How to Perform Umrah Step by Step: A First-Timer’s Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Umrah consists of four sequential rituals: (1) entering Ihram — the state of ritual consecration — at the Miqat boundary and making the Niyyah (intention); (2) performing Tawaf — seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba; (3) performing Sa’i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa; and (4) Halq or Taqsir — shaving or cutting the hair to exit Ihram. Each step has specific conditions, duas, and rules. This guide walks through every step in the order they are performed, with the key duas and practical guidance for first-time pilgrims.

Performing Umrah for the first time is one of the most profound experiences in a Muslim’s life. The rituals are not complicated — but they are specific, sequential, and deeply meaningful. Understanding what you are doing and why before you arrive in Makkah transforms the experience from a logistical exercise into an act of conscious worship.

This guide is written for first-time pilgrims travelling from the UAE. It follows the correct sequence of Umrah as understood by the majority of scholars, referencing authentic hadith and established practice. Where there are minor differences of scholarly opinion on a detail, this is noted. If you have any doubt about a specific ruling, consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar — this guide provides practical guidance but does not replace personalised religious instruction.

Before You Begin: What You Need to Know

The Four Pillars of Umrah

Umrah has four essential components (arkan), without which it is not valid:

1. Ihram — entering the state of consecration with the correct intention
2. Tawaf — seven circuits around the Kaaba
3. Sa’i — seven traversals between Safa and Marwa
4. Halq or Taqsir — shaving or cutting the hair

These four must be performed in this order and in the correct manner. Missing or significantly shortening any of the four renders the Umrah incomplete and may require a penalty (fidyah) or repetition depending on what was missed and the circumstances.

Conditions for Valid Umrah

• The pilgrim must be Muslim
• The pilgrim must be in a state of ritual purity (Wudu or Ghusl) for Tawaf
• Ihram must be entered at or before the Miqat boundary
• The Niyyah (intention) must be sincere and for Umrah specifically

Step 1: Ihram — Entering the State of Consecration

Ihram is both a physical state (wearing the Ihram garments and abstaining from certain actions) and a spiritual state (the conscious intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah alone). It begins the moment you make the Niyyah at or before the Miqat.

What to Do Before Entering Ihram

1. Perform Ghusl (full ritual bath). This is Sunnah — strongly recommended — before entering Ihram. It is not obligatory, but it is the established practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Perform this at your home, hotel, or at the airport before departure if your flight route passes the Miqat.
2. Trim nails and remove unwanted hair. These actions are prohibited once you are in Ihram, so attend to them beforehand.
3. Apply perfume to the body — not the Ihram cloth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) applied perfume to his body before entering Ihram. This is Sunnah. Once in Ihram, perfume is prohibited — but perfume applied to the body before Ihram does not nullify it even if the scent lingers.
4. Men: put on the Ihram garments. Two white seamless cloths — the izar (lower wrap) and the rida (upper wrap). No underwear, no stitched garments of any kind. Women wear their normal modest clothing — there is no special Ihram garment for women.
5. Pray two Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer (if it is not a prohibited time for prayer) before making the Niyyah. This is Sunnah before entering Ihram.

The Miqat: Where to Enter Ihram

The Miqat is the boundary point beyond which no pilgrim may enter Makkah without being in the state of Ihram. There are five designated Miqat points around Makkah. For pilgrims flying from the UAE:

• Yalamlam — the Miqat for those approaching from the direction of Yemen and most of the UAE flight paths. Many flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah pass over or near this Miqat.
• Qarn al-Manazil (also called Miqat of Najd) — the Miqat for those approaching from the direction of Najd; also relevant for some UAE flight paths.
• Jeddah — pilgrims who fly into Jeddah without having passed another Miqat may use the boundary near Jeddah. However, this is a matter of scholarly discussion and some scholars advise entering Ihram at Yalamlam during the flight to be safe. Discuss with your travel agent and a knowledgeable scholar.

Practical guidance for UAE pilgrims on flights: Many UAE airlines (Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai) make an announcement when the aircraft is approaching the Miqat boundary so pilgrims can make their intention. Listen for this announcement. If you are unsure, many scholars advise entering Ihram before boarding at the UAE airport to ensure you do not cross the Miqat without it. Your travel agency or a qualified scholar can advise on the specific guidance for your route.

Making the Niyyah (Intention) for Umrah

At or before the Miqat, make the sincere intention for Umrah in your heart. The verbal expression of the Niyyah is:

Arabic: Allaahumma labbayka ‘Umrah

Translation: “O Allah, here I am for Umrah.”

Some scholars add: Allaahumma labbayka ‘Umratan, fa-taqabbalha minni — “O Allah, here I am for Umrah — so accept it from me.”

The Talbiyah: Recite from Ihram Until Tawaf Begins

Once you have made the Niyyah, begin reciting the Talbiyah. Continue reciting it throughout the journey until you begin Tawaf (at which point you stop).

The Talbiyah:

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayk 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, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

Men recite the Talbiyah aloud. Women recite it quietly, audible only to themselves.

