Umrah consists of four essential practices. Firstly, you get changed into the Ihram garments before the Miqat, perform two rak’ahs of salah, and make your niyyah as the Miqat approaches, thereafter reciting the Talbiyah frequently. Secondly, you perform Tawaf al-Umrah of the Kaaba, followed by two rak’ahs of salah, preferably near Maqam Ibrahim. Thirdly, you dothe Sa’i of Safa and Marwa. Lastly, you shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) your hair, allowing you to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah.
1. Ihram
Main article: Ihram Rules
Physical Purity
Before getting changed into the Ihram garments, take care of your personal hygiene by clipping your nails and removing the hair under your armpits and beneath the navel. You should then do ghusl, a highly emphasised sunnah. If you can’t perform ghusl, doing wudhu will suffice.
Ihram Garments
For men, this consists of two white, seamless pieces of cloth (the izar and rida). Sandals shouldn’t cover the heel and ankle. Women have no specific dress code but must observe modest Islamic dress with a head covering; hands and faces must remain exposed.
Salah al-Ihram
It’s sunnah to perform two rak’ahs of salah before entering into the state of Ihram. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Ikhlas in the second.
Niyyah (Intention)
Ideally, delay making the intention until the last moment before the Miqat. It is recommended to make the intention verbally:
Labbayka Llāhumma ʿUmrah.
O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.
Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ʿUmrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Talbiyah
After making your niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah. Failure to do so will result in an invalid Umrah! The Sunnah method involves pausing at the dashes:
Labbayka Llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-niʿmata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
2. Entering Makkah
As you reach the limits of the Haram, constantly recite the Talbiyah. Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot and recite:
Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
First Sight of the Kaaba
When you see the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make du’a, as this is a place where prayers are answered. Recite “Allāhu akbar” three times and “Lā ilāha illa Llāh”.
3. Tawaf al-Umrah
Tawaf involves seven circuits around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.
Preparation & Starting Point
Ensure you are in a state of Wudhu. Men should uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba). Start at the corner of the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone), indicated by a green light on the wall.
Istilam (Saluting the Black Stone)
It is nearly impossible to kiss the stone due to crowds. Instead, face the Hajar al-Aswad, raise your hands to your earlobes, and say:
Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar.
Raml (Walking Briskly)
In the first three circuits, men should walk briskly (Raml) if space permits. In the remaining four, walk normally.
Rukn al-Yamani
Between the Rukn al-Yamani (Yemeni Corner) and the Black Stone, it is sunnah to recite:
Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.
O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.
After Tawaf
- Salah: Perform two rak’ahs preferably near Maqam Ibrahim.
- Zamzam: Drink Zamzam water and make dua.
- Multazam: If accessible, make dua at the Multazam (area between Black Stone and Kaaba door).
4. Sa’i (Safa and Marwa)
Proceed to the hill of Safa. You will walk between Safa and Marwa seven times (approx. 3km total).
At Safa
Face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and recite:
Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.
The Procedure
Walk towards Marwa. Between the two green lights (Milayn al-Akhdharayn), men should run at a medium pace. Upon reaching Marwa, face the Kaaba and supplicate again. This completes one lap. Return to Safa for the second lap. End your seventh lap at Marwa.
5. Halq or Taqsir
After completing Sa’i, you must exit the state of Ihram.
- Men: Shave the head completely (Halq) or trim hair by at least an inch (Taqsir). Shaving is more virtuous.
- Women: Only trim a small portion (fingertip length) of hair.