Ihram
Main article: Ihram
Please refer to this article to learn more about the Ihram and its prohibitions.
Physical Purity
Before getting changed into the Ihram garments, take care of your personal hygiene by clipping your nails and removing the hair under your armpits and beneath the navel. You should then do Ghusl, a highly emphasised Sunnah for those intending to enter into a state of Ihram. If you can’t perform Ghusl, doing Wudhu will suffice. Men may apply Attar/perfume to their heads/beards, ensuring not to get any on the Ihram garments. This should all be carried out at your place of residence before your flight (assuming you’re flying).
Ihram Garments
You will then get changed into your Ihram garments which for men consist of two, normally white, clean seamless pieces of cloth. The sheet which wraps around the waist covering the lower body is known as the Izar and the sheet that is draped over the upper body like a shawl is known as the Rida. Sandals shouldn’t cover the heel and ankle. The Hanafi school of thought also stipulates that the top part of the foot should also remain exposed.
Ensure you put on your Ihram attire before crossing the designated Miqat. You will likely be travelling to Saudi Arabia via plane, so it is advisable to get changed into your Ihram at the airport prior to departure or during a stopover if you have one. Check in first and get changed in the prayer room or bathroom. Alternatively, you can put on your Ihram in-flight although bear in mind that aeroplane bathrooms are usually very limited in space and there may well be a rush of people intending to do the same thing as the Miqat approaches. If you decide to change into your Ihram attire on the plane, do so at least an hour before the Miqat is crossed.
Main article: Miqat
You may delay making your intention until the Miqat approaches. Just before crossing, remove any articles of clothing that you may still be wearing that violate the conditions of Ihram such as socks, headwear and underwear.
Women aren’t required to conform to a specific dress code. Clothing should be normal modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any colour. Hands and faces must remain exposed although socks may be worn.
Note: if you’re going to Madinah before Makkah, you don’t need to enter into the state of Ihram at this point. You will do so after your stay in Madinah.
Salah al-Ihram
It’s Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be performed after getting changed at the airport or in-flight before crossing the Miqat providing there are prayer facilities on-board. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two Rakahs Nafl for Ihram.
Since you’re not yet in the spiritual state of Ihram, the prayer may be observed with the head covered. It is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, although other Surahs may be read. Don’t forget to make Dua after this Salah.
Niyyah
The Niyyah for Umrah should be made at the Miqat or close to it as you move in its direction. Ideally, you should delay making the intention until the last moment so you aren’t restricted by its prohibitions for longer than need be. It is recommended (Mustahabb) that you make the intention verbally, as well as reiterating it internally.
Following are three examples of intentions that may be uttered in Arabic:
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 مِنِّيْ
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.
Talbiyah
After making your Niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah to validate your intention and enter into the state of Ihram. The utterance of the Talbiyah is Wajib according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it a Sunnah.
You must recite the Talbiyah at least once after making your intention for Umrah. Failure to do so will result in an invalid Umrah!
The Sunnah method of reciting the Talbiyah is to briefly pause at four places, indicated by the dashes. The prayer is as follows:
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, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Main article: Talbiyah
After uttering the Talbiyah, you will now be in the state of Ihram and be known as a Muhrim. Make sure you’re well aware of the prohibitions of Ihram and ensure you don’t fall foul of its rules. If a rule of Ihram is violated, Damm or Sadaqah will be required as expiation.
Main article: Violations & Penalties
It is recommended to send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ after reciting the Talbiyah and to make Dua for yourself and others. Continue reciting the Talbiyah for the rest of your journey until you reach one of the doors of Masjid al-Haram prior to performing Tawaf.
Haram of Makkah
The Haram of Makkah is a sacred area that extends a number of miles around Masjid al-Haram in all directions. In this area, it is forbidden to:
- Cut or damage grass, trees or any other type of vegetation.
- Harm or kill wild animals. This includes scaring away pigeons and other birds.
- Carry weapons.
- Fight or behave in a way that will violate the sanctity of this area.
Although you’re unlikely to breach one of these rules, keep in mind the sanctity of Makkah.
Note: If you intend to perform an additional Umrah later on, you must assume Ihram outside the boundary of the Haram before going back to Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah. Many choose to enter into Ihram at Masjid Aisha which is the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Transportation to get there is available near the mosque.
