How to perform Umrah step by step? Enter Ihram at the appropriate Miqat, make your intention, recite the Talbiyah, perform seven rounds of Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs, perform seven trips of Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, then shave or trim the hair to complete Umrah.
How to perform Umrah step by step is one of the most searched questions by Muslims preparing for the sacred journey to Makkah. For first-time pilgrims, understanding the Umrah procedure, Ihram rules, Miqat, Tawaf, Sa’i, Umrah duas, and the final hair cutting or trimming can make the journey easier and less confusing. This complete Umrah guide for beginners explains every stage in simple words, with references from the Quran and authentic Hadith.
Umrah is a sacred act of worship in which a Muslim visits the Kaaba and performs specific rituals according to the guidance of Islam. Allah says, “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah” (Quran 2:196). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated the rites of pilgrimage, providing Muslims with practical guidance on how to perform Umrah.
In this complete Umrah guide, you will learn how to perform Umrah, what to do at the Miqat, how to enter Ihram, how to make the intention and recite Talbiyah, how to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times, pray two Rak’ahs, drink Zamzam, perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa seven times, and finally shave or trim the hair to complete Umrah.
The guide also covers Umrah rules, common mistakes, important duas, Quran verses, Hadith references, and frequently asked questions.
Whether you are searching for how to do Umrah for the first time, an Umrah step-by-step guide, or the complete Umrah procedure according to the Quran and Hadith, this article is designed to take you through the entire journey from Miqat to the completion of Umrah in an easy-to-follow format.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
A complete beginner-friendly Umrah guide covering Ihram, Miqat, intention, Talbiyah, Tawaf, Sa’i, duas, Quran references, Hadith, rules and completion.
Miqat → Ihram → Niyyah → Talbiyah → Tawaf → 2 Rak’ahs → Zamzam → Sa’i → Haircut/Trimming → Umrah complete
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Holy Kaaba) in Makkah performed as an act of worship for Allah. It can be performed at any time of the year
It includes specific rites demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
Prepare Before Umrah
Physical Preparation
- Prepare travel documents.
- Learn the Umrah procedure.
- Know your travel route.
- Know your applicable Miqat.
- Prepare appropriate clothing.
- Prepare Ihram garments for men.
Spiritual Preparation
- Make sincere repentance.
- Ask Allah for forgiveness.
- Learn the basic Sunnah of Umrah.
- Try to avoid arguments and sinful behavior.
- Make sincere intention for Allah.
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1; Sahih Muslim 1907
Prepare for Ihram: What Should Men and Women Wear?
Before reaching the Miqat, prepare your Ihram clothing and make sure you understand the clothing rules that apply during Ihram. Men and women have different clothing requirements.
👨 Men: What to Wear for Ihram
Men generally wear two simple, unstitched pieces of cloth for Ihram. These are commonly called the Izar and Rida.
- Izar (lower garment): A large piece of cloth wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body properly.
- Rida (upper garment): A second piece of cloth worn around the upper body and shoulders.
- Color: White is commonly used and follows the traditional description of Ihram clothing. The essential requirement is following the rules of Ihram; the validity of Ihram is not dependent simply on the color white.
- Footwear: Wear permissible footwear that complies with the rules of Ihram. Choose comfortable footwear because Umrah involves considerable walking.
❌ Men Should Not Wear These During Ihram
- Shirts
- T-shirts
- Trousers or pants
- Underwear
- Fitted shorts
- Socks
- Caps or turbans that cover the head
- Other ordinary fitted or tailored clothing
The prohibition is not simply about clothing being “stitched.” The Prophetic guidance describes particular types of tailored clothing that a man in Ihram should avoid. If you are unsure about a particular garment, ask a qualified scholar or your Umrah group leader before entering Ihram.
👩 Women: What to Wear for Ihram
Women do not have a special two-piece Ihram garment. A woman enters Ihram while wearing normal permissible clothing that provides proper Islamic modesty.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable and modest clothing that properly covers the body.
- Color: There is no specific color that a woman must wear for Ihram. Black, white, beige, brown and other modest colors may be worn.
- Head covering: A woman may wear a headscarf or other appropriate head covering.
- Footwear: Comfortable permissible shoes or sandals may be worn. Choose footwear suitable for extensive walking.
