The Umrah Journey
Discovering Umrah, a journey of faith. A step-by-step guide to the rites, from entering Ihram to completing your Umrah.
A journey of faith
Discovering Umrah
Umrah, often called the lesser pilgrimage, can be performed at any time of the year outside the days of Hajj. Its rites are acts of devotion that purify the heart and renew a believer's faith.
In the sacred precincts of Makkah, Muslims from every corner of the world worship side by side, a living reminder that the ummah is one. Walking where the Prophets walked brings Islamic history and teaching to life.
Above all, Umrah is a journey of sincerity and humility: a chance to answer Allah's call, seek His forgiveness wholeheartedly, and return home spiritually renewed.
Every step of Umrah is a chance to answer Allah's call and return home renewed.
Rites of Umrah
Four steps to complete your Umrah
- 01
Step 1
Ihramالإحرام
Before passing the miqat, make a sincere intention (niyyah) for Umrah, change into the garments of Ihram and begin reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.”
Men
Two plain, unstitched white sheets, with the head left uncovered.
Women
Modest everyday clothing, with the face and hands left uncovered.
While in Ihram, avoid perfume, cutting hair or nails, and the other restrictions of Ihram until your Umrah is complete.
- 02
Step 2
Tawafالطواف
Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in worship of the Lord of the House, drawing closer to Him in the way He has prescribed.
- 1Enter the mataf and stand in line with the Black Stone, keeping the Kaaba on your left.
- 2Raise your right hand towards the Black Stone and say “Allahu Akbar”.
- 3Walk anticlockwise around the Kaaba, filling each circuit with du'a and dhikr.
- 4Arriving back in line with the Black Stone completes one circuit. Raise your hand and say “Allahu Akbar” again to begin the next.
- 5Continue in the same way until you have completed seven circuits.
- 03
Step 3
Sa'i between Safa and Marwahالسعي
After Tawaf, follow the signs inside Masjid al-Haram to Safa, where Sa'i begins. You walk between the two hills seven times, remembering Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il.
- 1Begin at Safa. The hill is now enclosed, with its rock still visible on the ground floor and signs marking it on the upper floors.
- 2Walk towards Marwah, making du'a as you go.
- 3Between the two green lights on the ceiling, men walk at a brisk, light jog, then return to a normal pace.
- 4Reaching Marwah completes one lap. Turn back towards Safa for the next.
- 5Your seventh lap ends at Marwah, completing Sa'i.
- 04
Step 4
Shaving or trimming the hairالحلق أو التقصير
With Tawaf and Sa'i complete, shave or trim your hair. This completes your Umrah, and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
Men
Shave the whole head, or shorten the hair evenly all over.
Women
Trim around 1–2 cm, about a fingertip's length, from the ends of the hair.
You may wait until you are back at your accommodation and have someone you are staying with trim it, but the restrictions of Ihram remain until you do.
Sunnah to perform
Following the Prophet's ﷺ example
Idtiba'
Men uncover the right shoulder throughout Tawaf.
Raml
Men walk briskly with short steps during the first three circuits of Tawaf.
Two rak'ahs at Maqam Ibrahim
Pray two units of prayer behind the Station of Ibrahim once Tawaf is complete.
Hastening in Sa'i
Men jog lightly between the green markers on every lap of Sa'i.
Ready to begin your Umrah?
We arrange your flights, visa, hotels and transport, so you can focus entirely on your worship.
Guidance based on the Umrah journey published byNusuk, the official platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.