How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide

 

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that holds great significance in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, Umrah is a highly recommended act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year. It is a journey of spiritual purification, allowing believers to seek Allah’s mercy, strengthen their faith, and cleanse themselves from past sins.

The Prophet ﷺ highlighted the immense rewards of Umrah:

العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا

“From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for the sins committed between them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1773, Sahih Muslim: 1349)

Performing Umrah requires sincerity, patience, and a clear understanding of its rituals. From entering the state of Ihram to performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and concluding with Halq or Taqsir, each step carries profound spiritual meaning.

This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to perform Umrah correctly according to the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that pilgrims maximize their spiritual benefits. May Allah accept the efforts of all who embark on this sacred journey and grant them an accepted Umrah. Ameen.

The Significance of Umrah

 

Umrah is a means of earning immense rewards and seeking forgiveness from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its virtues:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: العُمْرَةُ إِلَى العُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا، وَالحَجُّ المَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الجَنَّةُ

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for sins committed between them, and the reward of an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1773, Sahih Muslim: 1349)

Additionally, performing Umrah in Ramadan holds the reward of performing Hajj:

فَإِنَّ عُمْرَةً فِي رَمَضَانَ تَقْضِي حَجَّةً مَعِي

“Indeed, performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj with me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1863, Sahih Muslim: 1256)

Given these immense rewards, every Muslim should strive to perform Umrah with sincerity and devotion.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Umrah

 

Umrah consists of four main pillars:

  • Ihram (Sacred state of purity)
  • Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’bah)
  • Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
  • Halq/Taqsir (Shaving or trimming the hair)

Below is a detailed explanation of each step:

How to Perform Umrah

Step 1: Ihram (Entering the State of Purity)

 

What is Ihram?

Ihram is the sacred state that a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah. It symbolizes purity, unity, and submission to Allah.

Steps to Enter Ihram:

Perform Ghusl (Full Ritual Purification)

  • Before entering Ihram, perform ghusl (full-body purification) as the Prophet ﷺ did.
  • This purification symbolizes a fresh start, free from sins.

عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ ثَابِتٍ قَالَ: إِنَّهُ رَأَى النَّبِيَّ ﷺ تَجَرَّدَ لِإِحْرَامِهِ وَاغْتَسَلَ

“Zayd ibn Thabit reported that he saw the Prophet ﷺ remove his clothing for Ihram and perform ghusl.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi: 830)

Wear the Ihram Garments

  • For men: Two white, seamless cloths (one wrapped around the lower body and the other over the upper body).
  • For women: Modest clothing covering the entire body except for the face and hands.

Pray Two Rak’ahs

  • It is recommended to pray two rak’ahs before making the intention for Umrah.

Make the Intention (Niyyah)

  • The intention for Umrah should be made at the designated Miqat (starting point for Ihram).

  • The intention is:

    لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

    “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”

Recite the Talbiyah

  • After making the intention, recite the Talbiyah:

    لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

    “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

  • The Talbiyah should be recited frequently until reaching the Ka’bah.

Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’bah)

 

What is Tawaf?

Tawaf is walking around the Ka’bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).

How to Perform Tawaf:

  • Begin at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad)

    • If possible, touch and kiss it. If not, point towards it with your right hand, saying:

      بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

      “In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”

  • Walk Around the Ka’bah Seven Times

    • Men should walk briskly (Ramal) in the first three rounds and walk normally in the last four.

  • Supplicate During Tawaf

    • Make Dua (supplications) and recite Quranic verses throughout.

  • Pray Two Rak’ahs After Tawaf

    • After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim).
    • Recite Surah Al-Kafirun (Quran 109) in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas (Quran 112) in the second.

Step 3: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

 

What is Sa’i?

Sa’i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, following the tradition of Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim), who searched for water for her son, Isma’il.

How to Perform Sa’i:

  • Start at Safa

    • Face the Ka’bah and recite:

      إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ ٱللَّهِ

      “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

  • Walk Between Safa and Marwah

    • Walk seven times, running lightly between the green markers (Safa to Marwah is one round).

  • Make Dua

    • Supplicate at Safa and Marwah, asking Allah for His mercy and blessings.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming the Hair)

 

Final Step of Umrah:

  • Men: Shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) their hair.
  • Women: Trim a small portion (about an inch) from their hair.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُحَلِّقِينَ، قَالُوا: وَلِلْمُقَصِّرِينَ؟ قَالَ: وَلِلْمُحَلِّقِينَ

“O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads.” They said, ‘And those who trim?’ He said, ‘And those who shave.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1727)

Once the hair is trimmed or shaved, Umrah is complete, and pilgrims can exit Ihram.

Conclusion

 

Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey that allows a Muslim to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. Although it is not obligatory like Hajj, it carries immense rewards and serves as a powerful means of purification. The Prophet ﷺ said:

الْعُمْرَةُ إِلَى الْعُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِمَا بَيْنَهُمَا

“From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for the sins committed between them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1773, Sahih Muslim: 1349)

By following the proper steps—entering Ihram with sincerity, performing Tawaf with devotion, completing Sa’i with humility, and concluding with Halq or Taqsir—pilgrims ensure that their Umrah is performed in accordance with the Sunnah. More than just a physical journey, Umrah is a journey of the heart, teaching patience, gratitude, and complete submission to Allah.

As we complete this sacred pilgrimage, we should strive to carry the lessons learned into our daily lives—maintaining sincerity in worship, increasing acts of obedience, and seeking forgiveness regularly. May Allah accept the Umrah of all pilgrims, grant them immense rewards, and bless every Muslim with the opportunity to visit His sacred house.

اللَّهُمَّ ارزُقْنَا العُمْرَةَ وَالحَجَّ وَتَقَبَّلْهُمَا مِنَّا

“O Allah, grant us the opportunity to perform Umrah and Hajj and accept them from us.” Ameen!

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