How to Perform Umrah Step by Step: A Practical Guide for First Timers

Umrah has four parts: entering Ihram, Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming the hair. Everything else is preparation and good manners. If you understand these four steps before you leave home, the day itself feels calm instead of overwhelming.

This guide follows the common practice taught in most American masjids. Details differ slightly between schools of thought, so if you follow a particular madhhab, check the finer points with a scholar you trust.

1. Ihram: the state and the clothing

Ihram is a state of consecration you enter before crossing the Miqat, the boundary around Makkah. Before entering it, take a bath (ghusl) if you can, trim your nails, and men may put fragrance on the body but not on the Ihram cloth.

Men wear two plain white unstitched sheets: one around the waist and one over the shoulders. Women wear their normal modest clothing in any color. Women do not cover the face with a niqab or wear gloves while in Ihram.

Then make your intention for Umrah and begin the Talbiyah:

لبيك اللهم لبيك

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.

Men say it aloud, women quietly. Keep repeating it until you begin Tawaf. Flying from the United States, you will cross the Miqat in the air, so read our guide on where to enter Ihram on the plane.

2. Tawaf: seven circuits around the Kaaba

Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot and the dua for entering the mosque. Men uncover the right shoulder for Tawaf, a practice called idtiba.

• Start at the line of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). There is a green light on the wall opposite it.
• Face the Black Stone, raise your right hand, say "Bismillah, Allahu akbar", and begin walking with the Kaaba on your left.
• Complete seven circuits. Each one ends when you return to the Black Stone line.
• Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, many pilgrims recite: "Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanah, wa fil akhirati hasanah, wa qina adhaban nar."
• There is no fixed dua for each circuit. Make dua in your own words and language.

If the ground floor is very crowded, the upper levels count the same. They are longer but often easier, especially for elderly pilgrims.

After Tawaf, men cover the right shoulder again. Pray two rakat behind Maqam Ibrahim if there is space, or anywhere in the mosque if not. Then drink Zamzam water.

3. Sa'i: between Safa and Marwah

Go to Safa, which is clearly signposted. Face the Kaaba, praise Allah and make dua, then walk toward Marwah. That is one length. Walking back to Safa is the second. Seven lengths finish at Marwah.

Men jog lightly between the two green lights. Women walk normally throughout. The whole area is air conditioned and has wheelchair lanes, and electric carts are available on the upper floors.

4. Shaving or trimming the hair

Men either shave the head, which is more rewarding, or trim the hair evenly all over. Women cut about a fingertip's length from the end of their hair. There are barbers right outside the Marwah exit.

Once the hair is cut, your Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. Alhamdulillah.

Practical tips for the day

• Plan Umrah at a quieter time, such as after Isha or late at night, especially in summer.
• Carry a small bag for your shoes and remember the gate number you entered from.
• Use a counter or tasbih for the circuits. Losing count is very common.
• If you are unsure whether you completed a circuit, build on the lower number.
• Keep your phone on silent and your hands free for dua.

Whether this is your first Umrah or your fifth, the most important part is your intention and your sincerity. Take your time, and remember the people who asked you to pray for them.