Throughout the year, subject to official arrangements and your ability.

Umrah, step by step

A clear sequence from entering ihram to tawaf, sa‘i and cutting the hair.

Ruling at a glance

Umrah is a distinct act of worship. Scholars differ over whether it is obligatory once in a lifetime. Learn its rulings and arrange safe travel when able.

Before the miqat

Wash and prepare. A man may apply fragrance to his body before entering ihram; a woman should not wear noticeable fragrance around unrelated men.
Men wear the ihram garments. Women wear appropriate modest clothing, with no prescribed colour.
Learn the main restrictions and obtain the necessary travel permits.

Ihram and talbiyah

Intend Umrah at the miqat and say “Labbayka ‘umrah”, then recite the talbiyah frequently.
The intention is in the heart; naming the rite in the talbiyah is established.
If you reasonably fear being prevented from completing the rite, make the condition when entering ihram: “My place of release is wherever You prevent me.”

Tawaf

Perform wudu, keep the Ka‘bah on your left and complete seven circuits, beginning and ending at the Black Stone.
Do not push or hurt others. There is no required supplication for each circuit; make the supplications you can.
Pray two rak‘ahs after tawaf wherever suitable, then drink Zamzam water.

Sa‘i and leaving ihram

Complete seven lengths between Safa and Marwah. Going counts as one length and returning as another.
Men run gently between the green markers; women do not.
Men shave or shorten the hair across the head. Women cut approximately a fingertip’s length. This completes Umrah.

Beneficial actions

✓ Keep your intention sincere.
✓ Recite talbiyah, remembrance and supplications without inventing prescribed formulas.
✓ Be patient and considerate in crowds.
✓ Repent and restore other people’s rights before travelling.

Important reminders

! Touching the Ka‘bah or Maqam Ibrahim is not a condition for a valid Umrah.
! Do not push to reach the Black Stone.
! If you break a restriction or omit a duty, ask a qualified scholar about your circumstances instead of taking a compensation ruling from a general summary.

Evidence and sources · English renderings of the meaning

One Umrah to the next expiates what is between them; an accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise.

Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim · Sahih ↗

Learn your pilgrimage rites from me.

Sahih · Following the Prophetic rites ↗