How to Perform Umrah: Step-by-Step Umrah Guide & Best Umrah Packages

Planning to perform umrah for the first time? This step-by-step umrah guide is designed to make your spiritual journey stress-free and memorable. From selecting the best umrah packages to completing tawaf and sa’i, here’s everything you need to know about how to perform umrah in a clear, practical way.

1) Start with planning: Dates, budget, and comfort

Before you get into the spiritual mindset, handle the logistics. Choose travel dates based on your schedule, crowd levels, and budget. Off-peak months often mean shorter queues and better hotel deals.

Set aside a realistic budget that covers:

Flights and visas

Hotel stays and meals

Local transport and ziyarah tours

Shopping, gifts, and unexpected costs

Tip: If walking long distances is a concern, prioritize hotels close to the Haram instead of luxury amenities.

2) Choose the right Umrah package for your needs

Finding the right umrah packages can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Look for:

Hotels in Makkah and and Madinah. Walking distance to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi

Clear hotel names and star ratings

Room type (double, triple, quad) and included meals

Airport transfers and local support

Umrah Visa assistance

The best umrah packages balance cost, comfort, and convenience. Don’t settle for vague “near Haram” promises—ask for exact walking times or meters.

3) Prepare your documents early

Make sure your paperwork is ready well before your trip:

Passport (valid for at least six months)

Visa or entry authorization (rules may change, check official sources)

Flight tickets and hotel vouchers

Travel insurance covering health and emergencies

For families: consent letters, marriage and birth certificates if needed

Keep both printed copies and digital backups handy.

4) Understand the Umrah steps before you go

Learning how to perform umrah is easier when you know the sequence. Here’s the big picture:

Ihram: Put on Ihram clothes and make the intention (niyyah) at or before your miqat.

Tawaf: Circle the Ka’bah seven times.

Two rak‘ahs of prayer and drinking Zamzam water.

Sa’i: Walk between Safa and Marwah seven times.

Halq or Taqsir: Shave or trim your hair to exit Ihram.

We’ll explore each step in detail below.

5) Pack light but smart

Comfort is key. Here’s what to bring:

For men: At least 2 sets of Ihram sheets and a belt/pouch.

For women: Loose, modest outfits and lightweight hijabs.

Comfortable sandals with straps.

Unscented toiletries (soap, wipes, shampoo).

Small scissors for hair trimming, prayer mat, and a power bank.

Simple backpack or crossbody bag for essentials.

6) Ihram and the miqat: The spiritual starting point

On flight day, perform ghusl (ritual bath) if you can. Men put on their Ihram garments, women wear modest clothing. As your plane nears the miqat boundary, make your niyyah and begin reciting the talbiyah:

“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…”

From this point, Ihram restrictions apply—no scented products, no nail cutting, no marital relations.

7) Arriving in Makkah and preparing for Tawaf

Once you land, settle into your hotel, hydrate, and rest if needed. Keep reciting the talbiyah until you’re ready to start your umrah.

8) Enter Masjid al-Haram with respect

Walk in with your right foot first, recite the du’a for entering the mosque, and pause to take in the Ka’bah. This moment is deeply emotional for most first-timers—take your time.

9) Tawaf: Circling the Ka’bah seven times

Begin at the line with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). If you can’t kiss or touch it, simply raise your hand toward it and say, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”

Move counterclockwise for 7 circuits.

Men uncover their right shoulder (idtiba’) and walk briskly during the first three rounds if space allows.

Recite Qur’an or du’a as your heart desires; there’s no fixed text.

After Tawaf, cover your shoulder and pray two rak‘ahs anywhere in the mosque, then drink Zamzam water.

10) Sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwah

Head to Safa to start. Face the Ka’bah, make du’a, and begin walking toward Marwah. That’s trip one. Walking back to Safa is trip two, continuing until you complete seven trips, ending at Marwah.

Men briskly walk between the green lights.

Women walk at a normal pace.

Make du’a that feels meaningful to you; it’s a time for deep reflection.

11) Halq or Taqsir: The final step

To complete your umrah, men shave their heads (halq) or cut their hair short (taqsir). Women trim a fingertip’s length of hair. This act symbolizes humility and renewal, marking your exit from Ihram.

12) Spend time in worship

After completing umrah, focus on salah, Qur’an recitation, and reflection. If you plan to perform another umrah, you must leave the Haram boundary (to a miqat point), re-enter Ihram, and repeat the rituals.

13) Visit Madinah (Highly Recommended)

Most umrah packages include a stop in Madinah. Visiting Masjid an-Nabawi is a peaceful way to end your trip:

Pray in the Rawdah if you can secure entry.

Send abundant salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Explore historical sites, but remember that your visit is an act of devotion, not sightseeing.

14) Tips for a smooth first Umrah

Keep a digital counter to track Tawaf and Sa’i rounds.

Use a shoe bag to avoid losing footwear in the mosque.

Stay hydrated and eat light meals to maintain energy.

Respect other pilgrims’ space, especially in crowded areas.

Pack minimal clothes—you’ll spend most time in Ihram or simple attire.

15) Avoid these common mistakes

Delaying Ihram until after passing miqat.

Using scented items while in Ihram.

Overpacking or carrying valuables unnecessarily.

Rushing through rituals without understanding their meaning.

16) Picking the Best Umrah Packages

The right package makes all the difference. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a young couple, or a family, the best umrah packages will:

Save time and energy by providing hotels close to Haram.

Include smooth airport transfers.

Offer guided ziyarah to historical sites.

Match your budget and comfort level.

Performing umrah is a profound act of worship, and with a clear step-by-step umrah guide, you can focus more on your spiritual connection and less on logistics. Choose carefully from umrah packages that suit your needs, prepare early, and embrace the peace and blessings of this incredible journey.

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