- Clothing material: Normal clothing made from cotton, polyester or other permissible materials may be worn.
❌ Women’s Ihram Clothing: Important Points
- There is no requirement to wear a special white Ihram garment.
- There is no requirement for a particular color.
- Clothing should not be transparent or revealing.
- Clothing should provide proper Islamic coverage.
- A woman should observe the specific Ihram rules concerning face covering and fragrance.
A woman in Ihram should observe the specific Prophetic ruling regarding the face. A fitted niqab is not worn during Ihram according to the well-known Hadith. If a woman needs to protect her face from unrelated men, she should follow the ruling given by a qualified scholar regarding how to do so during Ihram.
Hadith
Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما reported that the Prophet ﷺ explained which types of clothing a man in Ihram should not wear, including shirts, turbans, trousers and certain other garments.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1542; Sahih Muslim 1177
✅ Before Reaching the Miqat
- Prepare your Ihram clothing.
- For men, make sure the Izar and Rida are secure.
- For women, wear comfortable modest clothing.
- Remove anything prohibited before entering Ihram.
- Learn the rules of Ihram.
- Know your applicable Miqat.
- Be ready to make your intention at the appropriate time.
Reach the Miqat
A Miqat is a designated boundary associated with entering Ihram for pilgrims intending Hajj or Umrah.
Why does Miqat matter?
A pilgrim intending Umrah should enter Ihram at the appropriate Miqat according to the travel route.
The Prophet ﷺ designated Miqats for people coming from different directions.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1526; Sahih Muslim 1181
If you are travelling by airplane, prepare before the aircraft reaches the Miqat.
Enter the State of Ihram
Ihram is the sacred state entered for pilgrimage. It is not merely the clothing.
At the appropriate Miqat, enter Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah.
Make the Intention for Umrah
Make a sincere intention to perform Umrah for Allah.
“Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”
Recite the Talbiyah
Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika la shareeka laka labbaik, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.
Observe the Rules of Ihram
Once you enter Ihram, certain actions become prohibited.
- Avoid sexual relations.
- Avoid sinful behavior.
- Avoid disputes and arguments.
- Do not intentionally remove hair.
- Do not intentionally cut nails.
- Observe perfume restrictions.
- Observe hunting restrictions.
The Quran instructs pilgrims to avoid sexual relations, sinful conduct and disputes during pilgrimage.
Travel to Makkah
Travel toward Makkah while remaining in Ihram. Continue remembering Allah and reciting the Talbiyah.
Enter Masjid al-Haram
- Enter calmly.
- Respect other worshippers.
- Do not push.
- Do not block pathways.
- Follow current mosque instructions.
Your objective is worship, not reaching a particular spot at the expense of another pilgrim’s safety.
Begin Tawaf
Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba. For Umrah, complete seven circuits.
Before starting
- Go toward the Tawaf area.
- Locate the Black Stone area.
- Keep the Kaaba on your left.
- Begin from the Black Stone area.
The Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf around the House.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1640; Sahih Muslim 1234
Tawaf — Round 1
Begin at the Black Stone area. Walk around the Kaaba counterclockwise.
Keep the Kaaba on your left. When you return to the starting point, Round 1 is complete.
Tawaf — Round 2
Continue walking around the Kaaba. Maintain the same direction and keep the Kaaba on your left.
Tawaf — Round 3
Complete the third circuit. Men may perform Ramal (walking briskly, taking short, energetic steps, sticking out the chest, and rolling the shoulders slightly) during the first three circuits where applicable.
Tawaf — Round 4
Continue walking around the Kaaba. The fourth circuit is completed when you return to the starting point.
Tawaf — Round 5
Continue the Tawaf calmly. Use the time for dua, dhikr and remembrance of Allah.
Tawaf — Round 6
Complete the sixth circuit while maintaining the correct direction.
Tawaf — Round 7
Complete the seventh and final circuit.
Tawaf is now complete.
What to Recite During Tawaf?
You may make dua, remember Allah, recite Quran and ask Allah for forgiveness.
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Quran 2:201Pray Two Rak’ahs
After completing Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs.
If possible without causing congestion, they may be prayed near Maqam Ibrahim.
“And take the standing place of Abraham as a place of prayer.”