Entering Makkah
As you reach the limits of the Haram, constantly recite the Talbiyah, do Dhikr and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Recital of the following Dua is recommended upon entering the Haram:
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.
After arriving at your accommodation in Makkah, you may want to freshen up or take a rest before making your way to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If you decide to take a shower, ensure you don’t use any items that are prohibited in the state of Ihram e.g. scented soap or shampoo. It is recommended you present yourself at Masjid al-Haram as soon as possible.
When you’re ready, decide which of your belongings you want to take with you, bearing in mind there are thieves that operate in the mosque.
Tip: It is recommended that you take a drawstring bag for your shoes. Keep them close to you because they can get lost fairly easily.
Entering Masjid al-Haram
It is Sunnah to enter Masjid al-Haram via Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). This may not be possible as the authorities have designated entrances to the mosque for pilgrims performing Umrah. If you can’t do this, you may proceed through any other door. Step through with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque. Either or both of these supplications may be recited:
.بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ. اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِك
Bismi-llāh, Allāhumma ṣalli alā Muhammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
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 Shaytan the rejected.
Notes:
- Don’t perform Tahiyatul Masjid (prayer for greeting the mosque) if you intend to; your Tawaf will suffice as the “greeting” for Masjid al-Haram.
- If you don’t have the intention of performing Tawaf immediately, you may perform Tahiyatul Masjid.
- In Masjid al-Haram, it is permissible for anyone to walk across those performing Salah. However, their place of prostration should be avoided.
First Sight of the Kaaba
After entering the mosque, keep your gaze lowered until you reach the Mataf area, which is the open space where Tawaf takes place. When you’re ready, with humility, awe and reverence, lift your gaze to set sight on the beatific vision of the Holy Kaaba.
Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, raise your hands and make Dua with the utmost concentration and sincerity as this is among those places where prayers are answered. Remember to recite Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ when making Dua. Umar ibn al-Khattab I narrated:
Dua is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet ﷺ.
[Narrated in Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Imam Abu Hanifa I would use this opportunity to make Dua to Allah that he be among those whose supplications are always accepted.
Recite the following three times:
.اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ. اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ . لَآ اِلَهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ
Allāhu akbar. Allāhu akbar. Lā ilāha illa-llāh.
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God except Allah.
It’s a Sunnah to recite the following Duas:
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 honour, esteem, respect and reverence. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah—in honour, 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.
Do Dhikr, make Dua and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ in abundance here. Make the most of this opportunity before you begin your Tawaf, especially if it’s the first time you’ve set eyes on the Kaaba.
Tawaf al-Umrah
Main article: Tawaf
For the Tawaf to be considered valid, the following is necessary:

- To perform Tawaf yourself.
- To make an intention (verbally or not).
- To do Tawaf in Masjid al-Haram.
- To be in a state of Wudhu and free of anything that requires Ghusl e.g. menstruation.
- To conceal the Awrah.
- To start Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad.
- To move in an anti-clockwise direction.
- To avoid the Hatim (the semi-circle area outside the Kaaba).
- To perform Tawaf by foot, for those who are able.
- To perform seven circuits.
- To perform two Rakahs of Salah after the Tawaf.
Preparation
Ensure you’re in a state of Wudhu and if you’re a male, uncover your right shoulder by passing the top sheet of your Ihram under your right armpit, allowing the garment to hang over your left shoulder (Idtiba) .
Starting Point

Position yourself in line with the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is situated. This corner is the one that faces a single minaret (the other three corners face two minarets). There is a green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba which indicates where the Tawaf starts from. This is the starting point of each Shawt (circuit). Stand just before this starting point facing the Kaaba ensuring the Hajar al-Aswad is on your right side.
Intention
As with any other act of worship, make the Niyyah to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. You may also ask for acceptance and ease of your Tawaf. The following words may be said:
O Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah of the Kaaba for your sake and your sake alone. Please accept it from me and make it easy for me.
You may make the following intention, which is in Arabic:
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.
The Niyyah doesn’t have to be verbal.
Kissing, Touching or Saluting the Hajar al-Aswad (Istilam)
Although kissing the Hajar al-Aswad is very virtuous, don’t harm others around you in an attempt to reach it.
- Kissing – If you reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, say “bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (ِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” and kiss it lightly. Some scholars have said it is preferable to kiss it three times if you have the chance.
- Touching – If you’re in reaching distance but unable to kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and kiss your hand(s).
