do it in the same way as you did eight times during Tawaf saying:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar
Start Sa’i at Safa with Sunnah Duas
After Istilam, move towards the Safa hill to begin Sa’i. Reach the Safa hill and raise your hands while seeing the Kaabah and say the Sunnah words:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah
Then, recite:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bima bada’a Allahu bih
At Safa, praise Allah while saying Takbeer and Tahleel as well as make personal dua. For example:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ المُلْكُ وَلَهُ الحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku walahul hamdu, wahuwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer
Recite these dua's while walking from Safa to Marwa until you complete seven circuits.
Repeat Duas at Marwah – Complete 7 Circuits
Each time upon reaching Marwa, raise hands and repeat Takbeer, and dua as at Safa.
After finishing seven rounds at Marwa hill, make your final prayers.
During Sa’i, men should walk briskly (jog) between the two green lights (this is Sunnah). There is no fixed dua for the walking itself, so pilgrims can make any supplication, dhikr or Quran recitation.
Step 6: Cutting Hair (Halq or Taqsir)
Hair cutting is a special moment in Umrah. Men shave their entire head completely. However, women cut a small portion of their hair. Basically, this act shows total surrender to God. It also represents leaving behind old ways. The cutting happens after finishing other Umrah rituals.
Haircut represents spiritual renewal and obedience to Allah. So, pilgrims perform this ritual after finishing Sa'i.
Exiting the State of Ihram
Exiting Ihram occurs after completing all Umrah rituals, which begin with cutting or shaving the hair. Men shave their heads completely or trim their hair short. Women cut a small portion of their hair to fulfill this requirement.
This act marks the end of the sacred state and its restrictions. Normal activities resume once the hair is cut, and so the pilgrims can wear regular clothes again. Fragrances and other previously prohibited actions become permissible after this step. In short, Halq or Taqsir represents the successful conclusion of Umrah.
Women’s Umrah Guide: Rules, Dress Code & Ritual Differences
Umrah for ladies is the same as for men in most parts. The steps of Umrah include wearing Ihram, making the intention, performing Tawaf, Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, and cutting hair at the end. All these steps are done for the sake of Allah. Women also earn the same rewards and blessings for doing Umrah as men.
However, there are small differences that ladies should follow. These differences are easy to remember. They are based on the Sunnah and the rules of modesty in Islam.
Ihram for ladies
Ladies do not have to wear a specific colour for Ihram. They can wear any simple and modest dress that covers the whole body properly.
The face should remain uncovered in the Ihram. But if there are non-mahram men nearby, they can lower a scarf or veil (niqab) over the face without tying it.
Hands should not be covered with gloves during Ihram.
No Raml or Joggqing Reuired for Women
Women should walk at a normal, modest pace during Tawaf. There is no Sunnah for them to do Raml (the brisk walking with short steps) as men do in the first three rounds.
Similarly, during Sa’i, women do not need to jog between the green lights. They walk normally the entire time.
How Women Should Cut Hair After Umrah
At the end of the Umrah, women should cut a small portion from the end of each braid or hair lock.
Tips for Women Crowd Management
Women should avoid crowds, especially near the Black Stone. In this case, it's better to raise the hand towards it and say Bismillah Allahu Akbar.
Additional Tips for Female Pilgrims
Women should stay with their group or mahram for safety and ease.
They should focus on Ibadah and avoid distractions from the surroundings.
During all rituals, they can make any personal duas, dhikr or Quran recitation just like men.
Can I Perform Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else?
Performing Umrah on Behalf of someone is allowed in Islam under certain conditions. It is a good deed that brings rewards for both the person performing Umrah and the one for whom it is done.
When a person performs Umrah on behalf of someone else, the intention must be clear. The pilgrim should make it only for Allah and dedicate the reward to the other person.
When can you perform Umrah for someone else?
You can perform Umrah for a relative or any Muslim who has passed away.
You can also perform Umrah for a living person who is very old, seriously ill or unable to travel permanently.
It is not correct to do Umrah for someone who is able to go themselves but has not gone yet. In that case, you should encourage them to go themselves.
How to make the intention for other person?
Recall that you're going to perform Umrah on behalf of which person while entering the state of Ihram.
You can say:
لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً عَنْ (name of that person)
Labbaika Umratan ‘an [name of person]
The rest of the Umrah
All the steps of Umrah are the same. You will wear Ihram, make intention, perform Tawaf, Sa’i, and cut the hair. There is no change in the rituals when you are doing it for someone else.
At the end, you can make duas for that person and ask Allah to accept the Umrah on their behalf.
Conclusion
As you see the step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah according to the teachings of Islam, now you are good to go for your spiritual journey. Make sure you choose the best Umrah packages to organize the pilgrimage with the help of professionals to manage all the logistical details of the journey, all in one place Alhaq Tours.