Drink Zamzam
Drink Zamzam and make dua to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ drank Zamzam.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1637
Go to Safa
Proceed to Safa to begin Sa’i.
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.”
Begin Sa’i
Start at Safa and walk toward Marwa.
Safa → Marwa = Trip 1
Sa’i — 7 Trips
The seventh trip ends at Marwa.
Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith 1790
Men Jog Between Green Markers
Men traditionally jog between the designated green markers during Sa’i.
Women normally continue walking.
Understand the Story of Hajar
Sa’i is connected with the story of Hajra عليها السلام and her search for water for her son Ismail عليه السلام.
The authentic narration teaches lessons of patience, effort, trust and reliance upon Allah.
Sahih al-Bukhari 3364
Complete Sa’i at Marwa
After the seventh trip, you arrive at Marwa.
Sa’i = Complete.
Shave or Trim Hair
For Men
- Shave the head, or
- Shorten the hair.
For Women
Trim a small amount from the ends of the hair according to the applicable Islamic guidance.
Allah mentions believers entering the Sacred Mosque with their heads shaved and hair shortened.
Exit Ihram
After completing the required rites and shaving or trimming the hair, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram according to the applicable rules.
The restrictions associated with Ihram are lifted according to the completion of Umrah.
🌙 UMRAH COMPLETE
You have completed the main sequence of Umrah.
Miqat → Ihram → Intention → Talbiyah → Tawaf × 7 → Two Rak’ahs → Zamzam → Sa’i × 7 → Hair → Exit Ihram
Important Umrah Rules
The Quran discusses important pilgrimage rules in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196–197.
- Avoid sexual relations during Ihram.
- Avoid sinful conduct.
- Avoid disputes and arguments.
- Observe hair restrictions.
- Observe nail restrictions.
- Observe perfume restrictions.
- Observe hunting restrictions.
Common Mistakes During Umrah
- Forgetting the correct Miqat.
- Pushing other pilgrims to touch the Black Stone.
- Losing count of Tawaf.
- Starting Sa’i from Marwa instead of Safa.
- Thinking every circuit requires a special dua.
- Treating Sa’i as a race.
- Blocking pathways while praying.
- Forgetting the final hair-cutting stage.
- Arguing or becoming impatient in crowds.
Umrah is not only a physical journey but also a deeply spiritual experience that strengthens a believer’s connection with Allah. To continue exploring important aspects of Islamic knowledge, you may also be interested in learning about the beautiful names of Allah, the names of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the miraculous journey of Isra and Miraj.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah
How do you perform Umrah step by step?
Enter Ihram at the appropriate Miqat, make the intention, recite Talbiyah, perform seven Tawaf circuits, pray two Rak’ahs, perform seven trips of Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, then shave or trim the hair and exit Ihram.
How many times do you go around the Kaaba?
Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba.
Does Sa’i start at Safa or Marwa?
Sa’i starts at Safa and ends at Marwa.
How many trips are there in Sa’i?
There are seven one-way trips. The seventh trip ends at Marwa.
When is Umrah complete?
After completing the required rites, including Tawaf, Sa’i and shaving or trimming the hair according to the applicable rules, the Umrah is completed.
What should I recite during Tawaf?
You can make dua, remember Allah, recite Quran and ask Allah for forgiveness. You are not required to memorize a separate long dua for every circuit.
What is the difference between Tawaf and Sa’i?
Tawaf is circumambulation around the Kaaba. Sa’i is the walking between Safa and Marwa.
Quran & Hadith References
Quran
- Al-Baqarah 2:125
- Al-Baqarah 2:158
- Al-Baqarah 2:196
- Al-Baqarah 2:197
- Al-Fath 48:27
Hadith
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1 — Intention
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1526 — Miqats
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1549 — Talbiyah
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1612 — Black Stone
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1637 — Zamzam
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1640 — Tawaf
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1645–1646 — Tawaf and Sa’i
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1727 — Shaving/Trimming
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1790 — Safa and Marwa
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3364 — Hajar’s story
- Sahih Muslim 1181 — Miqats
- Sahih Muslim 1184 — Talbiyah
- Sahih Muslim 1234 — Tawaf
- Sahih Muslim 1301 — Hair
- Sahih Muslim 1907 — Intention
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