- Saluting – If it isn’t possible to reach the stone, as is likely to be the case, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by directly facing the Hajar al-Aswad and raising your hands up to your earlobes (as you would do when starting Salah). Ensure your palms are also facing it, as though your face and hands are on the Hajar al-Aswad and say “bismi llāhi wallāhu akbar (ِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ).” You may kiss your palms if you wish.
If you decide to attempt to kiss or touch the Hajar al-Aswad, it is important to be aware that the experience can be quite intense. Due to the large number of people gathered around it, there is often a significant amount of pushing and shoving, which can potentially lead to injuries. It is nearly impossible to reach the Hajar al-Aswad without having to force your way through people vying to reach the sacred stone.
The following supplication, a Dua of Ali I, may be recited when coming parallel to the Hajar al-Aswad in each circuit:
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, conviction in Your book, in fulfilment of Your covenant and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah ﷺ.
Other forms of Dhikr such as Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh) and Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ may also be uttered at this point.
Start the Tawaf
Turn to your right and start the first circuit of your Tawaf, ensuring the Kaaba is on your left. Proceed in an anti-clockwise direction and avoid walking through the Hijr Ismail. If you happen to walk through it, the circuit won’t count and it will have to be repeated.
Raml
In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml, which is the practice of walking briskly, lifting the legs forcefully and sticking out the chest. However, if there is congestion, which is likely to be the case if you’re closer to the Kaaba, only perform this Sunnah if you’re sure you won’t harm or inconvenience others. During peak times, you’re unlikely to be able to perform this action.
Dhikr & Dua
During your Tawaf, you may recite prayers and supplications of your choice. Duas are accepted during Tawaf so make the most of the occasion and remember Allah with sincerity and devotion. It’s perhaps advisable not to read from a Dua book, especially if you don’t understand the Arabic. Imam Ibn Hibban V said:
Specifying a Dua would take the moment 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.
Thus you should supplicate in any language and in any manner that you prefer. If you want to make Quranic and Prophetic supplications during your Tawaf, make an effort to memorise and learn the meanings of them. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ during Tawaf is also recommended.
Rukn al-Yamani

Upon reaching the Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner), the corner preceding the Hajar al-Aswad, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” if you manage to get close enough. If there’s too much congestion, as is likely to be the case, proceed without saying Takbir or gesturing towards it.
It is a Sunnah to recite the following Dua between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad:
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]
Imam Shafi’i V recommended this Dua to be recited throughout the Tawaf.
End of Circuit at the Hajar al-Aswad
Returning to Hajar al-Aswad marks the completion of one circuit. Begin the second by doing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad as previously described and saying “Allāhu akbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)”. You should say Allāhu akbar while doing Istilam in all subsequent circuits. You will be performing Istilam eight times in total during the Tawaf; one before the start of the Tawaf and one at the end of each of the seven circuits.
During Tawaf
The Tawaf should be completed in a continuous manner with no interruptions between circuits. However, if a congregational prayer is due to start, you must join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from the position that you stopped. The circuit need not be repeated. These rules also apply if you need to repeat your Wudhu.
Complete the Tawaf
Proceed in the same manner until have you completed seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the start of Tawaf and at the end is a highly emphasised Sunnah and performing Istilam on the other six occasions is desirable.
If you are in a state Idtiba, cover your shoulder with your Ihram.
Salah

Upon finishing the Tawaf, perform two Rakahs of Salah, preferably in a position where Maqam Ibrahim is between you and the Kaaba. However, keep in mind that since Maqam Ibrahim is situated within the Mataf, there is often nowhere for pilgrims performing Tawaf to move, except around and almost over the top of those praying just beyond Maqam Ibrahim, resulting in a great deal of congestion. If it isn’t possible to perform the prayer there as a result of crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
While moving to the place where you intend to perform the two Rakahs, it is recommended to audibly recite the following:
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhu min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.
And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.
[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:125]
It is Sunnah to recite Surah al-Kafirun (Surah 109) in the first Rakah and Surah al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) in the second, after Surah al-Fatiha. Make sure you make plenty of Dua after completing the prayer.
Zamzam

After completing Salah and making Dua, drink your fill of Zamzam water which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The entrance to the old well of Zamzam has been covered to allow for more room to do Tawaf.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Before drinking the Zamzam water, make an intention that its consumption will be a means of fulfilling your wishes, whether that is good health, success in this world, or protection from the tribulations of the grave. When drinking the water, it is Mustahabb to should stand and face the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body. You may recite the following Dua after drinking the water:
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, provision that is abundant and a cure from every illness.
