How to Perform Umrah Step by Step � Complete Guide for First-Timers
Performing Umrah for the first time is one of the most spiritual experiences of a Muslim's life. But it can also feel overwhelming � especially if you do not know the rituals, the duas, or the logistics. This guide breaks down every single step of Umrah so you can focus on your worship, not your worries.
Before You Travel: Essential Preparation
Umrah begins long before you enter the state of Ihram. Preparation is key to a smooth and spiritually focused journey.
- Learn the rituals: Study the steps below so nothing surprises you
- Pack your Ihram: Two white unstitched cloths for men; loose, modest clothing for women
- Book your Nusuk app slot: Saudi Arabia now requires Umrah permits booked through the Nusuk app (free)
- Get vaccinated: Meningitis vaccine is mandatory; COVID and flu vaccines recommended
- Arrange transport: Makkah is approximately 1 hour from Jeddah airport by car
- Bring comfortable footwear: You will walk 3-5 km during Tawaf and Sa'i alone
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
At the Miqat
The Miqat is the designated point where you must enter Ihram. For those flying into Jeddah, the Miqat is Qarn al-Manazil (airlines announce it approximately 30 minutes before landing).
- Men: Remove stitched clothing and wear two white unstitched cloths (Rida and Izar)
- Women: Wear modest, loose clothing covering everything except face and hands � no specific colour required
- Perform ghusl (ritual bath) if possible, or wudu at minimum
- Pray 2 rak'ahs of nafl salah
- Make the intention (niyyah): "Labbaik Allahumma Umrah" (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah)
- Begin reciting the Talbiyah: "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk. La Shareeka Lak."
Step 2: Tawaf � Circling the Kaaba 7 Times
At the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram)
Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise. Enter the mosque with your right foot and say: "Bismillah, Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammad. Allahumma Ighfir Li Dhunubi Waftah Li Abwaba Rahmatik."
- Start at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) � raise your right hand and say "Allahu Akbar"
- Men: uncover your right shoulder (Idtiba) during the entire Tawaf
- Walk 7 complete circuits around the Kaaba, keeping it on your left
- Men: during the first 3 circuits, walk briskly (Raml); the last 4 at normal pace
- Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite: "Rabbana Atina Fid-Dunya Hasanatan Wa Fil Akhirati Hasanatan Wa Qina Adhaban-Nar"
- After completing 7 circuits, pray 2 rak'ahs at Maqam Ibrahim (or anywhere in the mosque if crowded)
- Drink Zamzam water � it is Sunnah to drink your fill while standing and facing the Kaaba
Step 3: Sa'i � Walking Between Safa and Marwah
7 Trips Between the Two Hills
Sa'i commemorates Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. You walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times (Safa to Marwah = 1 trip; Marwah to Safa = 2nd trip, etc.).
- Start at Safa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands and make du'a
- Walk to Marwah (approximately 450 metres)
- Men: run between the green markers (this is the area where Hajar ran)
- At Marwah, face the Kaaba and make du'a again
- Repeat for a total of 7 trips (ending at Marwah)
- The entire Sa'i takes approximately 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir � Cutting the Hair
Completing Your Umrah
The final step releases you from Ihram. This is when your Umrah is officially complete.
- Men: Shave the entire head (Halq) � most virtuous, or trim at least 1 inch all around (Taqsir)
- Women: Cut approximately 1-2 cm from the end of the hair (a fingertip length)
- You are now out of Ihram � all normal activities resume
Essential Duas During Umrah
While there are no mandatory duas (you can make any du'a in any language), these are commonly recited:
- During Tawaf: "Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La Ilaha Illallah, Allahu Akbar"
- At Multazam: The area between the Black Stone and the Kaaba door � pour your heart out here
- At Maqam Ibrahim: Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak'ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Timing matters: Perform Tawaf after Fajr or Isha prayers when crowds are thinner
- Stay hydrated: Zamzam water stations are everywhere � use them
- Wear comfortable sandals: You will walk barefoot during Tawaf but can wear footwear during Sa'i
- Bring a small bag: For your shoes, phone, and water bottle
- Download the Nusuk app: Required for Umrah time slot bookings � do this before you travel
- Don't rush: Umrah is not a race. Take your time, make du'a, absorb the experience
Looking for an Umrah package? Compare verified agents on UmrahFirst.
Browse Packages