The GlobalGateways
The GlobalGateways
Umrah Guide

Step by Step Guide: How to Perform Umrah

A clear walkthrough of the four rites of Umrah β€” Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'yee, and Qasar/Halaq β€” for first-time and returning pilgrims.

Rites of Umrah

4 β€” Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'yee, Qasar/Halaq

Tawaf

7 circuits around the Kabah

Sa'yee

7 trips between Safah and Marwa

Umrah consists of four rites performed in sequence. Understanding each one before you travel helps you perform the pilgrimage with confidence and devotion.

The Four Rites of Umrah

  1. Putting on the Ihram
  2. Tawaf
  3. Sa'yee
  4. Qasar / Halaq

1. Ihram

A pilgrim sets the Niyyah (intention) of Hajj and Umrah and recites the Talbiya before reaching the Meqat.

  1. 1

    Take a bath (Ghusal)

    Bathe with the intention of entering Ihram.

  2. 2

    Wear the Ihram sheets

  3. 3

    Offer two Rakat of Nafal

    Pray with your head covered.

  4. 4

    Declare your intention (Niyyah)

    With your head uncovered, declare: "O ALLAH! I intend to perform Umrah, please make it easy for me and accept it from me."

  5. 5

    Recite the Talbiya continuously

    After leaving home, keep reciting the Talbiya and the travel supplication: "In the name of ALLAH, I place my trust in ALLAH, and there is no might nor power except with ALLAH." It is compulsory to recite the Talbiya loudly at least once.

  6. 6

    Enter Masjid Al Haram

    Recite Darud-e-Sharif, supplicate to ALLAH ("O ALLAH! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me"), and proceed towards the Kabah.

  7. 7

    Fix your eyes on Baitullah

    Say: "ALLAH is the Greatest, ALLAH is the Greatest, there is no God but ALLAH, ALLAH is the Greatest, ALLAH is the Greatest, to Him belongs all Praise." Then recite the Talbiya and move forward to perform Tawaf.

Prohibitions of Ihram

  • Cutting nails
  • Cutting hair or removing extra hair from any part of the body
  • Using any scents on the body or on the robes
  • Wearing stitched clothing
  • Sandals and flip flops must not be stitched and should leave the ankle and back of the foot exposed
  • Covering the face or head
  • Hunting animals β€” even lice
  • Sexual activity

2. Tawaf

Tawaf means moving around the Kabah seven times with respect and devotion, keeping the Kabah on your left. Upon arriving at the Kabah, stop reciting the Talbiya. You must be in Wudu (ablution). Men leave their right shoulder bare only during the Tawaf β€” this is called Idtiba'a β€” and cover both shoulders again afterwards.

Starting at the Black Stone

  1. Kiss the Black Stone if you can; if not,
  2. Touch it with your right hand; if not,
  3. Face the Black Stone and point at it with your right hand, saying "In the name of ALLAH, ALLAH is the Greatest."

Men should Raml (walk briskly) during the first three rounds of Tawaf and walk normally during the remaining four. At the Yamani corner (the fourth corner of the Kabah), touch it with your right hand if possible β€” do not kiss it; if unable, continue without gesturing. From the Yamani corner to the Black Stone, recite: "Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire" (Quran 2:201).

At the end of the seven circuits, perform Istilam (touch or kiss the Black Stone) once more. Then proceed to Maqaam-e-Ibraaheem β€” the station of Prophet Ibraaheem β€” recalling the verse: "And take you (people) the Maqaam of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer" (Quran 2:125). Offer two Rakat of Nafal close to Maqam-e-Ibrahim without covering your head.

Zamzam

Pilgrims then go to the Zamzam water, available within the Haram, and drink while standing, saying "In the name of ALLAH" and supplicating: "O Allah! I implore for the beneficial knowledge, vast provisions and cure from every disease."

3. Sa'yee

Sa'yee means walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safah and Marwa, situated to the north and south of the Kabah. As you leave the boundary of the Masjid, you may say the supplication prescribed for all Masaajid: "In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask You from Your favor."

Upon approaching Mount Safah, recite the verse: "Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah..." (Quran 2:158), followed by "I begin with what Allah began with." Then ascend Mount Safah, face the Qiblah, raise your hands, and recite "Allah is the Greatest" three times, followed by the declaration: "There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, Alone. He has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom, and all praise belongs to Him, and He has power above all things. He fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His servant, and alone He defeated the allied army."

The seventh trip ends at Marwa. After completing Sa'yee, offer two Rakat of Nafal.

4. Qasar / Halaq

After Sa'yee, male pilgrims have their heads completely shaved (Halaq) or hair shortened (Qasar), while female pilgrims clip their hair equal to the length of a fingertip.

Once Qasar or Halaq is complete, all Ihram restrictions are lifted and your Umrah is complete. May Allah accept your Umrah, Ameen.

If you would like guided support during your pilgrimage, GlobalGateway's Umrah packages include experienced staff who can help you perform each rite correctly and with peace of mind.