What is Umrah and what are its 4 main steps?
Umrah is the minor pilgrimage to Makkah that is undertaken by Muslims on 4 minor rituals: Ihram (entry into the state of pilgrimage), Tawaf (circulating around the Ka'bah 7 times), Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa 7 times), and Halq or Taqsir (shaving or cutting of hair). The whole process will take around 3-4 hours but most pilgrims will spend a full day, including travelling to and from Haram and sleeping. Unlike Hajj, it is possible to do Umrah at any time of the year but not during the days of Hajj in Dhul Hijjah.
This is a step-by-step guide for the first-time pilgrim where he/she is shown each step and the duas to recite.
Step 1: Entering Ihram at the Miqat
Ihram is the sacred condition that a pilgrim must be in before he enters into the state of Umrah. Has clothing, thought and behaviour rules.
For men: Two unstitched white cloths: one around the lower body (izar) and one around the head (rida'). Sandals which do not cover the ankle or upper foot.
For women: Modest clothing is required. A person's face should be uncovered (niqab taken off in ihram). Hands also uncovered.
Where to enter Ihram: By doing one of the five Ihram boundaries established by the Prophet ﷺ for pilgrims from different directions. From Bangladesh:
| Origin | Miqat | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flight to Jeddah | Yalamlam (in air) | Pilot announces Miqat passage |
| When traveling from Madinah to Makkah, take the flight to Madinah first | Dhul Hulayfah |
Steps to enter Ihram:
- Ghusl (full body bath) before putting on Ihram clothes
- Pray 2 rakah (sunnah of Ihram) at the Miqat
- Make intention for Umrah: "Labbayk Allahumma Umrah" (I am here for the act of Umrah)
- Start by saying Talbiyah continuously: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak"
Perform Talbiyah from Miqat till you reach Masjid al Haram.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
When entering Masjid al-Haram go to the Mataf, an open marble floor around the Kaaba.
Steps to perform Tawaf:
- Stop at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner – this is your starting area
- If you can, touch or kiss the Black Stone, if you cannot, raise your right hand and say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar"
- Walk around the Kaaba counter-clockwise so that the kaaba is on the left.
- Say duas while walking, (no specific duas are prescribed, use whatever you like that will please Allah).
- If possible, touch it at the Yemeni Corner (3rd corner) — do not raise your hand if not.
- Recite from Yemeni Corner to Black Stone: "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah waqina 'adhab an-nar".
- One circuit (shawt) is made on each pass through the Black Stone
- Complete 7 circuits
Men only — Idtiba and Raml: In Tawaf of arrival (Tawaf al-Qudum), men should cover their right shoulder, Raml. Men walk briskly, but take short steps in the first 3 of 7 circuits.
After 7 circuits:
- Pray 2 rakah behind Maqam Ibrahim (or behind anywhere within the Mosque if lots of people are praying behind you).
- Drink Zamzam water
- If at all possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone once more
Step 3: Performing Sa'i between Safa and Marwa
Sa'i is done to remember Hajar (mother of Ismail) running between Safa and Marwa to fetch water for her son, Ismail.
Steps to perform Sa'i:
- Walk from Mataf to the entrance of Sa'i corridor
- Go up Safa hill until you see the Kaaba.
- Face the Kaaba, raise both hands, and recite the Sa'i dua: "Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha'a'irillah..."
- Walk to Marwa hill
- Take place between green markers (men — run; women walk)
- Then turn around towards the Kaaba at Marwa and repeat the dua (supplication) with hands raised.
- Walk back to Safa
- One trip is made in each direction (Safa to Marwa OR Marwa to Safa)
- Make a total of 7 circuits, beginning at Safa and finishing at Marwa.
- End at Marwa Presently the total Sa'i distance is about 3.5 km (7 trips × 500m). Walk at a comfortable pace, allow 30-45 minutes.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (cutting hair)
Pilgrims then finish Umrah by shaving their hair after Sa'i.
For men:
- Halq (preferred): Shave the whole head.
- Taqsir: Shaving the entire head (not just one place)
For women:
- Taqsir only: Cut 1 fingertip's length (2-3cm) from the end of the braid or all hair
If you perform hair cutting after the end of the Umrah is done. You are now allowed to take off Ihram and go about your usual routine.
Common mistakes first-time pilgrims make
- Wearing Ihram before Miqat. While in Dhaka, some pilgrims wear Ihram outfits. This is okay for clothes, but the Niyyah (intention) must be made at Miqat and not beforehand.
- Skipping Talbiyah. It is recommended to perform Talbiyah from Miqat to Haram. Many pilgrims lose their memory after takeoff.
- Walking the wrong direction during Tawaf. Always counter-clockwise — Kaaba on your left.
- Counting only one direction in Sa'i. Each direction is a trip. Many pilgrims double-count and end at Safa instead of Marwa (correct end).
- Cutting hair before Sa'i. Halq/Taqsir is not before Sa'i, it is the LAST step.
- Not removing Ihram after Halq. The Ihram is not removed for some pilgrims after completion of Umrah. Once the hair is cut, it's ok to dress as you normally would.
Optional second Umrah from Tan'eem
Once a person has done the first Umrah, he/she can leave Makkah to go to Tan'eem (the closest Miqat outside Makkah), for a second Umrah, after performing fresh Ghusl and Niyyah. Many BD pilgrims do this for their family members who have passed away.
