STEP-by-STEP Procedure of Umrah
- Ihram (Sacred state):
Before starting Umrah, one must reach the Miqat (the appointed boundary).
Men wear two white, unstitched sheets of cloth (one around the waist, the other over the shoulders).
Women wear normal modest clothing, but they should not cover their faces or hands.
- Intention (Niyyah) & Talbiyah:
After wearing Ihram, pray two rak‘ahs of Salah and make the intention for Umrah:
“O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy and accept it from me.”
Then begin reciting the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
- Tawaf (Circumambulation):
Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, proceed to the Kaaba and perform Tawaf (seven rounds around the Kaaba).
Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
Men uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba‘) during Tawaf.
Walk normally, except in the first three rounds where men walk briskly (Ramal).
Each round begins and ends at the Black Stone.
- Sa‘i (Walking between Safa & Marwah):
After Tawaf, perform Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah hills (7 rounds).
Start at Safa, face the Kaaba, raise hands, and make dua.
Walk towards Marwah; between the green lights men should walk briskly.
Each walk from Safa to Marwah counts as one; completing 7 times finishes at Marwah.
- Shaving or Trimming Hair:
Men: Shave the head (Halq) or shorten the hair (Taqsir). Shaving is more virtuous.
Women: Clip a small portion from the end of their hair (about a fingertip’s length).
- Completion of Umrah:
After cutting or shaving hair, the Ihram is released, and all restrictions are lifted. This marks the completion of Umrah.
Restrictions During Ihram:
While in the state of Ihram, the following are prohibited:
Wearing stitched clothing (for men).
Covering the head (for men).
Applying perfume.
Cutting nails or hair.
Intimacy with spouse.
Hunting land animals.
Quarreling or fighting.
Covering the face.