Umrah Rituals Explained

Everything you need to know about performing Umrah correctly - the lesser pilgrimage that can be performed year-round

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which has specific dates. Though not obligatory, it is highly recommended and spiritually rewarding. Umrah consists of four main rituals and is often called the "lesser pilgrimage."

Key Differences from Hajj:

  • Can be performed any time of the year
  • Duration: Can be completed in a few hours
  • Not obligatory but highly recommended
  • Simpler rituals compared to Hajj

The Four Main Rituals of Umrah

1

Ihram (State of Consecration)

Enter the sacred state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat. This involves physical and spiritual preparation.

For Men:

  • Two white unstitched cloths
  • One around the waist (Izar)
  • One over the shoulders (Rida)
  • No head covering

For Women:

  • Modest clothing (any color)
  • Head covering required
  • Face and hands uncovered
  • No specific garment required

Niyyah (Intention) & Talbiyah:

Make the intention for Umrah and recite:

"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak"

Translation: "Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner."

2

Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Perform seven counter-clockwise circles around the Holy Kaaba, starting and ending at the Black Stone.

How to Perform Tawaf:

  1. Begin at the Black Stone corner (Hajar al-Aswad)
  2. Face the Black Stone and make the intention for Tawaf
  3. If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone; if not, point towards it
  4. Keep the Kaaba to your left and move counter-clockwise
  5. Complete seven circuits (one Shawt = from Black Stone back to Black Stone)
  6. Walk normally; running is only for men between the green lights
  7. Make dua and dhikr throughout

After Tawaf:

  • Pray 2 Rakah at Maqam Ibrahim (if possible) or anywhere in the Haram
  • Drink Zamzam water
  • Make dua
3

Sa'i (Walking between Safa and Marwa)

Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hagar's search for water for her son Ishmael.

How to Perform Sa'i:

  1. Begin at Safa hill
  2. Face the Kaaba and make dua
  3. Walk towards Marwa (this counts as one lap)
  4. Men should run between the green markers
  5. At Marwa, face the Kaaba and make dua
  6. Walk back to Safa (this is the second lap)
  7. Continue until you complete 7 laps (ending at Marwa)

Distance & Time:

  • Total distance: ~3.15 km
  • Each way: ~450 meters
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Can be done on ground or upper floors

Recommended Duas:

  • Recite Quran
  • Make personal duas
  • Seek forgiveness
  • Pray for family and Ummah
4

Halq or Taqsir (Hair Cutting)

The final ritual of Umrah involves cutting or shaving the hair, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and completion of the pilgrimage.

For Men:

  • Halq: Complete head shaving (more rewarding)
  • Taqsir: Cutting hair from all over the head
  • Hair should be at least fingertip length to cut
  • Can be done in designated areas in Haram

For Women:

  • Cut only a small portion (fingertip length)
  • From the ends of the hair
  • Can be done privately
  • Complete shaving is not allowed

After Hair Cutting:

  • Your Umrah is now complete
  • You are released from the state of Ihram
  • You can now wear regular clothes
  • All previous restrictions are lifted

Important Guidelines & Prohibitions in Ihram

Prohibited Actions (for all):

  • Sexual relations and intimate conversations
  • Cutting nails
  • Cutting or removing hair
  • Hunting or killing animals
  • Using perfumes or scented products
  • Arguing and fighting

Additional for Men:

  • Covering the head
  • Wearing stitched clothing
  • Wearing shoes that cover the ankles

Additional for Women:

  • Covering the face (except when necessary)
  • Wearing gloves

Helpful Tips for Umrah

Before You Go

  • Learn the rituals thoroughly
  • Practice the duas
  • Get physically fit
  • Arrange your affairs at home
  • Seek forgiveness from others

During Umrah

  • Stay with your group
  • Be patient and calm
  • Help fellow pilgrims
  • Keep hydrated
  • Avoid rush hours if possible

Best Times

  • Early morning or late night
  • Avoid Fridays and weekends
  • Consider Ramadan for extra reward
  • Check for maintenance schedules
  • Plan for crowd management

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