What Are the Steps of Umrah? Journey Defined Step-by-Step

Umrah: Connecting Deeply with the Faith

Umrah, the sacred pilgrimage of Islam is a chance to strengthen one’s faith and connect with Allah (SWT) on a deeper level. Muslims from all over the world perform this journey throughout the year in the holiest site of Makkah. It is one of the cherished Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and it consists of several rituals.

When you perform the rituals Understanding the steps of the Umrah helps you to experience a smooth and fulfilling journey. By following these steps, you’ll be able to fully involve yourself in the rituals and maximize the spiritual benefits of your Umrah tour Package.

Preparing the Journey

We’ve all dreamt of that first glimpse of the Holy Kaaba, bathed in golden light. Before you start the journey, make sure your path is clear. Visas, flights, and maybe even a check-up with the doctor – these details are important for a smooth journey. If you plan all these things before your trip you can focus on what truly matters to you.

While preparing your heart and soul, do not forget to pack those simple Ihram garments and get ready to embrace a state of purity – both physical and spiritual. This is the state from where the real journey begins.

Umrah Steps Defined Step-by-Step

Wearing Ihram and Getting Ready
Cleanse Yourself: The first thing you do before starting the ritual is stepping into the state of Ihram. It’s highly recommended to take a full bath (Ghusl) before putting on Ihram clothes. You can also trim your nails and remove unwanted body hair. If you’re flying internationally, it’s best to do this at home before your journey.
Wear the Ihram: Men should carry simple white Ihram clothes. Wrap one piece around your waist and drape the other over your upper body. Wear sandals that don’t cover your ankles. Avoid hats, turbans, and perfumes directly on the Ihram. Women need to dress modestly in the regular clothes. You can’t wear gloves or face coverings while in Ihram.

The most important thing to remember – change into your Ihram clothes before crossing the Miqat (designated boundary for Umrah). If you are flying into Saudi Arabia, plan to change at the airport.

Pray Rakahs: It’s recommended to pray two short prayers (Rakahs) before entering Ihram. You can do this after changing at the airport or on the plane before crossing the Miqat. While other Surahs may be read, it is advised to recite Sural al-Kafirun (109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second.
Make your Niyyah (Intention): When flying from abroad, the Miqat is usually crossed 20-30 minutes before landing. This is the point where you make your intention for Umrah by saying

In Arabic: Labbaik Allahumma bi-Umrah

Translation: Here I am O Allah, making Umrah.

Start Reciting Talbiyah: From this point onwards, recite the Talbiyah repeatedly. Men can say it loudly, while women can say it quietly –

In Arabic: Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak

Translation: At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

Entering the Masjid al-Haram

Entering the Masjid: You can enter the Masjid Al-Haram from the Baab Bani Shaibah (also known as Baab Salam) gate. Enter with your right foot first and recite the following dua:

In Arabic: “Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ‘ala-n-Nār, wa amminnī min ‘adhābika yawma tab’athu ‘ibādak, wa j‘alnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭā’atik.”

Translation: “O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.”

As You See the Holy Kaaba: Raise your hands and make any dua with sincerity. This is one of the places where dua’s are accepted. You can recite the following du’as:

In Arabic: “Allāhumma zid hādhā-l-Bayta tashrīfan wa ta’ẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu awi-’tamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa ta’ẓīman wa birrā.”

Translation: “O Allah, increase this House in honour, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah—in honour, respect, esteem and piety.”

In Arabic: “Allāhumma Anta-s-Salāmu wa minka-s-salām, ḥayyinā Rabbanā bi-s-salām.”

Translation: “O Allah, You are Peace, and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.”

