How to Perform Umrah
A clear, easy-to-read guide for first-time pilgrims, covering Ihram, Tawaf, Sa‘i, Halq or Qasr, how to wear Ihram, and practical do’s and don’ts.
Umrah in four main steps
This page is written as a practical overview. It follows the broad Hanafi presentation used by common UK resources and summarises the steps without replacing personal scholarly advice. In detailed fiqh questions, especially mistakes in Ihram, women’s issues, illness, disability, or missed rites, ask a reliable scholar.
1. Ihram
Prepare, wear Ihram correctly, make intention and recite Talbiyah.
2. Tawaf
Seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Ka‘bah, beginning from the Black Stone area.
3. Sa‘i
Seven lengths between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
4. Halq/Qasr
Men shave or trim; women trim a small amount. This ends Ihram.
How to wear Ihram
Ihram is not only clothing. It is a sacred state entered with intention. Before reaching the miqat, prepare yourself, put on the Ihram clothing, pray if possible, make your intention for Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.
For men
- Wear two plain, unstitched cloths.
- One cloth is wrapped around the lower body, from above the navel to below the knees.
- The second cloth is placed over the upper body.
- Do not cover the head while in Ihram.
- Use footwear suitable for Ihram. In the Hanafi school, the instep should remain exposed.
- Idtiba‘, uncovering the right shoulder, is only for the Tawaf after which Sa‘i will be performed. Cover the shoulder again after Tawaf.
For women
- Women wear normal loose Islamic clothing.
- The clothing should cover the body properly.
- The face and hands remain uncovered in the usual state of Ihram.
- There is no special white Ihram clothing required for women.
- Women do not perform ramal in Tawaf and do not run between the green lights in Sa‘i.
Intention and Talbiyah
After wearing Ihram and praying if possible, make intention for Umrah and recite the Talbiyah. A common intention is:
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Then recite the Talbiyah frequently until Tawaf begins.
Performing Umrah clearly
Enter Masjid al-Haram and begin Tawaf
Enter with respect and calmness. When you see the Ka‘bah, make du‘a. Begin Tawaf from the Black Stone area and move anti-clockwise, keeping the Ka‘bah on your left.
- Complete seven circuits.
- Men perform ramal in the first three circuits when applicable.
- Do not push others to touch or kiss the Black Stone.
- There are no fixed du‘as for every round; make du‘a, dhikr and recite Qur’an.
- Between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, recite: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah...
Pray two rak‘at and drink Zamzam
After seven circuits, pray two rak‘at. If the area near Maqam Ibrahim is crowded, pray elsewhere in Masjid al-Haram rather than blocking people. Then drink Zamzam and make du‘a.
- Do not cause crowding or harm while trying to reach a particular place.
- Make du‘a with humility and gratitude.
- If moving with family, agree a simple meeting point before Tawaf.
Perform Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah
Proceed to Safa, make intention for Sa‘i, and walk from Safa to Marwah. Safa to Marwah counts as one length; Marwah back to Safa counts as the second. Complete seven lengths, ending at Marwah.
- Men quicken their pace between the green lights.
- Women walk normally throughout.
- Use the time for dhikr and du‘a.
- Do not rush if you are elderly, unwell or supporting family.
Complete Umrah with Halq or Qasr
After Sa‘i, men shave the head or trim the hair. Shaving is generally more virtuous for men. Women trim a small amount from the ends of their hair. Once this is done, the restrictions of Ihram end.
- Do not cut hair before completing Sa‘i.
- Women should trim privately and modestly.
- If unsure how much to cut, ask a reliable scholar or guide.
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Learn the steps before travelling.
- Make sincere tawbah and ask forgiveness from people.
- Keep your tongue busy with dhikr, du‘a and Talbiyah.
- Protect the dignity and safety of other pilgrims.
- Use unscented products while in Ihram.
- Plan extra time for elderly travellers, children and wheelchair users.
- Keep your group calm and avoid arguments.
Don’t
- Do not use perfume or scented products after entering Ihram.
- Do not cut hair or nails while in Ihram.
- Do not push, shove or harm people to reach the Black Stone.
- Do not perform Tawaf through the Hatim; go around it.
- Do not keep the right shoulder uncovered after Tawaf.
- Do not guess if a mistake happens; ask a scholar.
- Do not over-plan every hour. Leave space for rest and worship.
Before you leave for Umrah
- Learn the Umrah steps and keep a short printed guide with you.
- Prepare Ihram clothing and unscented toiletries.
- Trim nails and remove unwanted hair before Ihram.
- Check miqat timing for your flight or journey.
- Plan hotel access and walking distances in Makkah and Madinah.
- Arrange wheelchair or accessible support if needed.
- Agree family meeting points in the Haram.
- Keep important documents and medicine easily accessible.
- Make du‘a for acceptance and a spiritually beneficial journey.
Common Umrah questions
Can I touch or kiss the Black Stone?
It is a Sunnah when possible without harming others. If there is crowding, simply perform istilam from a distance and continue. Protecting Muslims from harm takes priority.
Do I need special du‘as for each round of Tawaf?
No. You may make your own du‘as, recite Qur’an and remember Allah. Between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah...”
Can I use soap while in Ihram?
Use unscented soap and unscented products. Avoid anything perfumed or fragranced while in Ihram.
Can women wear normal clothing for Ihram?
Yes. Women wear normal loose Islamic clothing and do not need two white sheets. The face and hands remain uncovered in the usual state of Ihram.
What if I make a mistake in Ihram?
Do not panic and do not guess. Ask a reliable scholar or your group scholar, because rulings may depend on what happened, whether it was intentional, and the school of fiqh being followed.
Source note and disclaimer
This page is a simplified guide based on recognised Umrah learning resources, including the booklet How to Perform Umrah by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat, concise Hanafi summaries of Umrah in four steps, and relevant Darul Fiqh guidance on Ihram footwear and Idtiba‘. It is intended as an easy learning page, not a personal fatwa.