You may also make any other supplication of your choosing as it’s another station where Duas are accepted.
Multazam

After you have finished drinking Zamzam water, you may proceed to the Multazam which is the area between Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba.
The Multazam is almost impossible to get to during Hajj season due to the large crowds that gather. However, it is sometimes accessible during other parts of the year.
If it is possible to reach the Multazam, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall and press your chest and cheeks against it. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and yet another station where supplications are accepted, so you should lengthen your Dua here.
If you can’t reach the Multazam due to the crowds, you may face it and supplicate from a distance.
Sa’i
Main article: Sa’i
It is a Sunnah to perform Sa’i immediately after Tawaf, although you may take a break if you need to. If you feel tired after Tawaf or your feet are aching, you may take a rest until you feel you’re ready. Remember, you will be covering over three kilometres during Sa’i, so make sure you have sufficient energy to complete the rite before starting.
For the Sa’i to be considered valid, the following is necessary:
- To perform Sa’i yourself.
- To have entered into Ihram before performing the Sa’i.
- To stay in Ihram until the Sa’i has been completed.
- To perform Sa’i at its correct time.
- To begin Sa’i at Safa and finish at Marwa.
- To perform Sa’i after having done Tawaf.
- To perform Sa’i on foot, unless you have a valid excuse.
- To perform seven laps.
- To cover the complete distance between Safa and Marwa.
Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad
Before Sa’i, it is Sunnah to do Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time. This will be the ninth time, following the eight times you performed Istilam during Tawaf.
If you’ve forgotten to perform this Istilam, or you’re finding it difficult to return to the line of the Hajar al-Aswad due to crowding or tiredness, it may be omitted. However, you can do Istilam anywhere else in Masjid al-Haram, as long as you’re facing the Hajar al-Aswad.
Proceed to Safa

Proceed to the hill of Safa, which is located inside Masjid al-Haram in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. There are signs which indicate where it is. As you’re approaching Safa, it is Sunnah to recite the following:
ِ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]
Then say:
أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ
Abda’u bimā bad’allahu bihi.
I begin with that which Allah has begun with.
These should only be recited once before Sa’i and not at the start of each lap.

Make Dua at Safa
Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Your view of the Kaaba may be obscured so make an educated guess about its location and face this direction. Don’t raise your hands up to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba as you would have done during Tawaf. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illā Allāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
It is Sunnah to recite the following Dua:
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.
After reciting this Dua, you may recite your own supplications. Read the Dua a total of three times, making your own supplications in between each time, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Proceed to Marwa
From Safa, make your way towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you will encounter two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 metres apart, which indicate the distance that Hajar ran in order to get to higher ground. These two markers are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn (the two green mileposts). Between these two lights, it is Sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally.

Dhikr & Dua
There is no fixed Dhikr or Dua that has been prescribed to be read during Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Make Dua at Marwa
Upon reaching the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication and repeat the same supplications you recited at Safa.
This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa is considered a second lap.
End of Sa’i
Repeat this procedure until you have completed seven laps, at which point you should be at the hill of Marwa.

Dua and Salah
It is recommended to make a final Dua here and also to perform two Rakahs of Nafl Salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i.
Leave the Haram
As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following Dua, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque:
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.
Halq or Taqsir
After Sa’i, you must have your hair shaved (Halq) or trimmed by at least an inch (Taqsir) in order to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. It is more virtuous for a man to have his head shaved completely.
Women may only have their hair trimmed.
There are a number of licensed barbershops in Makkah, which are open 24 hours a day and generally only close during Salah times. There are many barbershops in the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex and al-Safwa Towers. You will also see many barbers located outside the Marwah door after you finish Sa’i.
Alternatively, you may shave or trim your own hair in order to come out of the state of Ihram.
Congratulations on your Umrah!
You are now free from the restrictions of Ihram and you may change into regular clothing. If you plan on performing another Umrah, you must travel to the boundary of the Haram in order to once again enter into Ihram. Most pilgrims choose to enter into Ihram at Masjid Aisha which is the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis are available near the mosque.
Very in detail,
May Allah bless you here and hereafter.
Jazzak Allah.
Best detailed information provided..jazakallah o khairaa
JazakAllah khair, May Allah reward you for this Article.
Salam
Is it obligatory during Umrah to vist Madina or it’s just optional?
JK
Salam
Is it obligatory during Umrah to vist Madina or it’s just optional?
Jazakallah
Jazzak Allah khair
Your detail information was very effective. But I got it late. Insha Allah I will go through this next time if Allah tabarak ta aalaa permits me to visit this holy place next time in this given life.
Salaam, I am traveling from the states and landing in jedah, where is the most convenient place to enter state of ihram.
Wether you take the plane or Al haramain train, there will always be a verbal notification from the crew to let you know you are approaching the miqat and that you can start the intention of umrah and thus be in state of ihram. Ensure to be ready before hand such as the clothes and the shower.
JZK
Jazakhallahumma Khairan, may Almighty Allah accept our Umrah and other Ibadat, Allahumma amin.
You have not mentioned how women should cut their hair after sai.
They can keep the small scissors and cut by themselves about an inch
Thanks and masha allah
It is very useful. Jazak Allah Khair.
jazakallah
Masha Allah barakallah fiikum wajazakumullah Khair Fifi ddunia wal akhirah
Masha allah. Jazakallah
Excellent … may Allah bless you.
Mashallah .jazakallah khair for mentioning all arkan in details .may Allah SWT give reward and Ajar azim to you .
Thanks for sharing this info about umrah in simple steps .this article will be very helpfull because i do umrah next month throgh this website.
Alhamdulillah
Jazakhallahu khair may Allah reward you with Janna fiddausi
Alhamdulillah
Jazakhallahu khair
JazakaALLAH Khair.
I just read this and my heart crying at the moment. I’ve applied before Eid and still didn’t recieved my Visa.. I understand it’s all about calling from Allah.. May he forgive my all major and minor sins and invite me to his beloved home.
JazakAllah for this beautiful blog, and please do pray for me.
JazzakAllahu kheiran for these detailed wery well explained.
Very well detailed and explained. JazzakAllahu kheiran
Jazakallha khair
I used this guide as procedure and reference on my Umrah !!!
May Allah pay you reward (Jannah)! Shukre!
I used this guide as procedure and reference on my Umrah !!!
May Allah pay you reward (Jannah)!
Alhamdulillah, very good guide lines for all to perform Hajj & Umrah.
Very much helpful. Thankyou 🙏🏽
Jazzakkah llahu khayran
May Allah SWA reward you emenseley aneen
Alhamdulillah.. this is a very easy and simply step by step guide/ information how to perfume of hajj and umrah. Thank you for sharing it. Jazak Allah Khairan.
JazakAllah Khair! May Allah bless you and reward you for helping so many perform the Umrah!
Jazakallah khair!
Jazakallah May Allah Bless you
Masha Allah may Allah reward you. You made it very clear to understand. May Allah accept our prayers and Dua l.
Masha Allah may Allah reword you. You made it very clear to understand. May Allah accept our prayers and Dua and may Allah accept whoever visits his house. Al haram.
may allah reward you for this effort
Msha allah ❤️ ♥️ 🙏 thank you for your help
Mashallah. Jazakallah khair for the step by step instructions. Very informative. May Allah reward you abundantly inshaallah Ameen.
JazakaAllah kheyr very well explained may Allah reward you for this
Jazak allah khir. You will gain many dua for this perfect guide to Ummrah
Salaam, this is a very clear, easy to understand guide and it has reassured me for my upcoming first trip to perform umrah Inshaa’Allah. May Allah reward you abundantly for creating this.
Jzl khair.
Jazakallahu khairan.
May Allah reward you for these amin ya rabbi
Jazakh Allah Khair ! For the well explaining. May AllAH SWT bless you .
Jazakh Allahu Khairan Brother ♡
Jazakumullahu. This i really find very helpful. May Allah increase your knowledge for the benefit of the muslem ummah.
Mash’Allah, may Allah SWT reward you.
Maa Shaa Allah. Jazakallah. This piece has really enriched my general knowledge of Umrah and it’s rites. However, it will be helpful if Mu’allim will respond to a question raised above by Safiyya as to whether one can relax from the stress of journey from madina like sleep for some hours and take some meals before going start umrah? Pls I need your response as I am right now on my way to Makkah from Madina
Thank you so much for this information. Very helpful Al hamdallah
JazakAllah
Can u share PDF
Jazakallah for explaining in detail the Umrah process. Very good step by step instructions made it easy for us.