Tawaf:

Getting ready for Tawaf, the circling around the Holy Kaaba, is an important part of Umrah. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Clean Up: Make sure you’ve washed yourself properly (wudu) before you begin Tawaf.
Set Your Intention: In your heart or say it loud, that you’re doing Tawaf for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Touch the Black Stone (if possible): If you can reach it safely, raise your right hand and touch the Black Stone while saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Great). You can also kiss it and gently touch your forehead to it. Do this at the beginning of each round.
Respectful Distance: If the Black Stone is too crowded, do not worry. Face it directly, raise your hands with palms facing the Stone (like starting prayer), and say “Allahu Akbar.”
Start Circling: Begin your Tawaf at the Black Stone and walk around the Holy Kaaba keeping it on your left side. You’ll do this seven times in total.
Walk Briskly (Men Only): For the first three rounds, men can walk a bit faster with their chests out and a little bounce in their step. But only do this if it doesn’t bump into anyone.
Touch the Yemeni Corner (if possible): Each time you pass the corner of the Holy Kaaba before the Black Stone (Yemeni Corner), try to touch it with your hand.
Special Prayer: Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone, you can say this prayer (dua) in Arabic or in your own words: “O our Lord, grant us goodness in this life and the next, and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.”
Keep Going: Try to walk around the Kaaba without stopping in between your seven rounds. If a prayer starts or you need to use the washroom, just join the prayer or freshen up and then pick up where you left off in your Tawaf. You don’t need to start over.

Throughout your Tawaf, you can talk to Allah (SWT) from your heart and ask for His blessings. If you can get close enough, there’s a special area next to the Black Stone where many people like to make Dua.

Sa’i

The next part of Umrah involves walking between two hills. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Head to Safa: This hill is inside the مسجد الحرام (Masjid al-Haram) and you’ll find it in line with the black stone, the Hajar al-Aswad. Once you reach it, recite this verse:

In Arabic: (Inna ṣ-ṣafā wa l-marwata min sha’ā’iri llāh)

Translation: “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are signs of Allah.”

Then follow it with:

In Arabic: (Abda’u bimā bad’allahu bihi)

Raise your hands in supplication: You might not see the Holy Kaaba clearly from Safa, so face its direction as best you can. Here, you can say Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Walk towards Marwa: Men can jog between designated areas marked by green lights. Once you reach Marwa, climb the hill (if you’re able) and repeat the same steps you did at Safa. This completes one round. Now repeat it. Head back to Safa and say the prayers again. This makes two rounds.
Continue walking: Keep going back and forth between Safa and Marwa, completing a total of seven rounds. Your last round should end at Marwa.
Tahallul

This step marks the end of your Umrah. Men will shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim it (Taqsir), while women simply trim a small bit of hair, like the width of your fingertip. This act symbolizes leaving the state of Ihram.

This way you can complete your Umrah. Throughout the rites, remember the importance of staying present and making heartfelt supplications to Allah (SWT). Every step, every prayer, is an opportunity to connect with the Divine. So, keep your heart open and let the blessings of Umrah wash over your past sins.

How many rituals to perform in Umrah?

Umrah consists of four primary rituals that you need to perform in sequence. The first step is to enter Ihram, a state of purity. Then, in the heart of Makkah, you’ll walk around the Holy Kaaba seven times in a ritual called Tawaf. Next comes Sa’i, a brisk walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Finally, men will shave their heads and women trim their hair as a part of Halq/Taqsir, signifying the completion of Umrah. These four acts form the core of your Umrah experience.

How the Ritual Sa’i connect with History?

The walk between Safa and Marwa hills in Sa’i isn’t only a ritual. During the journey we retrace the steps of Hagar (AS), wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), desperately searching for water for her infant son Ismail (AS). Her unending faith led to the miraculous spring of Zamzam. Sa’i reminds us of perseverance, trust in Allah (SWT), and the deep love between a mother and child. A timeless story that connects pilgrims to Islamic history.

What is not allowed in Umrah?

While in Ihram, there are things to avoid so that focus fully on your pilgrimage. For both men and women, they should avoid covering the head (except a hijab for women) and hands. Also, skip the perfume, makeup, and anything tight-fitting. This is a time for reflection and prayer, so try to keep things simple.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your Umrah guide, but this is just the beginning of your journey. May Allah (SWT) accept your Umrah and grant you peace, forgiveness, and a renewed connection with Him. Remember, this experience is a gift to be cherished. Carry the lessons you learned back home, share your blessings with loved ones, and keep the light of faith alive! Who knows, maybe someday you’ll return for Hajj, Inshallah! Until then, Jazakallah khair for joining us on this step-by-step adventure.