Umrah, step by step

01

الإحرام

Ihram

Before crossing the Miqat, make ghusl, put on the Ihram garments and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah. Most flights announce the Miqat — many pilgrims change at the airport before boarding.

• Men: two white unstitched sheets
• Women: modest everyday clothing
• Begin reciting the Talbiyah

02

التلبية

Talbiyah

From the moment of niyyah until you begin Tawaf, recite the Talbiyah often — men aloud, women softly.

• Labbayk Allahumma labbayk
• Labbayk la sharika laka labbayk
• Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak

03

الطواف

Tawaf

Seven circuits around the Kaaba, anti-clockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone. Make du‘a freely in your own words, then pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible and drink Zamzam.

• Start at the Black Stone line
• Seven circuits
• Two rak‘ahs, then Zamzam

04

السعي

Sa‘i

Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar’s search for water. Start at Safa and finish at Marwah.

• Safa → Marwah counts as one
• Men jog lightly between the green lights
• Du‘a and dhikr throughout

05

الحلق أو التقصير

Halq or Taqsir

Men shave the head (halq) or shorten the hair (taqsir); women trim a fingertip’s length. With this, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.

• Men: shave or shorten
• Women: trim a small length
• Umrah complete — alhamdulillah