Thank you
Well explained. thanks. JazakAllah Khair.
Jzk. May Allah reward you for giving the muslim ummah step by step guide. InshaAllah I am going Umrah end of this month. May Allah accept my Umrah.
Great summary, thanks so much.
Jazakallah khair.may Allah reward you.very informative.
May Allah bless you with infinite rehma Jazak Allah ul khair for such easy to understand article.
May Allah always be with you
JzakAllah…. It was so easy to understand… May Allah bless you … in this dunya and akhira
JzakAllah…. It was so easy to understand… MayAllah bless you
Salaam brother I have a question I saw a lot of people wearing shoes while they were on Safa and Marwa. I mean is that okay.
Ma Sha ALLAH Awesone Message & Procedure to perform the Umrah in perfect Manner.
Jazak ALLAH Khair , Thank U.
Thank you
Thank you
1000 times Thank youuuuuuuuu for preparing this detailed guide ❤️
JAZAAAAAK ALLAH
You can not imagine how finding this page has put a smile on my face. I was so anxious, worried and overwhelmed about doing ummrah the right way. So much information all over the internet, its nice to have just the right info in one place and follow a easy step by step plan. I am so grateful for this planner. I had no idea on how to perform ummrah, jazakaAllah kheran. May Allah bless you with janatul fardosa and elevate you to the highest station. Amen
ماشاعالله، جزاک اللہ خیرا
Masha Allah 🙏,it’s so understandable ,jazahallahu khaira
MashaAllah you have described and explained Umrah details in very easy way. May Allah bless you lots more .
Shukran
I have no words as to how to express my gratitude to the writer who has given such intricate details and beautiful description of the process. May Allah bless you infinitely. Aameen.
جزاك الله خير
May Allah accept this your efforts as ibada..
Jazakumullahu khayran for this elaborate explanation
Jezakumullah its very helpful.
Thank you so much. May Allah bless you with the highest place in Jannah Amen
Very happy
May Allah Bless you for the information very detailed and informative. Shukran Jazaka Allah Khairan
SubhanAllah!!!
Complete step by step guide, Ya Elahi grant you abundance sustenance..
JazaakAllah
Excellent description
MashaALLAH IT IS REALY HELPFUL AND FULLY INFORMATIVE
Jazakumullahu on this well explained procedure May Allah accept your efforts and may jannatul Firdaus be your final abode. Ameen
This is was so helpful!! JazakAllah Khair! May Allah reward you immensely
Beautifully explained with details, Alhamdulillah. May Allah (swt) reward you. Ameen.
Best explanation that I’ve found so far. Concise and easy to understand. JazakaAllah
Jazakallah khair…May Allah blessed with you Jannah for your work.
AOA
Can author or anyone comment on any revision(s) to this article now that we are post-covid? I heard there is an app we have to use to enter Haram at specific times?
May Allah bless you. Very easy to understand explanation
Jazakallahu Khairan….All praise to be Allah!!!
Jazakallahu Khairan….
May Allah bless you
جزائک الله خیرا کثیرا
I found your guidance very helpful
JazakAllah-al-Khair
SubhanAllah …. JazakAllah Khair…. May Allah bless you with best of Both the worlds. very well explained and Indeed it’s very good documentation… May ﷲ reward you. Thank you . JazakAllah Khair
Thanks a ton for explaining in simplest way and very easy to understand… May Allah shower his blessings upon you and the team.
Jazakh Allah Khair
Alhamdulilla. All information is very good. But I wanted to know the Arabic Dua during the Tawaf and said time.
Alhamdulillah
Jazakallah
Much appreciated
jazakallah hair may Allah grant you jannat firdaus AMIN
Jazakallah Khair
Jazakallahu Khairun
Jazakh Allah Khairan
Masha allah.
Nicely written and illustrated.
May allah grant us all an opportunity to be in that place in our lifetime.
AAMEEN
Alhamdulillah and Jazakallah Khair. Very well explained. May Allah( SWT) bless you immensely with His blessings in both worlds.
God Almighty bless you. Perfectly elaborated….Jazakallahkhair!!
Jazakallah for this great and helpful information.
May Allah reward with Jannatul firdous
This is the best brief i have ever read completely, jazakallah hu qhair, may ALLAH free you and me from all the sins and grant us jannah
Ameen
Jazakumullahu
Jazakkallah…easy and clear
Ma shaa Allah wa barakallahu it’s a rich and well explained article. Kudos to the writer
subhanAllah, May Allah Pak bless you.
