Short answer: Umrah has four parts. You enter ihram with the intention before the miqat, perform seven circuits of tawaf around the Kaaba, walk seven laps of sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and finish by shaving or trimming your hair, called halq or taqsir. Most pilgrims complete Umrah in three to five hours.
This guide follows the steps as most scholars teach them. Details differ slightly between schools of thought, so follow the guidance of the scholar travelling with your group.
1. Enter ihram before the miqat
Ihram is the sacred state you enter for Umrah. Before your flight, perform ghusl, trim your nails and put on ihram clothing: two plain white unstitched cloths for men, and modest everyday clothing for women. Pray two rak'ah if it is not a disliked time.
Flights from Europe, North America and Australia cross the miqat before landing in Jeddah, so you make the intention on the plane. On Rihla departures your scholar announces the miqat on board. Make your intention for Umrah, then begin the talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.
From this moment the restrictions of ihram apply: no perfume, no cutting hair or nails, no marital relations, and for men no stitched clothing or head covering.
2. Perform tawaf around the Kaaba
Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot and a supplication. Stop the talbiyah when you begin tawaf. Men uncover the right shoulder (idtiba).
- Start at the corner of the Black Stone, marked by a line of light on the wall opposite. Face it, raise your right hand and say Bismillah, Allahu akbar.
- Walk anticlockwise around the Kaaba, keeping it on your left. Men walk briskly (ramal) in the first three circuits if the crowd allows.
- Make any dua you wish. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…
- Complete seven circuits, then cover the shoulder and pray two rak'ah behind Maqam Ibrahim, or anywhere in the mosque if it is crowded. Drink Zamzam water.
3. Walk sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Go to the hill of Safa, face the Kaaba and make dua. Walk to Marwah: that is one lap. Walk back to Safa for the second lap, and continue until you finish the seventh lap at Marwah. Men jog lightly between the two green lights. The sa'i area is air-conditioned and fully accessible, and wheelchairs are available.
4. Shave or trim your hair
Men either shave the head (halq, which carries greater reward) or shorten the hair evenly (taqsir). Women gather their hair and cut about a fingertip's length from the ends. Your Umrah is now complete and the restrictions of ihram are lifted.
What are the most common Umrah mistakes?
- Crossing the miqat without ihram. Set an alarm or listen for the announcement on your flight.
- Losing count of circuits. Use a counter ring, or count the Black Stone line seven times.
- Pushing towards the Black Stone. Gesturing towards it from a distance is enough; harming others is not.
- Exhaustion. Rest, drink water and perform Umrah at a calmer time if you have just landed.