How to Perform Umrah: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Quick answer: To perform Umrah, enter Ihram at the Miqat and make your intention. Next, complete seven rounds of Tawaf around the Kaaba and pray two rak'ahs. Then walk seven lengths of Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. Finish by shaving or trimming your hair, which ends your Ihram.
Knowing how to perform Umrah removes most of the fear. The Umrah rituals follow a simple order: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, then trimming or shaving your hair. This umrah guide for beginners covers each step, what to prepare, and the mistakes to avoid.
Many first-timers worry about one thing: getting the order wrong. I understand that. The good news is that you can learn the whole sequence in one evening. If you are still comparing flights and hotels, our guide to Umrah packages from the UK covers the travel side.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that one Umrah to the next is an expiation for what lies between them. This is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari. That reward deserves preparation. In my view, ten minutes of learning beats ten hours of worry.
What to Know Before Performing Umrah
Before Umrah, learn the order of the rituals, prepare your Ihram, and check your Miqat plan, passport, visa and health requirements. Preparation prevents most beginner mistakes.
Ihram for Umrah must begin at or before the Miqat. Airli
nes on UK routes usually announce when you are close. Routes differ, so confirm the details with your airline and group leader.
• Ihram: men need two plain unstitched sheets. Women wear ordinary modest clothing.
• Miqat plan: ask where you will enter Ihram. Flying straight to Jeddah is different from visiting Madinah first.
• Footwear: men wear sandals that leave the ankles uncovered in Ihram. Pack comfortable shoes for afterwards.
Example: Picture a man flying from Manchester who packs his Ihram sheets in his suitcase. The pilot announces the Miqat, and he cannot change. Keep your Ihram in hand luggage, or change before you board.
If you visit Madinah first, you will usually enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah on the road to Makkah. You do not wait until the hotel.
Pro Tip: Learn the Ihram restrictions before you fly. Reading them at 35,000 feet is too late.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
Umrah has four main acts: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving or trimming. Do them in that order. The six umrah steps below walk you through each one.
Step 1: Enter Ihram and Make Your Intention
Ihram is a sacred state, not just clothing. Make wudu first. At the Miqat, say your intention for Umrah: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah." Then recite the Talbiyah often until you begin Tawaf.
Once in Ihram, avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, arguing and marital relations. Men also must not cover the head. Women can wear any colour of modest clothing.
Pro Tip: Save the Talbiyah on your phone and practise it on the flight.
Step 2: Enter Masjid al-Haram and Prepare for Tawaf
Enter the mosque with your right foot and a simple dua. Walk calmly, follow staff directions and head to the Tawaf area. Do not push through crowds while searching for a particular spot.
Pro Tip: Agree a meeting point with your group before entering. Phone signal can be weak in crowds.
Step 3: Perform the Seven Rounds of Tawaf
Kaaba Tawaf means seven circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) line.
1. Make wudu and stop the Talbiyah as you begin.
2. Face the Black Stone line. Say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" and raise your hand towards it.
3. Turn so the Kaaba stays on your left. Move anticlockwise.
4. Men uncover the right shoulder and walk briskly in the first three rounds, if crowds allow.
5. Touch Rukn al-Yamani if it is easy. If not, walk on. Many recite Quran 2:201 between the two corners.
6. Count seven circuits. Each ends at the Black Stone line.
Never push to touch the Stone. A gesture is enough. Do you need set Umrah duas for each round? No. My own view is that speaking to Allah in your own words beats reciting lines you do not understand.
Step 4: Pray After Tawaf and Drink Zamzam
Pray two rak'ahs after Tawaf. Praying behind Maqam Ibrahim is ideal, but crowds often make it impossible. Pray in any suitable space instead. Then drink Zamzam water.
Pro Tip: Never stop in a busy walkway just to pray near Maqam Ibrahim.
Step 5: Perform Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah
Go to Safa. As you approach, recall that Allah calls Safa and Marwah among His symbols (Quran 2:158). Face the Kaaba, make dua, then walk to Marwah. That is seven circuits of Sa'i counted this way:
1. Safa to Marwah is length one.
2. Marwah to Safa is length two.
3. Continue alternating. The seventh length ends at Marwah.
Men jog lightly between the green lights. Women walk normally. Wheelchair and mobility lanes are available, so follow the signs.
Step 6: Shave or Trim Your Hair to Complete Umrah
This is Tahallul. Men can shave the head or trim evenly. Shaving is preferred. Women trim about a fingertip length from the ends. Your Ihram then ends, and its restrictions lift.
Scholars differ on small details here. Ask a qualified scholar if you are unsure.
Umrah Checklist: What to Remember Before You Start
A good umrah checklist covers documents, Ihram, route, health and contacts. Tick these off a week before you travel.
☐ Passport, visa and current travel requirements confirmed.
☐ Order of the Umrah rituals learned.
☐ Ihram, modest clothing and necessary medication packed.
☐ Hotel details and group contacts saved offline.
☐ Phone charged, with a plan to reunite if separated.
☐ Miqat and route information reviewed with your provider.
☐ Official guidance saved. The Nusuk platform is the Saudi government's official Umrah service.
Keep this Umrah preparation checklist on your phone. You will use it more than you expect.
Common Umrah Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common Umrah mistakes to avoid are crossing the Miqat without Ihram, losing count, pushing at the Black Stone and blocking walkways.
• Crossing the Miqat without Ihram: plan your Ihram timing with your provider.
• Losing count: use a tally ring or phone counter at each Black Stone line.
• Pushing to touch the Stone: gesture from where you are. Harming others is worse than missing a touch.
• Thinking one dua is compulsory: personal dua is fine.
• Stopping in crowded areas: step aside to pray or rest.
• Restarting at every doubt: ask a scholar first.
Example: Picture a young couple who lose count in round five. They panic and restart everything. A quick question to a scholar would have saved them an hour. Distinguish a practical slip from something that affects validity, and ask about the second.
How Long Does It Take to Perform Umrah?
Umrah usually takes a few hours, but the time varies with crowds, walking pace and accessibility needs. No fixed time applies.
Quiet times pass faster. Busy seasons take longer. Allow extra time for waiting, rest and wheelchair assistance.
Example: Picture a family with an elderly father who needs a wheelchair. They plan the rites after Fajr and keep the afternoon free. Nobody feels rushed, and he completes every step calmly.
Pro Tip: Never book a tight schedule around your first Umrah, especially with children or older relatives.
Prepare for Your Umrah Journey with Confidence
You now know how to perform Umrah: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, then trimming or shaving. Learn the order, pack your checklist and stay flexible. This umrah guide gives you the Umrah rituals in plain steps.
If you want help arranging flights, hotels and transfers, browse our Umrah packages for UK travellers. You can also ask for a free Umrah quote or speak to an Umrah expert. Prices are guide prices and change with dates, airport and hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Perform Umrah
What are the main steps of Umrah?
Enter Ihram with your intention, complete seven rounds of Tawaf, and perform seven lengths of Sa'i. Then shave or trim your hair.
Can I perform Umrah without memorising all the duas?
Yes. You can make personal dua and remember Allah in your own words. A different memorised dua for every round is not a condition.
What should I do if I lose count during Tawaf?
Do not guess or restart automatically. Act on reliable scholarly guidance for your situation, and ask a qualified scholar.
Can women wear normal modest clothing during Umrah?
Yes. Women wear modest clothing that meets Islamic requirements, in any colour. Ihram rules about the face and hands still apply, so check with a scholar.
When is Umrah complete?
Umrah is complete after Tawaf, two rak'ahs, Sa'i and then shaving or trimming your hair. Ask a scholar about any special circumstance.