Jazak Allah Khair for this very thorough and easy to follow guide on performing umrah. I was looking into buying a guide but wasnt sure which to get, but problem solved. This guide is simple and very comprehensive and includes points where i should do dua and read durud sharif on our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ . May Allah swt bless you immensely for your efforts.
It would be useful if this was made into a pdf or booklet.
Jazak Allah may Allah reward you for this effort and bless you Endless.
Jazakallah! Well explained.
Alhadulillah, this article is beautifully scripted. May Allah SWT be pleased with the scribes. Jazakmullahu Khairan!
Thanks a lot. I have learnt a lot about how to do umrah.
Jazak Allah Khair for taking the time to write this in-depth and easy to understand article.
Very nicely explained and very simple way allah s.w.t. give you a good reward.
Aameen
Thank you for the time spent writing and publishing this useful information, I am planning for Umrah again next month iA. This has helped me to refresh from scratch. May Allah reward you and everyone performing and those who are still planning.
Jazak allah
Jazakallah Khair, a very well written article. Highly appreciated
Very nice and helpful information thank u
May Allah reward you with Jannatul Frudauz for the detailed explanation. Ameen
thank you, I will follow this in feb 2023, much appreciated.
Excellent piece. Jazakallahu Khairan
Jazakh Allah Khair
جزاك الله خيرا
Jazaaallah, May Almighty Allah bless you with Janatul alfardos for this explained procedure
Very well explained
Jazakh Allah Khair – so well explained and very informative. May Allah be pleased with your work and grant you jannat firidaus – Allahuma Ameena
Jazakallah for creating this easy to understand guide! I used this during my Umrah step by step and Alhamdilillah it was my best Umrah experience. The English translations are gold and I loved that I just have to scroll to get to the next step. May Allah reward you abundantly for each person who used this to perform their Umrah 🙂 just a suggestion to pls make the comment section collapsible so it doesn’t increase the page length, because it kept scrolling all the way down each time I put my phone away, and I have to scroll back up, and secondly pls include subsections in the table of contents with a collapsible sticky sidebar if possible for quick navigation to various sections of the table of contents.
subhanAllohi wabihamdi adada khaliqihi wariduo nafsihi wa zinata arshihi wa midada kalimatihi SubhanAllohil azeem alhamdulillahi kathiro Allohu akbar kabiro subhanAllohi bukratau uasuila, Allohumma solli ala Muhammad wa bareek ala Muhammad innaka Hameedum Majeed,
may Allah accept from me, you and all of us
Thank you very much yr explanations on umrah. It is very clear and easy to understand……..may allah bless you. .. .jazakumullahu khair
Very clear & informative,easy to understand.Jazak Allah
Jazakumallahu khaira khairan katheeran. Ma shaa Allah well done. You have explained so well.
جزاک اللہ خیرا ❤️
Jazakallahu Khair for sharing in simple words.
JazakAllah khair for suxh a beautiful clear and informed article. This will be my guide for my upcoming umrah in shaa Allah. Allah reward you immensely.
Well explained!
Jazak allahu khairan kaseera for the guidance,it was really really helpful and easily understandable. May Allah reward you with abandoned of goodness and grant you jannah Ameen
Jazakallah khair for paving the way for the first time performers of umrah.
بارك الله فيك
It really helped me a lot and surely a lot of other Muslims also
May Allah bless you for your hardwork.
Masha Allah and Jazak Allah Khair for such detailed information. May Allah Subhanu Tallah accept all your efforts. Ameen Ya Rabul Kareem
Jazak Allahu khayran
Jazak Allah Khair for your detailed information. May Allah bless you and your family.
Ma shaa ALLAH
Very helpful may Allah make us among those who visit HIS HOLY HOUSE
Barakallah fiikm wa jazaakum Llah khaira
Very good information and full package
Jazzakallah khairan .Well explained n very informative.
May Allah reward you for all your good deeds.
JazakAllah khair for this step by step guide. May Allah accept our Duas and Ibada. Ameen
JazakAllah khair for this step by step guide.
Thank you so much for this Hajj and Umrah guidelines, it’s clear and understandable. I pray to The Almighty Allah to reward you with what you need most in abundance. InshaAllah.
