What Is Umrah?

Umrah (also known as the "lesser pilgrimage") is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year. It is not obligatory like Hajj, but is highly recommended and carries immense spiritual reward.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "A Umrah following another Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between the two." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no fixed dates and consists of only four core rituals. Planning a trip? See our Umrah Packages 2026/2027 for pricing and options.

The 4 Pillars of Umrah

Umrah consists of four pillars. If any of these is omitted, the Umrah is incomplete:

Step 1: Entering Ihram (State of Consecration)

What is Ihram? Ihram is entering into the worship of Umrah, where previously permissible things become forbidden — such as wearing sewn clothes (for men), cutting hair, clipping nails, or applying perfume.

Before Reaching the Miqat (Boundary)

It is recommended to perform Ghusl (full bath) and cleanse yourself before entering Ihram. For women: This applies even during menstruation or post-natal bleeding — though you cannot perform Tawaf until you attain purity.

Clothing for Ihram

• Men: Remove all form-fitting clothing. Wear two unstitched sheets — one around the waist (Izar) and one over the shoulders (Rida'). It is recommended they be white and clean.
• Women: Wear regular modest clothing that is neither adorned nor prominent (not tight or transparent). Remove Niqab (face veil), Burqu', and gloves — cover your face and hands from non-Mahram men with other clothing items.

Niyyah (Intention)

Make the intention in your heart and verbally say: "Labbayka 'Umrah" (Here I am to perform 'Umrah) or "Allāhumma labbayka 'Umrah" (O Allah, here I am to perform 'Umrah).

If you fear you cannot complete the rituals (due to illness or fear of an enemy), it is permissible to make a condition: "If something hinders me, I shall end my Ihram wherever I am hindered."

Talbiyah (Recitation)

Recite frequently during Ihram:

Men should raise their voices with Talbiyah, while women should lower theirs.

Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation Around the Kaaba)

Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, enter with your right foot first and recite the dua for entering the mosque.

Stopping Talbiyah

When you reach the Kaaba, cease the Talbiyah and prepare for Tawaf.

Starting at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)

Face the Black Stone. Touch it with your right hand and kiss it if possible without harming others by crowding. If kissing is difficult, touch it with your hand or a stick and kiss what you touched. If touching is difficult, point to it and say "Allahu Akbar".

Performing the Tawaf

• Make the Kaaba to your left and perform Tawaf for seven rounds.
• Ritual purity (minor and major Hadath) is required — as Tawaf is akin to prayer, except speaking is permitted.
• Ramal: Recommended for men to walk in fast, short steps during the first three rounds.
• Idtiba': For men, place the middle of the robe under the right shoulder and its ends over the left shoulder during Tawaf.
• When reaching the Yemeni Corner, touch it with your right hand if possible and say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" — without kissing it.

After Completing Tawaf

• Cover your shoulder (end Idtiba').
• Pray two rak'ahs behind the Station of Ibrahim (or anywhere in the mosque if crowded). In the first rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Kafirun after Al-Fatihah; in the second, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas.
• It is Sunnah to drink Zamzam water after Tawaf.

Step 3: Sa'i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

What is Sa'i? Sa'i is the third pillar of Umrah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.

How to Count the Circuits

• Going from Safa to Marwah = 1 circuit
• Returning from Marwah to Safa = 1 circuit
• Complete 7 circuits total, ending at Marwah

Step-by-Step Sa'i

1. Start at Safa: Face the Qiblah and recite: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah..." Then make personal supplications. Repeat three times.
2. Walk toward Marwah.
3. Harwalah (brisk walking for men): When you enter the area marked by two green lights, men perform brisk walking until passing the green lights, then resume normal walking. Women do not perform Harwalah.
4. Upon reaching Marwah, you have completed one circuit. The return trip counts as the next.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Cutting Hair) — Exiting Ihram

For Men

Shave the head completely (Halq) or trim the hair (Taqsir). Shaving is preferred.

For Women

Gather your hair and cut a fingertip's length or less from the ends.

Where to Cut

Cutting is not required in the Sa'i area. There are designated and licensed barbershops around the Grand Mosque.

Duas to Recite During Umrah

There is no specific supplication required for each round of Tawaf. You may supplicate and remember Allah with whatever is easy from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Dua for Safe Travel (Before Journey)

Dua Upon Entering Makkah

Dua Before Tawaf

Dua During Tawaf (Between Black Stone and Yemeni Corner)

Dua at Safa and Marwah

For a complete collection of prayers and supplications, see our Essential Dua During Umrah guide.

How to Perform Umrah for Ladies

Performing Umrah as a woman has some specific differences to be aware of. Here is the complete guidance:

For complete guidance, see our dedicated How to Perform Umrah for Ladies guide.

2026 Umrah Requirements for Pakistani Pilgrims

For the complete process, see our Umrah Visa Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Performing Umrah

Related Umrah Guides and Packages

Explore our complete collection of Umrah guides and packages for a successful spiritual journey: