Proper preparation is essential for any journey, and even more so when setting out for a journey that seeks the pleasure of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. There are several recommended actions closely tied to Umrah that are encouraged by the Shariah. InshaAllah, we will go through them step-by-step.
It is critical to study or refresh one’s understanding of the rules and rituals of Umrah. In Islam, knowledge must always come before action, especially in acts of worship such as Hajj and Umrah.
It is Sunnah to take a full shower (ghusl) before putting on the ihram garments. Men are also encouraged to apply perfume to their bodies (not clothes) on the day of departure to Saudi Arabia.
Men are to wear two pieces of plain white cloth: one piece (rida’) covers the upper body, and the other (izaar) covers the lower half. Footwear should not cover the entire foot; sandals and slippers are acceptable. Accessories such as watches, glasses, belts, wallets, small bags, and umbrellas can be worn or carried without issue during ihram.
Male pilgrims must leave their heads uncovered. Items such as caps, kufis, and scarves are not allowed. Also, stitched garments like shirts, trousers, and socks are prohibited during the state of ihram.
Women must wear modest and loose clothing that fully covers the body. While the head must be covered, wearing a niqab (face veil) and gloves is not permitted while in ihram.
Men have the option of donning the ihram garments at home, following the practice of the Prophet s.a.w and his companions, or waiting until reaching the meeqat. However, the intention (niyyah) must only be made upon arrival at the meeqat.
Men are recommended to perfume their bodies and hair before entering ihram. Women, on the other hand, may use unscented deodorant or other fragrance-free products before departing for the meeqat.
Upon reaching the meeqat, pilgrims should ensure they are properly dressed in ihram and then make the intention for Umrah by reciting:
لبيك اللهم عمرة
Labbaik Allahumma ‘Umrah
(“O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah”)
This practice is based on the hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik radhiyallahu ‘anhu, where he reported the Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam saying:
“Labbaik Umrah wa Hajjan”
“O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah and Hajj.” [Muslim]
For pilgrims travelling by plane, the airline captain will usually announce when the plane is approaching the meeqat. At that point, pilgrims should verbally make their intention to perform Umrah.
The pillars of umrah are basic actions that must be performed for the umrah to be valid and accepted. If one or more pillars are missing either intentionally or unintentionally, then the umrah is rendered invalid.
The obligations (wajibat) of Umrah are actions that must be performed during umrah such as making the intention to enter the state of ihram at the miqat and to leave off the 13 prohibited actions during ihram. The 5 pillars are:
Entering the state of ihram requires a Muslim to make the intention for Umrah or Hajj at one of five designated locations, called meeqats. Once in ihram, a number of special rules become obligatory.
The meeqat is a boundary point assigned by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for people arriving from different regions. Intention to perform Umrah must be made at these points before continuing toward Makkah. The five recognized meeqats are:
This arrangement is based on a hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas radhiyallahu ‘anhu :
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ specified Dhulhulaifah as the meeqat for the people of Madinah, al-Juhfah for the people of Sham,
Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. These points are for the people living there and for others who pass through them intending to perform Hajj or Umrah.” [Bukhari]
Pilgrims already within the haram zone, like residents of Makkah, can make ihram from within Makkah itself or from nearby halal areas, such as Masjid A’ishah (Tan’im). People travelling to Makkah for reasons other than pilgrimage such as business but who later intend to perform Umrah, should enter ihram from a nearby halal location before proceeding.
Once in ihram, pilgrims must avoid the following 13 prohibited actions:
General prohibitions (for both men and women):
Prohibitions specific to men:
Pilgrims who violate these prohibitions may be required to pay a penalty (dam).
If a pilgrim fears they might be unable to complete the Umrah (e.g., due to illness or other concerns), they are allowed to set a condition when making the intention by saying:
اللهم محلي حيث حبستني
Allahumma mahilli haithu habastani
Meaning: “O Allah, my exit from ihram will be wherever You stop me.”
This is based on a narration from A’ishah radhiyallahu ‘anhu, where the Prophet ﷺ instructed Dubaa’ah bint az-Zubayr to set such a condition due to her illness. [Bukhari and Muslim]
When this condition is made and the pilgrim is prevented from completing the pilgrimage, they are not required to pay a dam. They simply exit ihram and perform tahallul (release from ihram).
After entering the state of ihram, it is highly recommended to frequently recite the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْك، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْك، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika laa sharika lak labbaik. Innal hamda, wannikmata, laka walmulk, la sharika lak.
Meaning: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
The Talbiyah should be recited continuously throughout the journey until reaching Masjid al-Haram, before beginning the tawaf.
Upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram, it is sunnah to recite the following du’a when entering the mosque:
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allahummaf-tah li abwaba rahmatika
Meaning: “O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.”
This is based on a hadith narrated by Abu Usaid r.a where the Prophet ﷺ instructed:
“When any one of you enters the masjid, he should say: ‘O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy.’ And when leaving, he should say: ‘O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.’” [Muslim]
Idhtiba’ involves uncovering the right shoulder by passing the upper cloth (rida’) under the right arm and over the left shoulder. This should be done during Tawaf. If forgotten, the Tawaf remains valid. This practice is based on the sunnah where Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu ‘anhu narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his companions performed Umrah from al-Ji’ranah and made idhtiba’ during Tawaf.”