Ihram Prohibitions: What You Must Avoid

Once in Ihram, the following are prohibited until you exit Ihram after Halq or Taqsir:

• Cutting or removing hair from any part of the body
• Cutting nails
• Using perfume or scented products on the body or clothing
• Sexual relations or intimate contact
• Hunting or killing animals (with limited exceptions)
• Engaging in arguments, obscene speech, or quarrelling — the Quran says: “Whoever undertakes the obligation of Hajj therein should not have sexual relations, commit sin, or quarrel.” (Al-Baqarah: 197). This applies equally to Umrah.
• Men only: Covering the head with anything that sits directly on it (an umbrella held above the head is permissible); wearing stitched garments or shoes that cover the top of the foot and ankle
• Women only: Covering the face with a face veil or niqab; wearing gloves

Step 2: Tawaf — Seven Circuits Around the Kaaba

Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Kaaba — the sacred cubic structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram that Muslims face during prayer worldwide. It is one of the most ancient acts of Islamic worship, performed by the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and established as a rite of pilgrimage.

Before Beginning Tawaf

• Be in a state of Wudu (ritual purity). Tawaf requires Wudu — if your Wudu breaks during Tawaf, stop, renew your Wudu, and return to continue from where you left off according to the majority of scholars.
• Stop reciting the Talbiyah as you begin Tawaf.
• Enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot first, reciting: Bismillah, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik. (“In the name of Allah, O Allah send peace and blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.”)
• Make sure you have a valid Nusuk permit for your Tawaf time slot.

Performing the Seven Circuits

The starting and ending point for each circuit is the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba. A green light on the wall of the Haram marks the Hajar al-Aswad line — use this as your reference point if the stone itself is not visible due to crowds.

1. Face the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). If you can reach it, kiss it. If not — which is likely given the crowds — point toward it with your right hand and say: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. Do not push or harm others to reach the stone — this is prohibited and contrary to the spirit of the pilgrimage.
2. Keep the Kaaba on your left and walk counter-clockwise. This direction is non-negotiable — Tawaf is always counter-clockwise when viewed from above.
3. Complete seven circuits, beginning and ending at the Hajar al-Aswad line each time.
4. Men — Raml in the first three circuits: Walk briskly (not running) with short, quick steps in the first three circuits, and walk normally in the remaining four. This applies only when space permits — in dense crowds, walk at the pace of the crowd.
5. Men — Idtiba’: For the Tawaf of Umrah, men expose the right shoulder by placing the rida (upper Ihram cloth) under the right arm and over the left shoulder. This applies throughout all seven circuits.
6. Make dua throughout. There are no obligatory specific duas for each circuit beyond the opening. Many pilgrims use a dua booklet or recite Quran. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said of Tawaf that it is like Salah except that you may speak — so speak only good.

After Completing Seven Circuits

1. Pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim). If space does not permit directly behind it, pray anywhere in the Haram. Recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second, after Al-Fatiha — this is Sunnah.
2. Drink Zamzam water. Zamzam taps are located throughout the Haram — both in the Tawaf area and along the Sa’i walkway. Drink as much as you wish and make dua while drinking. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk.” Drink standing, facing the Kaaba, and say Bismillah before drinking.
3. Return to the Hajar al-Aswad if possible and touch or kiss it, or point toward it. Then proceed to begin Sa’i.

Step 3: Sa’i — Walking Between Safa and Marwa

Sa’i commemorates Hajar (Hagar), the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who ran between the two hillocks of Safa and Marwa seven times searching for water for her infant son Ismail when they were left in the valley of Makkah. Allah honoured her action by causing the well of Zamzam to spring forth, and enshrined this act of faith as a permanent rite of pilgrimage.

Preparing for Sa’i

• Sa’i does not require Wudu according to the majority of scholars, though it is preferred to be in a state of Wudu.
• Proceed from the Tawaf area to the Mas’a — the air-conditioned enclosed walkway between Safa and Marwa inside the Haram complex. It is well-signed.
• Men should return the rida (upper Ihram cloth) to its normal position covering both shoulders for Sa’i — the Idtiba’ posture is for Tawaf only.

Performing the Seven Traversals

1. Begin at Safa. Climb to the top of Safa (it is now part of the enclosed walkway — you ascend a short incline). Face the Kaaba and raise your hands in dua. Recite: Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah (“Indeed Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah” — Al-Baqarah: 158). Then say: Abda’u bima bada’Allahu bihi (“I begin with what Allah began with”). Make dua, send salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and say Allahu Akbar three times.
2. Walk from Safa to Marwa — this counts as the 1st traversal.
3. Men: jog lightly between the two green markers in the middle section of the Mas’a. This section is clearly marked with green lighting. Walk normally before and after the green markers. Women walk at a normal pace throughout — jogging is for men only in Sa’i.
4. At Marwa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands, and make dua as you did at Safa.
5. Walk back from Marwa to Safa — this is the 2nd traversal. Continue in this manner.
6. Count carefully: Safa to Marwa = odd-numbered traversals (1, 3, 5, 7). Marwa to Safa = even-numbered (2, 4, 6). You begin at Safa and end at Marwa after the 7th traversal.
7. Make dua throughout. There is no specific obligatory dua for Sa’i. Use a dua booklet, recite Quran, or make personal supplication.

