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Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for every Muslim, regardless of gender. While the rituals of Umrah remain the same in essence, there are notable differences in how Umrah for men and Umrah for women is performed. These differences stem from Islamic guidelines that respect modesty, ease, and the unique roles of men and women in worship. For travelers exploring Umrah packages, it’s essential to understand these distinctions to prepare accordingly.

In this article, we’ll explore how Umrah for men and Umrah for women differs, from ihram clothing to specific rituals, and how modern Umrah packages for women are tailored to provide a more comfortable experience for ladies traveling to Makkah and Madinah.

The Essence of Umrah

Umrah, often called the "lesser pilgrimage," is a set of rituals performed in Makkah that include:

Ihram (state of purity)

Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba)

Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah)

Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming the hair)

These steps remain the same for everyone, but the way they are performed varies between genders, making it important to highlight the differences between Umrah for women and Umrah for men.

Ihram Clothing: The First Major Difference

Umrah for Men

Men wear two simple, unstitched white cloths: one wrapped around the waist (izar) and the other draped over the shoulders (rida).

No stitched clothing, belts, or head coverings are allowed.

This ihram symbolizes equality, humility, and detachment from worldly distinctions.

Umrah for Women

Umrah for women allows them to wear regular modest clothing that covers their entire body, provided it follows Islamic dress codes.

There is no fixed color requirement; many choose black or white abayas.

Women cannot cover their face or hands in ihram, but they may lower a veil (niqab) loosely over their face when in the presence of non-mahram men.

👉 This difference highlights how Umrah for ladies accommodates modesty while ensuring comfort and practicality.

Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Umrah for Men

Men are encouraged to perform raml (walking briskly) in the first three rounds of tawaf.

They also expose the right shoulder by draping the upper ihram cloth under the right arm (called idtiba).

This reflects strength and vigor, symbolizing historical moments of Islamic pride.

Umrah for Women

Umrah for women does not require raml or exposing the shoulder.

Women perform tawaf at a normal walking pace, maintaining dignity and modesty.

During crowded times, ladies often choose upper floors of Masjid al-Haram for comfort and safety.

This distinction makes Umrah for ladies more convenient, as their ritual emphasizes tranquility and grace rather than physical vigor.

Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Umrah for Men

Men walk briskly in the marked green-lit area between Safa and Marwah (known as harwala or jog-trot).

This act commemorates the struggle of Hajar (AS) but is performed with physical energy by men.

Umrah for Women

Women walk at their regular pace throughout Sa’i, even in the green-lit zone.

Their performance reflects modesty and dignity, avoiding unnecessary exertion.

👉 Many Umrah packages for women include guidance from female scholars to ensure ladies understand these practical differences clearly.

Hair Rituals (Halq and Taqsir)

Umrah for Men

At the end of Umrah, men either shave their head completely (halq) or trim it (taqsir).

Shaving is considered more rewarding.

Umrah for Women

Women cannot shave their heads. Instead, they trim a small portion (about an inch) of hair from the end.

This symbolizes humility and completion of Umrah in a way suited to female modesty.

This final step of Umrah for women is simpler and often done in private or with the help of fellow women travelers.

Traveling for Umrah: Packages for Men and Women

With the growing demand for spiritual journeys, many agencies now design Umrah packages that cater specifically to different needs.

General Umrah Packages

Cover flights, visa processing, accommodation near Haram, and transport.

Available for both individuals and families.

Umrah Packages for Women

Many agencies offer Umrah packages for women traveling in groups, often led by female guides.

Designed to provide safety, comfort, and religious guidance tailored to Umrah for ladies.

Special arrangements for shared accommodation with female companions.

These specialized services make Umrah for women easier, especially for ladies traveling without male guardians (mahram), following updated Saudi regulations.

Experience for Men vs Women

Umrah for men: Men often find themselves closer to the Kaaba during tawaf, especially in large groups, as they are physically stronger and can navigate crowds.

Umrah for women: Women may prefer quieter times or upper floors for comfort, avoiding overcrowding while still gaining equal spiritual reward.

Both experiences are equally sacred but differ in approach and atmosphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For Men

Wearing stitched clothing under ihram.

Covering the head while in ihram.

Skipping the brisk walk in tawaf or Sa’i.

For Women

Covering the face and hands in ihram.

Wearing overly decorative or tight clothing.

Performing rituals in overcrowded areas unnecessarily.

Understanding these mistakes ensures a smoother journey whether you’re exploring Umrah for men or Umrah for women.

Though the Umrah rituals remain spiritually the same, the differences between Umrah for men and Umrah for women reflect Islamic wisdom in honoring modesty, strength, and ease of worship.

Men showcase vigor and simplicity through ihram and brisk movements.

Women emphasize dignity and modesty in every ritual.

Agencies now offer specialized Umrah packages for women, ensuring that Umrah for ladies is both comfortable and spiritually fulfilling.

Whether you choose individual or group Umrah packages, understanding these differences will help you prepare mentally and physically for this blessed journey. In the end, the purpose of Umrah—for both men and women—is to seek closeness to Allah, renew faith, and purify the heart.

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