How to perform Umrah? A Step by Step Thorough Guide!

Step 1: Dress Code for Women

On the other hand, there is not any specific dress code for women. Their clothing should be a normal modest Islamic attire covering their whole body, including the head. However, hands and faces should remain visible, but they may wear socks.

Note:

The state of Ihram is not applicable in case you may plan to approach Madinah before Makkah. You will wear your Ihram garments when leaving for Makkah from Madinah.

Step 2: Salah Al-Ihram

Moreover, performing two Rakats of Salah is Sunnah before you enter into the state of Ihram. This Salah is performed with the intention of 2 Nafl for Ihram. You may perform this Salah with the covered head because you’re not in the state of Ihram yet. In the first Rakat of this Salah, you should recite Surah Al-Kafirun (Surah 109), and in the second, Surah Al-Ikhlas (Surah 112). However, you may read other Surahs. Then you make Dua once the Salah is performed.

Step 3: Niyyah

While approaching Miqat, you should make Niyyah for Umrah. It is advisable that you make Umrah’s intention verbally as well as internally.

You may utter the Following Duas in Arabic as Niyyah of Umrah:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً

Labbayka llāhumma ‘umratan.

O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّ

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-‘umrata fa yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

Step 4: Talbiyah

Before entering into the state of Ihram, you must utter Talbiyah after making Niyyah to validate your intention. According to the Hanafi and Maliki School of Thought, it is Wajib to recite Talbiyah. However, the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider reciting Talbiyah as a Sunnah.

Talbiyah Prayer is as follows:

It should be uttered according to the Sunnah method by taking brief pauses at four places, as indicated below by the dashes.

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ

Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.

At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favor, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

After reciting the above Talbiyah, you will enter into a state of Ihram known as a Muhrim. Specifically, you must be aware of the rules of being in the state Of Ihram and don’t commit any mistake against its prohibitions. If you violate any rule, Damm or Sadaqah is required as a penalty.

After reciting Talbiyah, it is advisable to send Salawat on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After that, make Dua for yourself and others; you should keep reciting Talbiyah till you reach one of the doors of Masjid Al-Haram.

Step 5: Haram of Makkah

While reciting Talbiyah, step in Masjid Al-Haram with the right foot first; your preferred way should be through Bab as-Salam. Haram of Makkah is a sacred area consisting of a number of miles in all directions. It is forbidden to do the following acts at this sacred place:

1. Trimming any vegetation like grass or trees
2. Carrying weapons with you
3. Killing any wild animal (even you can’t scare them)
4. Any misbehaving act

You are restricted to abide by the rules to respect the sanctity of Makkah.

Step 6: Conditions for an Additional Umrah

After performing this Umrah, if you intend to perform another one, you must go outside of the boundary of Haram for wearing Ihram. You can enter into the nearby point of Masjid Aisha by availing yourself of a transportation facility available near Masjid Al-Haram.

Step 7: Entering Makkah

While entering Makkah, you should recite the followings:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ. وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ

Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ‘ala-n-Nār, wa amminnī min ‘adhābika yawma tab’athu ‘ibādak, wa j‘alnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭā’atik.

Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

Step 8: Entering Masjid Al-Haram

By proceeding towards Kaaba, supplicate to Allah. The following supplication may be recited, which is usually recited before stepping into a mosque:

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahmate ka.

(Oh Allah! Open the doors of Your Mercy for me.)

أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ، مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

A‘ūdhu bi-llāhi-l-Aẓīm, wa bi-wajhihi-l-karīm, wa sulṭānihi-l-qadīm, mina-sh-Shayṭāni-r-rajīm.

I seek protection in Allah the Tremendous, His Noble Countenance, and His pre-eternal Sovereign Might from Satan the rejected.

In Masjid Al-Haram, the following rules must be kept in mind:

1. It is unnecessary to perform Tahiyatul Masjid (Praying two Rakahs to greet the mosque) because your Tawaf will be enough.
2. You may perform Tahiyatul Masjid if you are not going to perform Tawaf immediately.
3. In Masjid Al-Haram, you can walk across the people performing Salah, but try to avoid walking at their place of prostration.

Step 9: First Sight of Kaaba

You should enter the mosque by keeping your gaze lower till you reach the Mataf area, an open place where you perform Tawaf. Then lift your gaze with humility and reverence. Upon seeing Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make Dua with full pure intentions and sincerity. It is one of those places where prayers are accepted. You should also recite Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while praying. It is narrated by Umar Ibn Al-Khattab:

"Dua is suspended between heaven and earth, and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (PBUH)."

[Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

Recite the following words three times:

.اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ. اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ . لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰه

Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa-llāh.

Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.

Reciting the following Duas is Sunnah:

اَللَّهُمَّ زِدْ أَهْلَ هَذَا الْبَيْتَ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَعْظِيماً وَتَكْرِيماً وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مَنْ شَرَّفَهُ وَكَرَّمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّهُ أَوْ اعْتَمَرَهُ تَشْرِيفاً وَتَكْرِيماً وَتَعْظِيماً وَبِرّاً.

Allāhumma zid hādhā-l-Bayta tashrīfan wa ta’ẓīman wa takrīman wa mahābah, wa zid man sharrafahu wa karramahu mimman ḥajjahu awi-’tamarahu tashrīfan wa takrīman wa ta’ẓīman wa birrā.

Allah, increase this House in honor, esteem, respect, and reverence. And increase those who honor and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or Umrah—in honor, respect, esteem, and piety.

اَللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلاَمُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، حَيِّنَا رَبَّنَا بِالسَّلاَمِ.

Allāhumma Anta-s-Salāmu wa minka-s-salām, ḥayyinā Rabbanā bi-s-salām.

O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace. Make us live, Lord, in peace.

Step 10: Starting Point

It is significant that you must start your Tawaf from the Hajar Al-Aswad situated at the corner of Kaaba. You can easily recognize this corner because it faces a single minaret. Besides, for your convenience, a single light on the mosque wall opposite Kaabah indicates where to start the Tawaf from. You should stand at this starting point facing Kaabah and ensuring Hajar Al-Aswad at your right side. The starting point of each circuit is known as Shawt.

Step 11: Intention

You should make your intention of performing Tawaf purely for the sake of Allah. You may utter the following Dua:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ طَوَافَ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ

Allāhumma innī urīdu l-ṭawwafa baytika l-ḥarāmi fa yassirhu lī wa taqabbalhu minnī.

O Allah, I intend to perform Tawaf of the Sacred Mosque, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

Step 12: Kissing, Touching / Saluting Hajar Al-Aswad (Istilam)

When you reach near Hajar Al-Aswad, place your hands on it, kiss it lightly by putting your face between your hands, saying ‘Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar’. According to some scholars, if you get a chance, you should kiss it three times.

However, if you can’t touch or kiss it (it is likely to be the case), touch it with your hand/hands and kiss your hand/hands. If that is not possible, too, you should direct your face towards Hajar Al-Aswad and lift your hands up to your earlobes. You should ensure your palms are also facing it as you do when starting a Salah, assuming your face and hands are on Hajar Al-Aswad. Then utter ‘Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar’, afterward you may kiss your palm.

You may recite the following Dua of Hazrat Ali, in each circuit of Tawaf when coming parallel to Hajar Al-Aswad:

سْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيْمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ

Bismi llāhi wa llāhu akbar, Allāhumma īmānan bika wa taṣdīqan bi kitābika wa wafā’an bi ahdika wattibā’an li sunnati nabiyyika Muḥammadin ﷺ.

In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, the conviction in Your book, in fulfillment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah ﷺ.

Step 13: Starting Tawaf

You should proceed to your right side to initiate the first circuit of Tawaf, ensuring Kaabah at your left. This movement should be like an anti-clockwise direction. During your circuit, try to avoid walking through Hijar Ismail because the circuit won’t count if you move through it. If that happens so, you have to repeat the circuit.

Step 14: Raml

Raml is an act of men they perform during the first three circuits of Tawaf by walking briskly, lifting their legs forcefully, and sticking out the chest. However, this practice should be performed without harming others when there is no congestion. You should only perform this Sunnah when there is enough space and you don’t create any inconvenience for others.

Step 15: Dhikr and Dua

With all your inner sincerity and devotion, you should remember Allah by reciting prayers and supplications during Tawaf circuits. On this significant occasion, Allah accepts and answers your prayers. It is advisable that you recite prayers of your choice, ensuring you know their meanings. You should try to avoid reading Dua from a Dua book if you don’t comprehend the meanings of them.

“Specifying a Dua would take the moments away because, with specific Duas, one will merely be repeating words, whereas this occasion is for any Dua and for remembering one’s Lord with humility and sincerity.”

Try to prefer to supplicate in your own language, the one in which you are comfortable. If you prefer to supplicate Quranic and Prophetic Duas, it is advisable to memorize them and learn their meanings. Moreover, along with reciting Quran, it is highly recommended that you should send Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Tawaf.

