What to Do Before During and After Umrah: A Complete Guide (2025)
Introduction: Preparing for a Fulfilling Umrah Experience
Embarking on the sacred journey of Umrah is a profound moment for every Muslim. To make the most of this pilgrimage, it’s essential to know what to do before, during, and after Umrah. Proper preparation ensures a smooth experience, allowing you to focus entirely on worship and spiritual growth.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What to do before Umrah: Spiritual, physical, and travel preparations.
✅ What to do during Umrah: Step-by-step rituals and prayers.
✅ What to do after Umrah: How to maintain spiritual growth post-pilgrimage.
Let’s dive into the details and ensure your Umrah journey is truly transformative.
1. What to Do Before Umrah: Essential Preparations
Proper preparation before Umrah ensures a hassle-free journey and allows you to focus on worship without distractions.
a. Spiritual Preparation
Umrah is not just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual experience. Strengthen your connection with Allah before leaving.
✔️ Renew Your Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to perform Umrah solely for Allah’s pleasure.
✔️ Increase Worship: Pray extra Nafl (voluntary) prayers, read Quran, and engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
✔️ Seek Forgiveness: Reconcile with family and friends and ask for forgiveness.
✔️ Make a Dua List: Write down personal prayers for yourself and others.
📖 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
b. Physical Preparation
Staying healthy ensures you can perform Umrah comfortably.
✔️ Vaccination: Ensure you’ve taken required vaccines, including COVID-19 and meningitis.
✔️ Health Check-Up: Consult your doctor, especially if you have chronic conditions.
✔️ Walking Practice: Increase daily walking to build stamina for Tawaf and Sa’i.
✔️ Pack Wisely: Prepare essentials, including Ihram clothing, toiletries, prayer mat, and medications.
🛑 Pro Tip: Break in your footwear before traveling to avoid blisters during Sa’i.
c. Travel Preparation
Ensure your documents and bookings are in order.
✔️ Umrah Visa: Apply through the official Nusuk platform or a licensed travel agency.
✔️ Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months.
✔️ Flight & Hotel Bookings: Confirm your travel and accommodation details.
✔️ Currency: Carry Saudi Riyals (SAR) for expenses.
📖 “Take provisions, but the best provision is Taqwa (piety).” (Quran 2:197)
🛑 Pro Tip: Photocopy your passport, visa, and travel documents in case of loss.
2. What to Do During Umrah: Step-by-Step Rituals
Once you arrive in Makkah, it’s time to focus on the spiritual rituals of Umrah.
Step 1: Enter the State of Ihram
Ihram is a state of spiritual purity and is mandatory for all pilgrims.
✔️ Men: Wear two white, unstitched cloths.
✔️ Women: Wear modest clothing that covers the body.
✔️ Prohibited Acts: Avoid perfume, cutting hair/nails, arguing, and marital relations.
✔️ Recite the Talbiyah:
📖 “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk…”
🛑 Pro Tip: Enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat (boundary).
Step 2: Perform Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
✔️ Start from the Black Stone (Hajr Aswad).
✔️ Recite Dua and Dhikr while walking.
✔️ Men should perform the first three rounds briskly and the rest at a normal pace.
✔️ After Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim.
📖 “And let them circumambulate the ancient House (Kaaba).” (Quran 22:29)
🛑 Pro Tip: Stay hydrated and rest between rounds if tired.
Step 3: Perform Sa’i (Safa and Marwah)
Sa’i involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, symbolizing Hajar’s search for water.
✔️ Start from Safa and recite:
📖 “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Quran 2:158)
✔️ Men should jog between the green markers; women walk normally.
✔️ Make dua at each hilltop.
🛑 Pro Tip: Use the escalators and wheelchairs if needed.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Haircut)
The final step of Umrah is Halq (shaving) or Taqsir (hair trimming).
✔️ Men: Shave the head (Halq) or trim evenly (Taqsir).
✔️ Women: Trim an inch from the ends.
📖 “May Allah have mercy on those who shave their heads.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
🛑 Pro Tip: Avoid partial trimming, as it invalidates the ritual.
3. What to Do After Umrah: Post-Pilgrimage Guidance
Completing Umrah doesn’t end your spiritual journey. Here’s what to do afterward:
a. Spiritual Practices After Umrah
✔️ Thank Allah: Perform Salah al-Shukr (Prayer of Gratitude).
✔️ Make Dua: Thank Allah for the opportunity and pray for acceptance.
✔️ Recite Quran: Focus on chapters emphasizing gratitude and patience.
✔️ Continue Dhikr: Keep the spirit of Umrah alive with daily remembrance.
📖 “So remember Me; I will remember you.” (Quran 2:152)
🛑 Pro Tip: Spend extra time in Masjid al-Haram, praying and reflecting.
b. Maintain Good Habits
Umrah is a spiritual reset. Ensure you:
✔️ Pray five times daily, on time.
✔️ Give charity regularly.
✔️ Avoid sinful activities and remain patient.
c. Document Your Journey
✔️ Write in a journal about your experience.
✔️ Share your insights with family and friends.
✔️ Keep photos and videos private, respecting the sacred nature of the journey.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Umrah
To ensure your Umrah is valid and spiritually rewarding:
❌ Skipping the Niyyah (intention).
❌ Missing any rounds of Tawaf or Sa’i.
❌ Using perfume or scented soap in Ihram.
❌ Engaging in arguments or worldly talk.
❌ Neglecting hair trimming after Sa’i.
🛑 Pro Tip: Stay focused, follow the Sunnah, and seek guidance if unsure.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I perform multiple Umrahs in one trip?
Yes, but you must exit Ihram after each Umrah and re-enter with a new Niyyah.
Q2: Is it mandatory to perform Umrah immediately after entering Ihram?
Yes, once in Ihram, you should proceed to Umrah without unnecessary delay.
Q3: How long does Umrah take to complete?
On average, Umrah takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on crowd levels.
Q4: Can I perform Umrah without a guide?
Yes, but it’s recommended for first-time pilgrims to join a guided group.
Q5: What should I do if I forget a ritual?
If a ritual is missed, seek guidance from a scholar or local imam for corrective actions.
Conclusion: A Successful Umrah Begins with Preparation
Understanding what to do before, during, and after Umrah ensures a smooth and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.
✅ Before Umrah: Prepare spiritually, physically, and logistically.
✅ During Umrah: Perform each ritual correctly, with sincerity.
✅ After Umrah: Maintain the spiritual connection and good habits.
Ready for Umrah in 2025? Start preparing now and ensure your journey is truly transformative.