[Sunan Abi Dawud]
It is highly recommended to touch and kiss the Black Stone at the beginning of each circuit. If unable to reach it, simply point towards it while saying:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”
(“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest”).
This should be repeated at the start of every round, totaling seven circuits.
During the first three rounds, male pilgrims are encouraged to walk briskly with small steps (ramal). During the last four rounds, walk normally.
There are no prescribed specific du’as for each round of Tawaf. Pilgrims are free to read any Quranic verses, make general supplications (du’a), or engage in remembrance (zikr).
It is sunnah to touch the Rukun Yamani (corner before the Black Stone). If unable, do not gesture—continue walking. After passing it, recite the following du’a until reaching the Black Stone:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhab an-naar
Meaning: “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” [Al-Baqarah: 201]
If a female pilgrim is on her menstrual cycle before completing her Tawaf, she must delay Tawaf until she becomes pure. A’ishah radhiyallahu ‘anha narrated:
“We left with the intention of performing Hajj, and when we reached Sarif, I got my period.
The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘This is something Allah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.
Do everything the pilgrim does except Tawaf of the Ka’bah.’” [Al-Bukhari]
However, if her menses begins after completing Tawaf, she may proceed with Sa’ie and Tahallul, as purification is not required for Sa’ie.
After Tawaf, it is recommended to move behind the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim a.s) while reciting:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhu min maqami Ibrahima musalla
Meaning: “And take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.” [Al-Baqarah: 125]
Pilgrims should then perform two rak’ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. In the first rak’ah, recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by Surah al-Kafirun, and in the second rak’ah, recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by Surah al-Ikhlas.
After completing the two rak’ahs, pilgrims are encouraged to drink Zamzam water from the designated stations nearby. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The water of Zamzam is for whatever intention it is drunk for.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Men may also pour some Zamzam water over their heads as a way to freshen up.
Next, pilgrims should proceed to the Mas’a area to begin Sa’ie, the walking between Safa and Marwah.
It is not obligatory to be in a state of wudu while performing Sa’ie.
When the pilgrim reaches the foot of Mount Safa, he or she should recite the following verse from the Qur’an:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah. Faman hajj al-baita awi’tamara falaa junaaha ‘alaihi an yattawwafa bihima. Wa man tatawwa’a khairan fa-innAllaha shaakirun ‘aliim.
“Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” [Al-Baqarah: 158]
This verse should be recited once only at the beginning of the Sa’ie.
Next, the pilgrim says:
نبدأ بما بدأ الله به
Nabda’u bima bada’Allahu bih
Meaning: “We begin with what Allah has begun with.”
Then, the pilgrim ascends Mount Safa. If able, the pilgrim should try to see the Kaabah but if the Kaabah cannot be seen, it is not an issue.
Facing the direction of the Kaabah, the pilgrim raises both hands and recites the following takbir and du’a:
اللّه أكبر، اللّه أكبر، اللّه أكبر، لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد، يحيي ويميت، وهو على كل شيء قدير. لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، أنجز وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده.
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha illAllah wahdahu laa sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, yuhyi wa yumiit, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadiir. Laa ilaaha illAllah wahdahu laa sharika lah, anjaza wa’dah, wa nasara ‘abdah, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdah.
Meaning: “Allah is the Greatest (three times). There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partners. To Him belongs the kingdom and all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is capable of everything. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partners. He fulfilled His promise, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.” [Muslim]
According to the sunnah, after reciting the du’a, the pilgrim may make personal supplications (du’a) twice after the first and second repetition.
The entire du’a and personal supplications are repeated three times in total.
After completing the du’as at Safa, the pilgrim descends the hill and begins walking toward Mount Marwah, thus starting the Sa’ie.
Upon reaching the green lights marking a certain section between Safa and Marwah:
Upon reaching Mount Marwah, the pilgrim repeats the same process:
This marks the completion of one round.
The pilgrim then returns from Marwah back to Safa, repeating the same actions:
These steps (Safa → Marwah → Safa → Marwah, and so on) are repeated until the pilgrim completes seven circuits, ending at Marwah.
Starting point is Safa and ending point is Marwah.
After finishing the seventh round at Marwah, the pilgrim performs tahallul, which means exiting the state of ihram.
It is strongly recommended to shave their heads completely (halq) if possible. If not, then they may trim their hair from different parts of the head.(At minimum, according to the Shafi’i school of thought, they must cut at least three strands of hair)
They should trim a small portion of their hair (about a fingertip’s length)-It is advisable for women to perform their tahallul privately, such as in their hotel rooms, to maintain modesty.
Once the hair is cut, the pilgrim has officially exited the state of ihram and completed the Umrah.
While performing umrah, it is permissible to wear sandals or slip ons. It is also permissible for old pilgrims, the disabled or those who are ill to perform umrah on a wheelchair or on a motorised scooter.
Siiru Mutawwif is here to guide you every step of the way including if you need wheelchair assistance. Download the Siiru App now to discover how easy it is to book a Mutawwif and make your Umrah steps a smooth, supported, and spiritually fulfilling one!