Step 16: Rukn Al-Yamini

Rukn Al-Yamni is the corner preceding the Hajar Al-Aswad; upon reaching here, you should touch Hajar Al-Aswad with your right or both hands by uttering ‘Allahu Akbar’. However, if there is congestion, as is likely to be the case, move forward without reciting and gesturing towards it.

Reciting the following Dua between Rukn Al-Yamani and Hajar Al-Aswad is Sunnah:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba 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.

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]

Step 17: End of Circuit at Hajr Al-Aswad

You should recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ while doing Istilam (as described above) in all subsequent circuits. During Tawaf, you will perform the act of Istilam eight times, one before starting the Tawaf and one at the end of each circuit, which equates to 8 in total.

Step 18: During Tawaf

You should perform the Tawaf circuits without any interruption; however, you must join it if an obligatory prayer is due to start. After performing prayer, you should resume your Tawaf and repeat the circuit. In the case of repeating Wudhu, the same rule is applicable.

Step 19: Completion of Tawaf and Salah

You should perform two Rakahs Salah upon finishing Tawaf. Try to prefer to perform it at a place where Muqam Ibrahim is. If it’s not possible due to congestion, you can perform it anywhere in Masjid Al-Haram.

It is recommended to audibly recite the following words when moving towards the place where Salah is to be performed:

وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى

Wattakhidhu min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.

And take Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125]

In two Rakats of Salah recite Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Ikhlas respectively. After completing the prayer, you should beg Allah devotedly to making plenty of Duas.

Step 20: Zamzam Water

After finishing your prayer, drink Zamzam water which is available around the area of Masjid Al-Haram.

The Prophet Muhammad said:

“The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.”

You can supplicate of your choice because it is another point where Duas are accepted.

While drinking this Holy Water, it is Mustahab that you should stand and face Kaabah. Start drinking Zamzam by saying ‘Bismillah’, taking a pause after each sip (3 sips), and saying Alhamdulillah.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَ شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ

Allahumma innī as’aluka ‘ilman nāfi’an, wa rizqan wāsi’an, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.

O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, the provision that is abundant, and a cure from every illness.

Step 21: Multazam

Multazam is the area between Hajar Al-Aswad and the door of Kaaba. If you reach Multazam, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall, and press your chest and cheeks against it. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and yet another site where Duas are accepted. In case of too much crowd, you should face towards it and pray from a distance.

Step 22: Istilam of the Hajar Al-Aswad

Before Sa’i, it is Sunnah to do Istilam; this will be the ninth time in total (8 times during Tawaf). However, in case of congestion or tiredness, you can do it from a distance as long as you are facing Hajar Al-Aswad.

Step 23: Proceed Towards Safa

While you approach Safa, it is Sunnah to recite the following Arabic words only once when starting Sa’i:

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ

Inna ṣ-ṣafā wa l-marwata min sha’ā’iri llāh(i).

Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158]

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ

Abda’u bimā bad’allahu bihi.

I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

Step 24: Making Dua at Safa

You may recite the following Takbir, Tahlil, and send Salawat upon Prophet (PBUH) while reaching the hill of Safa, raising your hands for prayer and facing towards the direction of Kaaba.

اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi l-ḥamd.

Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah(u), lahu l-mulku wa lahu l-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumīt(u), wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.

There is no deity except Allah, alone without a partner. To Him belongs the Dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and death, and He has power over everything.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اَللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ، اَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ اَلْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah(u), anjaza wa’dahu wa naṣara ‘abdahu wa hazama l-aḥzāba waḥdah.

There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, supported His slave, and defeated the confederates alone.

Step 25: Proceeding Toward Marwa

Between Safa and Marwa, there is a 50 meters distance marked with two sets of green fluorescent lights. This 50 meters apart distance is known as Milayn Al-Akhdarayn (the two green mileposts). You perform this practice in remembrance of Hazrat Hajra (RA). It is Sunnah to run at a medium pace (for men); on the other hand, women should walk normally.

Step 26: Dhikr and Dua

You can recite any prayer and send Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH).

Step 27: Making Dua at Marwa

Upon reaching Marwa, it completes one lap; when you reach here, you should repeat the Dua by raising your hands and facing the direction of Kaaba, which you recited at Safa.

Step 28: End of Sa’i

Repeat this process until you complete your seven laps between Safa and Marwa. At the end of Sa’i, it is also recommended to make a final supplication and two Rakahs Salah in Masjid Al-Haram.

Step 29: Leaving Haram

Stepping out with your left foot and recite the following supplicate is Sunnah:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إَنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ

Bismi llāhi, wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ‘ala rasūli llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.

In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.