Learn how to perform Umrah correctly with this clear, step-by-step guide. From making the niyyah to the final haircut, every essential act is explained — including rules for women like covering every strand of hair. Perfect for first-timers and those seeking to do it the Sunnah way.
1. Step-by-Step Umrah Guide (For Men & Women)
Step 1: Preparation & Niyyah (Intention)
- When to make niyyah? At the Miqat (station before entering Makkah).
- Say: “Labbayka ‘Umratan” (O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah).
- From this point, you enter Ihram.
Step 2: Ihram (Sacred State)
- Wear two white, unstitched cloths (Rida’ and Izaar).
- No stitched clothing, socks, underwear, or headcover.
Women:
- Can wear any modest, stitched clothing covering her body.
- No niqab or gloves (Prophet ﷺ prohibited covering the face with niqab during Ihram).
- Face covering with a scarf is allowed if men are around, but it must not touch the face.
Important Note for Women:
- Make sure every single hair is covered under your scarf.
- If any hair shows intentionally or due to negligence, she must repeat her niyyah and pay kafarah (penalty, usually sacrificing a sheep).
Step 3: Talbiyah
- Start reciting:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la shareeka laka Labbayk, Innal hamda, wan-ni’mata, laka wal-mulk, Laa shareeka lak.”
Keep reciting it continuously until you reach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf.
Step 4: Entering Masjid al-Haram
- Enter with right foot, say:
“Bismillah, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad, Allahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaaba rahmatik.”
- Keep your eyes down until you see the Kaaba. When you do:
Stop and make any duʿa you want. This moment is very special.
Step 5: Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
- Make 7 complete rounds counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
Rules for Tawaf:
- Start from the Black Stone (al-Hajr al-Aswad).
- Say:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” while pointing at it if you can’t kiss it.
Men:
- Perform ramal (brisk walking with shoulders slightly raised) in first 3 rounds if possible.
- Uncover right shoulder (called idtibaʿ) only during Tawaf.
Women:
- Walk normally, without ramal.
- Stay away from crowds. Avoid pushing.
Important:
- Keep wudu during all 7 rounds.
- If wudu breaks, pause, make wudu again, then continue from where you stopped.
Step 6: Pray 2 Rakʿah Behind Maqam Ibrahim
- After Tawaf, go behind Maqam Ibrahim (if too crowded, pray anywhere in the Haram).
- In 1st rakʿah: recite Surah Al-Kafirun after Al-Fatiha.
- In 2nd rakʿah: recite Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Step 7: Drink Zamzam Water
Make duʿa while drinking. The Prophet ﷺ said Zamzam water is for whatever intention you drink it with.
Step 8: Sa’i (Between Safa and Marwah)
- Go to Safa hill and face the Kaaba, raise hands, and say:
“Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min sha’a’irillah…” then make duʿa.
- Walk from Safa to Marwah, then back to Safa = 1 lap.
- Complete 7 laps (ending at Marwah).
Men:
- In the green-lit area: jog briskly.
Women:
- Walk normally through the entire Sa’i. No jogging.
You may recite:
“Rabbighfir warham innaka antal-Aʿazzul-Akram.”
Or any duʿa in your language.
Step 9: Halq or Taqsir (Hair Removal)
Men:
- Best: Shave entire head (Halq).
- Allowed: Shorten hair evenly from all sides (Taqsir).
Women:
- Cut a fingertip-length (around 1 inch) from the end of every braid or lock.
- Must do it in private, ideally by another woman.
Every single hair must be trimmed. Missing even one may invalidate Umrah.
Step 10: Umrah Completed
- You’re now out of Ihram.
- You may now wear regular clothes, use perfume, cut nails, etc.
Important Reminders:
- Stay in wudu during Tawaf.
- Do not fight, argue, or push others—especially during Sa’i and Tawaf.
- If women’s scarf slips or hair is exposed, correct it immediately and seek forgiveness.
If you intentionally break Ihram rules, you may need kafarah (penalty).