Nicely articulated in a lucid way. Easy understanding makes better execution. Kudos to author
Ma sha Allah
Allah bless you
Amazing help. JazakAllah Khair
Thank you
we use this information its very help . we did over Umra in Feb 2022. may allah blessed you for the guidance of Umra. Jazkhala kheer
I love ❤️ Allah talha I love you 😍 gher
Jazakaalahu bil khair.
Sukran for this Umrah guide
Jazakallah. Very well and lucidity explained, leaving no doubt in mind. May Allah reward you for this great effort. Sincere regards and thanks
JazakAllah Khairan, very well explained.
Jazakallah
Masha Allah thanks you for the guidance of umrah. Jazakallah khairan may almighty Allah bless you with Janatulfardos for the explained the procedure.
thank you
Very precise and concise MashaaAllah barakaraw fiikum
Ma sha allahh…ur explanation is easier to understand and step by step well explained ma sha allahh ..may allah n his Rasool allah bless u immensely in both the world ameen
As Salaam Alaikum
Thanks for the details of Umrah
JazakAllah Khair very well explained ❤️💯
All good i just com back from umrah please do doa alla exept my umrah thanks
Ma Sha Allah Its a super explanation .
ma sha . Allah . jazak . Allah. Great effort and complete knowledge about Umra. one must read carefully and learn it and remember it and tell others so that every one may perform Umra rightly. Really great work has been done which has made the task much easier for every one.
Jazakalahu Khayran
Shukran for putting this together . May Allah SWT reward your good deeds
Jazakallah khair for explaining it in detail! May Allah bless you!
Great Efforts May Allah Success u…
Jazahk Allah Khairan for the well explained guide.
Thanks for the education about umrah it has been great i need to raise money and perform both umrah and hajj it self inshallah.
I have gone through this entire article of yours. This is well planned and easily comprehensible. I’ve indeed hugely benefited having read this. May Allah help us all who are about to perform Umrah.
Allah Akbar
Ameen and Ameen
Jazaaallah, May Almighty Allah bless you with Janatul alfardos for this explained procedure
thank you so much. may allah blessed you for the guidance of umra
Masha Allah thanks you somuch for this comprehensive articles on how to perfum ummara.may Allah reward you aboundantly ameen.
Jazakallah khair
Jazakamullah khair, briefly explained in simple language in accordance with Quran and Sunnah.
Good and precised explanation. JazakumulLahu khairan.
Maa Shaa Allah. Jazakhallah Khairan
Jazak Allah Khair
Masha Allah, thank you.
Allahu Akbar
Thank you very much. Jazakallahu khairan
Masha Allah…Jazakh Allah Khair.
جزاك اللهُ خيراً
Jazakumullah Khaeran
Fantastic explanation
Jazakallahu Khairan
Masha’Allah very indepth information and easy to understand.jzkm.May Allah reward you.
Thank you for all your help i did not understand it in Arabic and just wanted the transcript and the steps we follow during umrah all i can say is may allah take you to janah.
JAZALLAH KHAIR. REALLY HELPFUL.
I am thankful, your guide was indeed helpful…
Jazaaallah, May Almighty Allah bless you with Janatul alfardos for this explained procedure
Jazakh Allah Khair.
May Allah Blessed you for the information very details and informative. Shukran Jazaka Allah Khairan
Mashallah very well explanation about details of umrah may Allah subhanatalla rewards you place of jannatul firdaus and accept our duas
JhazakhAllah Khair! Really appreciate the well detailed rep by step instructions. May Allah swt reward you immensely with His blessings in both worlds.
Jazakallah khair brother
Very very clearly everything has been explained
Jazakumullahu on this well explained procedure may jannatul Firdaus be your final abode. Ameen
May Allah reward you an accept this from you, and place it on your scale of good deeds
Can I relax from stress of journey from madina like sleep for some hours and take some meals before going start umrah
yes you can sister…
Asalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I just did a second Umrah, first time was with a guide then a few weeks later I did by myself using these instructions..mashallah it was helpful but I have a few doubts I want to clarify. At safa we make a Dua, then at Marwa we make the same Dua – do we repeat it 3x like we began at safa? Also do we say the Dua again at safa until we finish the 7 laps? I did the Dua at both safa marwah but first time I did it three times then every other time just once. The guide that took me the first time only said it at safa and only once. Jazakallahu Khairan
praise worthy full of sunnah