How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Umrah is one of the most beautiful journeys a Muslim can make. It is a spiritual visit to Makkah where a pilgrim worships Allah, seeks forgiveness, makes dua and follows the blessed rituals connected to the Kaaba, Safa and Marwa. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at most times of the year, making it a popular journey for Muslims from around the world.

If you are planning your first Umrah, it is important to understand the correct steps before you travel. This guide explains how to perform Umrah in a simple and beginner-friendly way, including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and the final hair cutting or shaving.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah that includes specific acts of worship. It is sometimes called the “minor pilgrimage”, but its reward and spiritual value are still very great. Many Muslims perform Umrah to renew their faith, seek Allah’s mercy, make sincere repentance and experience the peace of Masjid al-Haram.

The main steps of Umrah are:

Ihram
Tawaf around the Kaaba
Sa’i between Safa and Marwa
Halq or Taqsir

Each step should be performed with sincerity, patience and respect for the sacred place.

Step 1: Prepare Before Entering Ihram

Before beginning Umrah, you should prepare yourself physically and spiritually. It is recommended to make ghusl, trim nails, remove unwanted hair and wear clean clothing before entering the state of Ihram.

Men wear two plain white unstitched cloths. One covers the lower body and the other covers the upper body. Women do not have a specific Ihram uniform, but they should wear modest Islamic clothing that covers the body properly. Women should not cover the face with a niqab during Ihram, and gloves are also avoided according to common guidance.

Before entering Ihram, make sure you understand the restrictions. While in Ihram, you should avoid cutting hair or nails, applying perfume, hunting, marital relations, arguing, fighting and other actions that go against the sacred state.

Step 2: Make the Intention for Umrah

The intention, or niyyah, is very important. Umrah begins when you make the intention before crossing the Miqat boundary. The Miqat is the place where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before going towards Makkah.

You can make the intention in your heart, and you may say:

Labbayka Allahumma Umrah

This means: “O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah.”

After making the intention, start reciting the Talbiyah:

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

The meaning is: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”

Recite the Talbiyah often until you reach Masjid al-Haram and begin Tawaf.

Step 3: Enter Masjid al-Haram with Respect

When you arrive at Masjid al-Haram, enter with humility and gratitude. Remember that you are entering one of the most sacred places on earth. Keep your heart focused on Allah and avoid pushing, shouting or disturbing others.

When you see the Kaaba for the first time, make dua sincerely. This is a very emotional moment for many pilgrims. Ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, good health, halal rizq, protection for your family and success in this life and the Hereafter.

Step 4: Perform Tawaf Around the Kaaba

Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times. You begin from the area of the Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad. Each complete circle around the Kaaba counts as one round, and you must complete seven rounds.

If possible, face or point towards the Black Stone at the beginning of each round and say:

Bismillahi Allahu Akbar

You do not need to touch or kiss the Black Stone if it is crowded. It is better to avoid pushing or harming others.

During Tawaf, you can make any dua, read Quran, praise Allah or ask for whatever you need. There is no single fixed dua required for every round, so speak to Allah from your heart.

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, many pilgrims recite:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina adhaban-nar.

This means: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

After completing seven rounds, pray two rak’ahs if possible. Many people pray near Maqam Ibrahim, but if it is too crowded, you can pray anywhere suitable inside Masjid al-Haram.

Step 5: Drink Zamzam Water

After Tawaf and the two rak’ahs prayer, it is recommended to drink Zamzam water. Drink calmly, say Bismillah and make dua. Zamzam is a blessed water, and many pilgrims make special dua while drinking it.

You may ask Allah for beneficial knowledge, good health, forgiveness, halal income, strong iman and protection from hardship.

Step 6: Perform Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa

The next step is Sa’i. Sa’i means walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. This act reminds Muslims of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran between Safa and Marwa searching for water for her son Ismail.

You begin at Safa and finish at Marwa. Walking from Safa to Marwa counts as one round, and walking back from Marwa to Safa counts as the second round. Continue until you complete seven rounds, ending at Marwa.

When you reach Safa, face the Kaaba, praise Allah, say Allahu Akbar and make dua. You can make personal duas throughout Sa’i. Men may walk faster between the marked green lights if they are able, while women walk normally.

If you are elderly, unwell or unable to walk, wheelchairs and assistance may be available.

Step 7: Complete Umrah with Halq or Taqsir

After Sa’i, the final step is cutting or shaving the hair.

For men, shaving the head completely is called Halq, and trimming the hair is called Taqsir. Shaving is generally considered more virtuous for men, but trimming is also allowed.

For women, only a small amount of hair is trimmed from the ends. Women do not shave their heads.

Once this is done, your Umrah is complete and you leave the state of Ihram. You may now wear normal clothes again and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.

Important Tips for First-Time Umrah Pilgrims

Before travelling, learn the steps properly so you feel confident. Keep your documents, hotel details and transport information safe. Wear comfortable footwear because you may walk long distances. Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather, and take rest when needed.

Be patient with crowds. Makkah can be very busy, especially during Ramadan, school holidays and peak seasons. Avoid arguing or pushing, and always remember that Umrah is a journey of worship, humility and self-control.

It is also helpful to carry a small dua list. Many people forget what they wanted to ask for when they become emotional, so writing your duas in advance can help.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah

One common mistake is not entering Ihram before crossing the Miqat. Another mistake is thinking that every round of Tawaf or Sa’i has a fixed dua that must be read. You can make your own duas in any language.

Some pilgrims also push others to touch the Black Stone, but this should be avoided. It is better to simply point towards it from a distance if the area is crowded.

Another mistake is cutting the hair before completing Sa’i. The hair should only be cut or shaved after the Sa’i is complete.

Can Umrah Be Performed More Than Once?

Many people perform Umrah more than once during their stay in Makkah. However, it is important to understand the correct way to do this, including going outside the Haram boundary to enter Ihram again. If you are unsure, ask a reliable scholar or your Umrah group guide before repeating Umrah.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to perform Umrah before travelling makes the journey easier, calmer and more meaningful. The steps are simple when understood properly: enter Ihram, make your intention, perform Tawaf, complete Sa’i and finish with Halq or Taqsir.

Umrah is not only about completing physical actions. It is a journey of the heart. Go with sincerity, make plenty of dua, ask Allah for forgiveness and return home with the intention to live a better life.

May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins and make your journey safe, easy and full of blessings. Ameen.