Umrah Guide

Step-by-Step Umrah Guide:

1. Preparation for Ihram

Before entering Ihram, pilgrims should:

• Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) or at least Wudu (ablution).
• Trim nails, remove unwanted hair, and cleanse the body.
• Men wear two white seamless sheets (Izar & Rida), while women wear modest Islamic clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands.
• Avoid perfumes and scented products.

Intention (Niyyah):
Make intention in your heart and recite:
“Allahumma inni ureedul Umrah fa yassirha li wa taqabbalha minni.”
(“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, make it easy for me and accept it from me.”)

Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.”

Men recite aloud, women quietly. Continue until reaching Masjid al-Haram.

2. Entering Masjid al-Haram

• Enter with your right foot and recite the du’a for entering the Masjid.
• On first sight of the Kaʿbah, say: “Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah” and make heartfelt du’a.

3. Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaʿbah)

• Begin at Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). If possible, kiss it or point towards it saying: “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
• Perform 7 counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaʿbah.
• Men uncover the right shoulder (Idhtiba) and walk briskly (Raml) during the first three rounds.
• Between the Yemeni corner and Black Stone, recite:
  “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.”

After completing Tawaf:

• Cover your shoulder, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
• Drink Zamzam water and make du’a.

4. Performing Sa’i (Between Safa and Marwah)

• Start at Mount Safa. Recite Qur’an 2:158 and face the Kaʿbah, raising your hands in du’a.
• Walk to Mount Marwah (this counts as one).
• Repeat until seven circuits are completed, ending at Marwah.
• Men jog between the two green lights; women walk normally.
• Make du’a and dhikr throughout, reflecting on Hajar’s search for water for Prophet Ismail (AS).

5. Shaving or Trimming Hair (Tahallul)

• Men: Shave entire head (Halq) or trim hair evenly (Taqsir).
• Women: Cut approximately one fingertip length of hair.

This marks the completion of your Umrah, and you may now exit Ihram.

Recommended Sunnah Acts During Umrah

• Perform extra Tawaf if time permits (Tawaf an-Nafl).
• Pray at Maqam Ibrahim and supplicate at Multazam if possible.
• Increase remembrance of Allah (dhikr), Qur’an recitation, and heartfelt du’a.
• Visit Madinah and pray in Masjid an-Nabawi, where one prayer equals 1,000 elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

• Stay hydrated and rest between rituals.
• Be patient in crowds—avoid pushing or causing harm.
• Learn key du’as and Qur’anic verses in advance.
• Keep connected with your group for guidance.
• Remember: sincerity, humility, and gratitude are the essence of Umrah.