Total Distance of Sa’i

The distance between Safa and Marwa is approximately 394 metres. Seven traversals equals approximately 2.76 kilometres of walking. For pilgrims with mobility difficulties, the Mas’a has a separate lane for wheelchairs and mobility aids, and electric wheelchair rentals are available inside the Haram complex.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir — Cutting the Hair and Exiting Ihram

The final ritual of Umrah is cutting or shaving the hair, after which the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram and all its restrictions are lifted.

For Men

• Halq (shaving the head completely): This is the preferred option for men. Shaving the entire head earns greater reward and was the practice that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed for three times, and for those who cut only once (Taqsir) prayed once (Sahih Bukhari).
• Taqsir (cutting the hair): Cutting the hair significantly all around — not just a few strands — is also valid if a man prefers not to shave. The cut must be substantial, not merely symbolic.
• Barbershops specifically for pilgrims are located in the areas surrounding the Haram. Many are in the streets immediately outside Masjid al-Haram and in the Ajyad area.

For Women

• Women do not shave their heads. This is prohibited for women.
• Women cut approximately a fingertip’s length — about 2–3 cm — from the ends of their hair, from all around. This is done in private (in the hotel room or a private area) and does not require a barber.
• The amount cut must be real — at least a fingertip’s length. Cutting only a single strand is not valid.

After Halq or Taqsir

The moment Halq or Taqsir is complete, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram. All the prohibitions of Ihram are lifted. Men may put on their normal clothing. Perfume may be used. The Umrah is complete.

The completing of Umrah is a moment for gratitude and supplication. Many pilgrims make heartfelt dua at this point — thanking Allah for enabling them to complete this act of worship and asking for its acceptance.

After Umrah: What Can You Do in the Haram?

Completing the four Umrah rituals does not mean your time in the Haram is done. Many pilgrims remain in Makkah for several days after completing Umrah, engaging in:

• Nafl (voluntary) Tawaf: Additional circuits of the Kaaba performed outside of Ihram, counted as a highly rewarding voluntary act of worship. This requires Wudu but not Ihram.
• Prayer in the Haram: Every prayer in Masjid al-Haram carries the reward of 100,000 prayers compared to any other mosque (Sahih Bukhari).
• Quran recitation near the Kaaba
• Personal dua at the Multazam — the section of the Kaaba wall between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba. This is considered among the most powerful locations for personal supplication.
• Drinking Zamzam water and filling containers to bring home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crossing the Miqat Without Ihram

This is one of the most serious mistakes — entering the Miqat boundary without being in the state of Ihram. If this happens unintentionally, the pilgrim must return to the Miqat to enter Ihram, or pay a penalty (dam — slaughtering an animal in Makkah) according to scholarly guidance. Do not cross the Miqat without Ihram under any circumstances.

Losing Count During Tawaf

If you lose count of your Tawaf circuits, according to the majority of scholars you should assume the lesser number and complete the Tawaf from there. For example, if unsure whether you completed 4 or 5 circuits, assume 4 and continue. Using a counter app on your phone or a simple hand counter can prevent this entirely.

Beginning Sa’i at Marwa Instead of Safa

Sa’i must begin at Safa. If you accidentally begin at Marwa, that traversal does not count — begin again at Safa. This is a common error for first-timers who misread the signage.

Performing Taqsir Symbolically

Cutting only one or two strands of hair is not a valid Taqsir. The cut must be meaningful — enough hair from all around the head to represent a genuine act of submission. If in doubt about the required amount, scholars advise cutting at least a fingertip’s length from several different parts of the head, all around.

Rushing and Losing Focus

The most common spiritual mistake is performing the Umrah mechanically — counting circuits without reflection, reciting duas without understanding them, treating the experience as a checklist rather than an act of worship. You have come a long way and prepared extensively. Slow down. Be present. Make this meaningful.

A Quick Reference: The Four Steps in Order

Before and After: The Full Journey

This guide covers the four rituals of Umrah themselves. For the full planning context — from visa to booking packages to what to pack — see our complete Umrah guide for UAE residents. For a detailed packing list that includes Ihram clothing, unscented toiletries, and the dua booklet you will need, see our Umrah packing list for UAE pilgrims. If you are planning to perform Umrah during Ramadan, see our Ramadan Umrah guide from UAE for what to expect during that extraordinary season.

May Allah grant you a blessed, accepted Umrah and return you safely to your family. Ameen.

FAQs

Note on Religious Guidance: This guide reflects the understanding of the majority of scholars (jumhur) on the rituals of Umrah. Minor differences of scholarly opinion exist on certain details — for example, on whether Wudu is obligatory or recommended for Sa’i, and on specific duas at each stage. This guide provides practical general guidance and does not replace personalised instruction from a qualified Islamic scholar. If you have specific questions about the validity of your Umrah or a situation that arose during the rituals, consult a knowledgeable scholar.